How to become more effective, resilient and future-oriented while working in environmental education in challenging times

Are you working in environmental education and trying to make a positive impact on human behaviour — often against the odds? This professional exchange connects educators and teachers from Croatia and Germany for two intensive seminar weeks: to share experiences, recover energy, build resilience, and explore what it takes to keep doing this work well. The programme is conducted in English.

And beyond the professional content: an international exchange is also a small step towards peace and democratic understanding within the European Union — and a genuinely inspiring way to meet people who share your values.

You will leave with renewed motivation, a concrete toolkit of fresh methods, a network of like-minded peers across Germany and Croatia — and at least one clear next step for strengthening environmental education in your own context.

The Programme

The seminar is split into two weeks. The first week in Germany focuses on taking stock of the current situation, building personal resilience, and exploring best-practice methods that work. The second week in Croatia shifts towards political anchoring, embedding environmental education in society, and strengthening your own sphere of influence.

Week 1 — Germany: 19–24 October 2026, Babenhausen, Bavaria

Week 2 — Croatia: April 2027, Place and exact date in Croatia not fixed yet (exact date to be confirmed)

The seminar is organised by JUBI Babenhausen, Germany, in cooperation with Association Bioteka, Zagreb, Croatia. There are 10 places available per country.

Topics

The programme covers the current state and effectiveness of environmental education and future directions in the field. It addresses how to navigate multiple crises — ecological, social and economic — and how to manage frustration and concerns about the future. A strong focus is placed on burnout prevention, self-care and resilience, as well as Inner Development Goals (IDGs) alongside the SDGs — the personal skills needed for sustainable change. Further topics include inspiring methods for motivating learners, pupils and communities, innovation, networking and political anchoring, cultivating curiosity, playfulness and a positive outlook, and cultural exchange and international perspectives.

Week 1 Programme — Babenhausen, Germany

Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
Arrival & welcome. Getting to know each other. What is environmental education for you?	How effective is environmental education today? Outdoor learning in practice.	Burnout, resilience and self-care. Inner Development Goals in practice.	Inspiring practices in environmental education. Co-creating new learning methods.	Reflection & next steps. Site visit to a best-practice project.	Departure

 

The programme for Week 2 in Croatia will be shared with confirmed participants. The focus will be on implementation in politics and society, and strengthening environmental education within your own sphere of influence.

Practical Information

The seminar is open to professionals working in environmental education in NGOs, schools or educational centres. Working proficiency in English is required.

A registration fee of €75 applies per seminar week. Travel, accommodation and meals are fully covered for the duration of each seminar.

Funded by ERASMUS+