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educational trip as educational leave
Educational trip as educational leave: Your right to further training – How you can benefit!
Do you dream of a trip that not only broadens your horizons but also advances your career? With educational leave, this is possible! Take advantage of your legal right to paid further education and discover the variety of courses available. Find out about your options now and contact us for personal advice.
The topic, briefly and concisely
Educational trip and educational leave are different concepts: The former is self-funded, while the latter represents a legal entitlement to paid leave.
The legal framework for educational leave is complex and varies by state. Learn about the specific regulations in your state to make the most of your entitlement. Employee satisfaction can be increased by educational leave by up to 3 points on a scale of 1-10.
Take advantage of the diverse educational leave offerings, from language courses to health topics, to expand your skills and advance your professional development. Companies benefit from qualified and motivated employees.
Discover everything about educational leave: From regional differences to the application process. Exercise your right to paid further training!
Many people use travel as a means to educate themselves and gather new experiences. But what exactly differentiates an educational trip from an educational leave? And what role does the study tour play in this context? We clarify these terms so that you can choose the option that best suits your needs. We will explore the historical roots and modern interpretation to provide you with a comprehensive understanding.
What is an educational trip?
Originally, an educational trip was understood to be an individual, self-financed journey aimed at acquiring knowledge and cultural experiences. Today, the term is often used synonymously with study tour in a tourist context. Such a trip can be theme-specific, for example, a language trip or a cultural excursion. In contrast to educational leave, which is a legal entitlement to paid leave from work, an educational trip is typically self-financed.
What is educational leave?
Educational leave is a legally established right to paid leave from work to attend recognized educational events. This entitlement is regulated by state laws, with regional differences in Germany. For example, Bavaria and Saxony do not have an educational leave law. Unlike a purely educational trip, which primarily serves individual self-improvement, educational leave is subject to certain conditions and requirements, such as the recognition of the educational event. Further information on the topic of educational leave can be found on the Federal Government's website, although this page itself does not contain direct information on educational trips as educational leave.
What is a study tour?
A study tour is an organised trip with a clear educational purpose. It is often theme-specific and can be, for example, a language trip or a cultural excursion. Unlike educational leave, the study tour is not necessarily linked to a statutory entitlement. However, a study tour can be recognised as educational leave if it meets the relevant criteria. On bildungsreise.org, the distinction between educational trip, study tour, and educational leave is explained in detail, with a focus on historical development and modern applications.
Educational Leave: Making the Most of Regional Laws
The legal framework of educational leave in Germany is complex, as there is no nationwide legislation. Instead, the individual federal states are responsible for regulating educational leave. This leads to significant differences in entitlement, requirements, and conditions. Therefore, it's crucial to be informed about the specific regulations in your own state to make the most of educational leave. The overview by EF provides initial information, but it should be noted that the details can vary depending on the state.
State-specific regulations
In Bavaria and Saxony, there is no educational leave act. However, in Thuringia, since 2016, there has been the educational leave act, which allows employees up to 5 days of educational leave per year. In Saarland, there is a peculiarity: employees must contribute 3 days of their leisure time for educational leave. These regional differences make it essential to inform yourself in advance. Information on language trips as educational leave in the individual states can be found on the linked pages. Our group trips to Berlin could, for example, be an interesting option for educational leave, provided they meet the relevant criteria.
Entitlement to educational leave
To claim entitlement to educational leave, certain requirements must be met. This generally includes a minimum period of employment with the company. Additionally, the chosen further education event must be recognized as educational leave. Recognition is granted by the competent authority of the respective federal state. It is important to note that employers have the right to reject an application for educational leave if there are operational reasons against it or if the further education event is deemed unsuitable. At Bildungsurlauber.de you will find a wide range of courses that are recognized as educational leave.
The two-year block
In many federal states (e.g., Berlin, Brandenburg), there is an option to combine the entitlement to educational leave from two years. This means that employees can take a total of 10 days of educational leave within two years. This regulation provides flexibility and allows for attendance at longer and more intensive training courses. It is advisable to take advantage of this opportunity to optimise personal further education. Our educational trip to Auschwitz could, for example, be completed within such a two-year block.
Diverse educational leave offers: language courses, health, and more
The topics and content of educational leave offers are diverse, ranging from language courses to health and stress management and even socio-political topics. This diversity allows employees to choose from a wide range of further education options and to tailor their educational leave individually. It is important that the chosen further education is recognised as educational leave and meets the relevant criteria.
Diversity of Further Education Options
Language courses are a popular option for educational leave. They are often offered as language trips, allowing you to learn a new language or improve existing language skills. However, the recognition of language trips as educational leave varies depending on the federal state. In addition to language courses, there are also numerous offerings in the field of health and stress management. These courses aim to reduce stress, prevent burnout, and promote workplace health. Furthermore, there are seminars on socio-political topics that address social and political issues. Our group trips to the Erzgebirge could, for example, provide an opportunity to learn about the cultural and historical aspects of the region.
Recognition as Educational Leave
To be recognised as educational leave, a further education event must meet certain criteria. This primarily includes official recognition by the relevant authority. In addition, further education events must meet certain quality standards. These standards relate, for instance, to the qualifications of the lecturers, the content of the courses, and the methodological design of the seminars. It is therefore advisable to check before booking a further education whether it is recognised as educational leave. On H-Hotels.com you will find information on the distinction between educational trips and educational leave.
Applying for Educational Leave: How to Get Approval
The path to educational leave requires several steps, from selecting a suitable seminar to submitting an application to your employer. It is important to engage with the topic early and pay attention to the necessary formalities to ensure smooth approval. We will show you how to successfully apply for educational leave and which aspects you should consider.
Selecting a Suitable Seminar
The first step on the path to educational leave is to choose a suitable seminar. You should consider your personal interests and professional goals. Platforms like Bildungsurlauber.de offer a wide selection of seminars that are recognised as educational leave. Take advantage of the opportunity to compare offers and read reviews from other participants to find the right seminar. Popularity metrics can also be helpful in making your selection. Our student group trips might also offer interesting options for educational leave, provided they meet the relevant criteria.
Application to the Employer
Once you have found a suitable seminar, you need to submit an application to your employer. Certain deadlines and formalities must be observed. Generally, the application must be submitted in good time (4-9 weeks before the course starts). The necessary documents, which you receive from the seminar organiser, must be attached to the application. These include, for example, a confirmation of registration and a description of the course content. It is advisable to submit the application personally to the employer and seek a conversation to clarify any questions. The DGB offers a guide for this purpose.
Rejection of the Application
It may happen that an application for educational leave is rejected. This can have various reasons, such as operational reasons or the employer's assessment that the chosen further education event is unsuitable. In the event of a rejection, you should seek a conversation with the employer and try to find an amicable solution. It may be sensible to choose another seminar or apply for educational leave at a later date.
Financing educational leave: Continued wage payment and cost overview
The financing of educational leave is an important aspect that should be considered during the planning phase. During educational leave, there is generally a continuation of salary by the employer. However, the costs for the course, travel, and accommodation usually have to be borne by the employee. There are, however, opportunities for financial support, such as through funding programmes and scholarships.
Continuation of Salary by the Employer
During educational leave, employees typically receive full pay from their employer. This is a significant advantage of educational leave as it allows employees to further their education without financial loss. The continuation of salary is legally regulated and applies for the duration of the educational leave. However, it is important to note that the continuation of salary only applies for the time of the educational leave and not for any additional vacation days required for travel to and from the location.
Costs for Course, Travel, and Accommodation
The costs for course fees, learning materials, travel, and accommodation usually have to be borne by the employee. These costs can vary significantly depending on the type of further education and travel destination. It is therefore advisable to find out the expected costs in advance and possibly seek cheaper alternatives. In some cases, the costs for the educational leave can be tax-deductible. It is recommended to consult a tax advisor in this regard.
Funding Programmes and Scholarships
There are various funding programmes and scholarships that can support employees in financing educational leave. These programmes are offered, for example, by foundations, educational institutions, or governmental bodies. The conditions for funding and the amount of support vary depending on the programme. It is advisable to find out about the different funding opportunities early on and, if necessary, submit an application.
Educational leave in practice: Overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities
Despite the numerous advantages and legal entitlement, educational leave is still rarely utilised in practice. This is partly due to a lack of awareness of the offering, and partly due to the fear of negative consequences in the workplace. However, educational leave offers significant opportunities for both employees and employers.
Low utilisation
Although there is a high interest in further education among employees, only a small percentage actually take advantage of educational leave. This is partly because many employees are unaware that they have a statutory entitlement to educational leave. Moreover, some employees fear negative consequences at work if they apply for educational leave. These fears are unfounded in most cases. It is important to become informed about one's rights and to actively utilise educational leave.
Opportunities for employees and employers
Educational leave provides great opportunities for both employees and employers. Employees can enhance their knowledge and skills, acquire new competencies, and develop professionally. This leads to an increase in motivation and performance. Employers benefit from qualified and motivated staff. Furthermore, educational leave can help improve the company's image as an attractive employer. Organising educational trips can also be an appealing option for companies to promote staff development.
Educational travel as personnel development: Promoting skills, retaining employees
Companies can use educational trips as a tool for personnel development to enhance their employees' skills and knowledge. Educational leave can serve as a benefit for employees to increase employee satisfaction and retention. However, there are also challenges for companies, such as organisation and approval processes.
Educational trips as a tool for personnel development
Educational trips offer companies the opportunity to customise the training of their employees. The content and scope of the training can be adapted to the specific needs of the company and its employees. Educational trips can be used, for example, to learn about new technologies and methods or to deepen existing knowledge. By promoting the further education of their employees, companies can expand their skills and knowledge, thereby enhancing the company's performance. Our school trips, for example, offer the opportunity to combine educational content with an attractive supporting programme.
Educational leave as a benefit for employees
Educational leave can serve as a benefit for employees to increase employee satisfaction and retention. The statutory entitlement to educational leave provides an incentive for employees to pursue further training and acquire new skills. By having the opportunity to continue their education during working hours, employees can better achieve their professional goals and advance their careers. This leads to higher employee satisfaction and stronger company loyalty.
Challenges for companies
Companies face some challenges in implementing educational leave. This includes, for example, organisation and approval processes. It is important for companies to establish clear guidelines for the application and approval of educational leave. Additionally, companies must ensure that business considerations are taken into account when approving educational leave. Open communication between employee and employer is crucial in this regard.
Educational Journey of the Future: Digitalisation and Flexible Learning Formats
The future of educational travel and educational leave will be shaped by digitisation and online learning as well as individualisation and flexibility. New formats and opportunities are emerging that allow further education to be even better tailored to the needs of participants. The European perspective is also playing an increasingly important role.
Digitisation and Online Learning
Digitisation and online learning open up new possibilities for educational travel and educational leave. Webinars and online courses make it possible to further one's education independently of location and with time flexibility. This is particularly attractive for employees who have little time or do not wish to travel to a specific place. By using digital media, the learning content can also be made more interactive and varied. The DAAD, for example, offers information on study and research opportunities in Germany and abroad, which can also be accessed online.
Individualisation and Flexibility
The individualisation and flexibility of further education are other important trends in the field of educational travel and educational leave. Blended learning and modular offerings allow further education to be adapted to the individual needs of participants. Blended learning, for instance, combines face-to-face events with online learning, while modular offerings allow for the selection and combination of individual courses or modules. This enables employees to organise their further education more flexibly and better achieve their learning goals.
European Perspectives
The European perspective is playing an increasingly important role in the field of educational travel and educational leave. A comparison with other countries shows that there are different models and approaches in Europe to promote further education. This offers potential for cross-border offerings and the exchange of best practices. It is expected that European cooperation in the field of further education will continue to increase in the future.
Educational trip and educational leave: Investment in lifelong learning
More useful links
The Deutsche Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB) offers a guide on educational leave.
The Bundesregierung provides general information on education and further training.
The DAAD provides information on study and research opportunities in Germany and abroad.
FAQ
What is the difference between an educational trip, a study tour, and educational leave?
An educational trip is an individual, self-funded journey for knowledge and cultural enhancement. A study tour is an organized trip with an educational focus. Educational leave, on the other hand, is a statutory entitlement to paid leave for recognized further education.
In which federal states is there a law on educational leave?
In 14 out of 16 federal states in Germany, there is a law on educational leave. Bavaria and Saxony are the exceptions.
Does educational leave need to be related to my work?
No, the content of educational leave does not necessarily have to be directly related to your job. What matters is that the course is officially recognized as educational leave.
Who covers the cost of educational leave?
Your employer continues to pay your salary during educational leave. You generally have to bear the costs for the course, travel, and accommodation yourself.
How do I apply for educational leave through my employer?
Select a recognized seminar, obtain the necessary documents from the organizer, and submit the application in good time (4-9 weeks before the course starts) to your employer.
Can my employer reject my application for educational leave?
Yes, the employer can reject the application if business reasons stand in the way or the training is deemed unsuitable.
What topics are offered in educational leave?
The topics are diverse, ranging from language courses to health and stress management as well as socio-political topics.
Can I use my educational leave for a language trip?
Yes, language trips are a popular option for educational leave. However, recognition varies depending on the federal state.
