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Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by internal policy funds (KA131-HED) - Coordinator: UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI BRESCIA

2023-1-IT02-KA131-HED-0001318682023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: IT|AT|CZ|DK|ET|FI|FR|DE|HU|LV|LT|MT|NL|NO|PL|PT|RO|RS|SI|ES|SE|CH|TR|UK|US · Grant: €583,366

Objectives

The internationalization strategy approved by the University governance in 2022 assigns a central role to international mobility for both students and staff. Providing participants with opportunities to study, train, or teach abroad in the European context is increasingly recognized as fundamental for the acquisition of autonomy, transversal skills, and a strong sense of belonging to the European Union. In order to align academic and administrative structures with this vision, the University established for the first time the position of Rector’s Delegate for the Erasmus+ Programme, tasked with directing governance strategies in all matters related to cooperation with European higher education institutions. The overarching goal of the project is to expand the number of participants in every type of mobility. This is particularly relevant in the framework of the European University Alliance UNITA – Universitas Montium, which the University of Brescia officially joined in November 2023. Within UNITA, mobility is not only a means of individual development but also the essential tool for building a joint European campus. Student mobility, in fact, is an increasingly important indicator of the level of internationalization in regional, national, and international assessments and rankings. The University also considers staff mobility to be highly strategic, especially since it has been included by the Italian Ministry of University and Research as a key indicator in the “three-year strategic planning framework” through which funding and evaluation are determined. Investing in administrative and teaching staff mobility reflects a strong institutional belief that international experiences contribute significantly to the professionalization of university personnel, to improved governance, and to the overall quality of services. At the same time, the University remains committed to enhancing graduate employability and entrepreneurship. Unibs consistently ranks among the top medium-sized universities in Italy for the employment rate of its graduates five years after obtaining a degree (CENSIS ranking). The added value of an international experience is now widely acknowledged, and the University invests in raising the quality of education in line with labour market needs. Its international master’s programmes taught in English are a strong component of this strategy: they attract international students, foster diversity, and prepare graduates for careers in international contexts, whether academic or professional. As part of Erasmus projects, the University has consolidated structural mobility agreements leading to double degrees with partner institutions including the University of Almeria, Hochschule Mainz, Nottingham Trent University, Sorbonne Université, University of Valencia, and most recently Université de Strasbourg. These agreements, fully integrated within the Erasmus programme, are increasingly attractive to students seeking solid and rewarding international academic paths. Finally, inclusiveness remains a priority. The University integrates the European grant and top-up scheme for students with fewer opportunities with additional institutional or ministerial contributions related to family income, ranging from EUR 180 to EUR 650 per month. Particular attention is also paid to communication with international students, through dedicated information sessions in English, translated guidelines, visa support, and comprehensive services. Erasmus+ is systematically presented at promotional and orientation events, highlighting double degree opportunities and the lifelong benefits of mobility. These efforts ensure that international mobility is not only accessible but also appealing to a wide and diverse student population.

Project partners (1)