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Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by internal policy funds (KA131-HED) - Coordinator: VERN University

2023-1-HR01-KA131-HED-0001356382023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: HR · Grant: €97,850

Objectives

The primary goal of implementing the Erasmus+ project at VERN’ University was to create a stimulating and sustainable environment that systematically supports international mobility as a key tool for the personal, academic, and professional development of students and staff. Through this project, we aimed to actively contribute to the achievement of the objectives outlined in our institution’s Internationalisation Strategy, which focuses on opening up to the European Higher Education Area, strengthening international partnerships, and integrating European educational and research standards into the university’s day-to-day operations. Above all, our intention was to encourage and empower students to seize the opportunities offered by mobility, with the aim of acquiring new knowledge abroad, developing professional skills, improving language competences, and becoming more competitive in the labour market. At the same time, particular attention was given to motivating staff (both academic and non-academic) to engage in mobility activities for the purpose of professional development, knowledge exchange and gaining insight into best practices in European higher education. Through the implementation of this project, we sought to build a culture of mobility within the University, one not limited only to outgoing activities, but also inclusive of active participation in hosting incoming participants from partner institutions. In doing so, the international component becomes integrated into daily academic life, making it visible and accessible to all members of the community, including those who do not take part in mobility themselves. This dimension of the project directly enriches the teaching process, creates space for intercultural dialogue, and encourages the exchange of innovative teaching methods. We placed special emphasis on the thorough preparation, support, and follow-up of participants before, during, and after their mobility, to ensure that their experience is meaningful, effective, and aligned with their personal goals and the objectives of their study programme or professional development path. This approach also contributes to the recognition of learning outcomes acquired during the mobility, which in turn ensures long-term sustainability and integration of mobility into institutional development. Mobility enables staff to learn about innovative approaches in teaching, work organisation and the digitalisation of education insights that are brought back and adapted to the local context. Incoming staff, through their expertise, experience, and perspectives, foster collegial exchange and add value to VERN’ University. At a strategic level, the project serves as a vehicle for achieving a broader goal positioning VERN’ University as a recognised, modern, and internationally oriented higher education institution that actively contributes to the European area of education, research, and innovation. Mobility is not an end in itself, but a powerful tool that drives reform, innovation, and growth both at the individual and institutional levels. In this context, the implementation of this project was aimed at ensuring a balance between quantitative results (number of mobilities) and qualitative outcomes (impact on individuals, the teaching process, and institutional development), laying the foundation for even stronger international cooperation in the years to come.

Project partners (1)