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Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by internal policy funds (KA131-HED) - Coordinator: UNIVERSIDAD DE LA LAGUNA

2023-1-ES01-KA131-HED-0001141782023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: ES · Grant: €1,873,693

Objectives

The implementation of the Erasmus+ 2023 project at the University of La Laguna significantly expanded participation in mobility activities, reaching a total of more than seven hundred student and staff mobilities. Through this effort, the university strengthened its international projection and consolidated mobility as a strategic pillar of its institutional policy, in line with its strategic plan and with the commitments of the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education. The project had a direct impact on inclusion and equal opportunities. Being located in the Canary Islands, an outermost region, all participants are considered to have fewer opportunities due to additional travel costs and the limitations of insularity. However, the “zero grant” modality is not technically compatible with this criterion in the platform. In such cases, although the mobility appears as zero grant, the ULL provided its own funding to cover the participant, ensuring that no student undertook a mobility without financial support and that all enjoyed equivalent conditions. This extraordinary effort was made possible thanks to the institution’s political commitment to internationalisation, which translated into an allocation of €1,297,763 of its own funds. These resources allowed the number of mobilities to be increased beyond European funding and to cover specific needs not included in the programme grant. This is a tangible example of the commitment of the current governing team to ensure that students and staff have real opportunities for international training and to position ULL in the European Higher Education Area as an active and reliable partner. Academically, the results were very positive. By the time of this report, 98% of students in long-term studies mobilities had already obtained recognition of their credits, with an average of nearly 40 ECTS per semester, above the European standard. In short-term mobilities, recognition reached 100%, and in curricular traineeships it is likewise guaranteed, although in some cases it is formalised after the submission of reports. Participant surveys confirm this view: more than 90% of students and staff would recommend the experience, and almost all reported direct benefits. Ninety-eight percent of students in studies and 100% of those in traineeships and staff declared a positive impact. In addition, more than 80% reported improvements in their linguistic and digital competences, and the majority highlighted stronger commitment to European values, diversity and active citizenship. These results show that mobility generates not only academic benefits, but also social and cultural ones, in line with Erasmus+ horizontal priorities. The project also strengthened the institutional and European dimension of ULL. Since 2023 the university has been part of the STARSEU alliance, which has enabled an increase in both short- and long-term mobilities among partner universities, the creation of synergies in teaching and research projects, and the establishment of a stable cooperation network that goes beyond individual mobilities and enhances the institution’s capacity for international collaboration. Another key achievement was progress in the digitalisation of mobility. Eighty-seven percent of learning agreements were signed digitally, and the goal is to reach 100% in upcoming projects. ULL consolidated electronic procedures throughout the entire management process, from selection to the issuing of academic certificates. Within this framework, the “Erasmus without paper” initiative was implemented, with automated arrival and attendance certificates and a substantial reduction of printed documents. This modernisation not only increases efficiency and transparency, but also contributes to environmental sustainability. In terms of sustainability, although insularity makes it impossible to use “green travel” as defined by the programme, the university has developed alternative initiatives, such as the boxhouses modular housing project for international students, based on recycled shipping containers and energy efficiency criteria. This project, already approved and with municipal permits, will provide quick and sustainable housing solutions and reflects the institutional commitment to linking internationalisation with ecological transition. In conclusion, the Erasmus+ 2023 project at the University of La Laguna multiplied mobility opportunities, ensured the participation of all beneficiaries as people with fewer opportunities, strengthened the institutional commitment to internationalisation, and generated a positive impact on both the university community and Canarian society. With solid academic results, high levels of satisfaction, an inclusive and sustainable approach, and new strategic alliances, ULL is consolidating itself as a committed actor to the objectives of Erasmus+ and to building a more open, diverse and equitable European Higher Education Area.

Project partners (1)