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Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by internal policy funds (KA131-HED) - Coordinator: PAEDAGOGISCHE HOCHSCHULE OBEROSTERREICH

2023-1-AT01-KA131-HED-0001164622023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: AT · Grant: €22,981

Objectives

For both the EU and the BMB, the internationalization of higher education continues to be a central priority within the European Education Area strategic framework. The PH OÖ ZLP 2023–2025 strategy, aligned with the HMIS2030 plan for higher education mobility, builds on the foundations of the previous strategic period and places an even stronger emphasis on creating meaningful and sustainable mobility opportunities for all members of the academic community. International mobility is seen not only as an important tool for professional development, but also as a driver for institutional growth, innovation in teaching and administration, and the strengthening of long-term international cooperation. During this period, PH OÖ has expanded and consolidated its mobility activities. Teachers and staff were able to participate in mobility programs that allowed them to broaden their international expertise and to gain valuable insights into educational and administrative systems at partner universities. These mobilities provided opportunities to exchange knowledge, teaching methods, and good practices, and to experience higher education systems in different cultural and institutional contexts. The main objective has remained the same: to strengthen international expertise at PH OÖ, to create lasting personal and institutional connections, and to enhance the quality of education and administration through direct international exchange. An important element of the program is the transfer of knowledge gained abroad back into the home institution. Returning participants are encouraged and supported to share their experiences with colleagues in a variety of formats. This includes (social) media, podcast, lectures, and discussions that highlight insights into teaching, administration, and project work. In this way, the benefits of individual mobilities extend to a wider circle of staff and contribute to the collective development of the institution. The exchange of perspectives has proven valuable for improving international within PH OÖ. Another focus in this project has been the further development of collaborative projects. Based on a strong foundation of existing partnerships, PH OÖ has worked systematically to consolidate international cooperation in defined areas of expertise and to initiate new joint activities. The aim has been to go beyond single mobilities and to build structured, long-term collaborations that include project development, and exchange of good practice in teacher education. In several cases, initial staff mobilities have provided the basis for follow-up projects or the deepening of cooperation, showing the strategic importance of Erasmus+ mobilities as a catalyst for broader international engagement. In addition to Outgoing mobilities, PH OÖ continues to place great importance on Incoming students from partner universities. Both long-term and short-term exchanges have been facilitated in Linz, providing international students with the opportunity to gain an in-depth experience of the Austrian educational system. These students enrich the academic and cultural environment at PH OÖ and contribute to intercultural dialogue in seminars, workshops, and everyday campus life. Their presence also encourages PH OÖ students and staff to reflect on their own practices and to view Austrian teacher education from a comparative perspective. In this way, Incoming mobility contributes directly to the internationalization at home, which is a key element of the European Education Area. The impact of the KA131 program during 2023–2025 can be seen on several levels. For individual staff members, mobility has led to professional and personal development, new competences, and a broader international outlook. For the institution, mobilities have strengthened international networks, created the basis for new collaborations, and helped integrate PH OÖ more strongly into the European Education Area. For students, both Incoming and those taught by returning teachers, mobility has translated into new perspectives, improved intercultural awareness, and an enhanced quality of education. Looking forward, PH OÖ is committed to building on the results of this project period. A particular emphasis will be placed on widening access to mobility opportunities, encouraging more staff and students to participate, and ensuring that mobility continues to serve as a bridge for sustainable partnerships and innovation in teacher education. By embedding mobility experiences into teaching, research, and administration, PH OÖ ensures that the outcomes have a sustainable impact on the academic community as a whole. Through these measures, the project KA131-2023–2025 has made a substantial contribution to advancing the PH OÖ internationalization strategy, ZLP 2023-2025 and HMIS2030, reinforcing its position within the European Education Area, and fostering deeper intercultural understanding in higher education.

Project partners (1)