As a digital publishing coordinator at the Persée laboratory, Marie-Hélène Barrière participated in an Erasmus+ Staff Week at Dorset College in Dublin in June 2026. The week was dedicated to training in artificial intelligence alongside staff from higher education institutions in several European countries.

Marie-Hélène Barrière had first learned about the Erasmus program during a study abroad exchange while pursuing her university studies. Years later, as a staff member at ENS de Lyon, she learned that there were also mobility opportunities for staff. She found out about them during an informational workshop held annually at ENS de Lyon in October as part of Erasmus Days. Encouraged by a colleague who had already participated in a Staff Week, Marie-Hélène decided to take the plunge herself.

Heading to Dublin

Of the three destinations she had chosen, it was Dorset College in Dublin that welcomed her for a Staff Week focused on artificial intelligence. For a week, she attended a roughly three-hour training session every morning alongside about fifteen participants from various European countries: Italy, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Their backgrounds were equally diverse, including faculty, administrative staff, financial managers, and enrollment officers—all brought together in a single group.

Skills Directly Applicable to the Workplace

Marie-Hélène was particularly interested in AI because of its applications in her professional work, such as writing activity reports, presenting data, creating charts, and formatting documents. The Staff Week thus met her expectations and enabled her to acquire the knowledge she was seeking. It also gave her the tools to better understand the limitations of AI and the best practices for using it responsibly.

Back at ENS de Lyon, Marie-Hélène Barrière quickly put what she had learned into practice. Beyond these practical applications, the training course above all gave her confidence in using AI-powered tools. Today, she uses them with greater ease and discernment.

Her advice: Just go for it!

For Marie-Hélène Barrière, the message for staff who hesitate to apply for an Erasmus mobility program can be summed up in a few words: “You just have to go for it!” Beyond the skills she acquired in this unique learning environment, she also cherishes the informal moments shared with the other participants and the connections that continue to this day. It was an experience that ultimately enriched her both professionally and personally. Convinced by this experience, she has already encouraged a colleague in her lab to take the plunge as well.