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

2023-1-PL01-KA131-HED-0001231392023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: PL · Grant: €524,010

Objectives

The aim of the project was to support the process of internationalisation of the University of Opole (UO), in line with the “Development Strategy of the University of Opole for 2021–2027” and the “Internationalisation Strategy of the University of Opole for 2022–2027”. These documents emphasise the University’s ambition to become a modern, European, culturally diverse and well-managed institution, actively participating in the European educational, research and social space. The project supported this vision by creating conditions for intensifying international cooperation, strengthening the University’s position in the European arena and building lasting relationships with institutional partners. The key objective of the project was to advance the internationalisation of UO by increasing the mobility of students, academic staff and administrative employees, as well as improving the quality of teaching and organisational activities through the implementation of good practices and innovative solutions. Mobility participants had the opportunity to develop language, digital and intercultural competences, which contributed both to their personal and professional development and to the improvement of the institution’s performance. The project fostered an open, international environment for study and work, in line with the idea of “Internationalisation at Home” – by expanding the range of programmes in foreign languages, strengthening support for international students and staff, and creating favourable conditions for cooperation in a multicultural environment. An important element of this process was the Buddy Mentors programme, under which UO students supported incoming participants by facilitating their cultural, organisational and linguistic adaptation. Particular emphasis was placed on developing cooperation within the European University Alliance “Fostering Outreach within European Regions, Transnational Higher Education and Mobility” (FORTHEM), of which UO has been a member since 2019. The project enabled the preparation of joint study programmes, the exchange of organisational and teaching experiences, the development of internship and traineeship pathways abroad, as well as participation in FORTHEM Digital Academy initiatives and thematic laboratories. Thanks to this, UO students and staff engaged in innovative academic and civic projects, while the University strengthened its position within the prestigious network of European Universities. The project was also aligned with the priorities of Erasmus+: it supported the green transition through the promotion of environmentally friendly practices during mobilities, fostered the digital transition by implementing e-learning tools (MOODLE) and enhancing the digital skills of participants, promoted inclusiveness by ensuring access to mobility opportunities for people with fewer opportunities, and fostered civic engagement and a sense of belonging to the European community. The Rector’s Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment, the Office for Persons with Disabilities (BON), and other University support units were actively involved in ensuring equal opportunities. The implementation of the project impacted not only the internal development of the University, but also its socio-economic environment. The increase in student and staff mobility contributed to strengthening cooperation with local and regional institutions, including the Contemporary Art Gallery, secondary schools and social organisations. Incoming international students engaged in cultural and educational events in the region, visited schools to share their experiences and promoted internationalisation among young people. These activities enhanced Opole’s attractiveness as a university city, supported the promotion of the region across Europe and reinforced UO’s position as an institution rooted in its local community, yet open to the world. The project also led to the development of new contacts with institutions across Europe. Cooperation with international partners resulted in joint scientific, teaching and organisational initiatives. The results are sustainable – they include the development of staff competences, the expansion of the educational offer, the incorporation of innovative organisational solutions, as well as long-term partnerships to be continued in the years to come. Collaboration with international and local partners enabled an intensive exchange of knowledge and experiences and fostered the development of teaching competences, which translated into professional growth of academic and administrative staff, better quality of education, internationalisation of research and increased visibility of UO in rankings and international networks. The project supports the long-term vision of the University of Opole as a modern, open, inclusive and culturally diverse institution, actively participating in the European educational and research area.

Project partners (1)