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Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by internal policy funds (KA131-HED) - Coordinator: ACADEMIA, izobrazevanje in druge storitve d.o.o.

2023-1-SI01-KA131-HED-0001276252023Mobility of higher education students and stafffinalized
Countries: SI · Grant: €20,017.2

Objectives

We approached and designed this mobility project with the primary aim of creating enriching opportunities for both staff and students. Each mobility experience was crafted to foster personal and professional development, while also making a meaningful impact on our institution, partner institutions, and the wider communities involved. A key focus of the project was to help participants improve their language abilities and soft skills, while also promoting professional growth by striking a balance between soft and hard skill development. Special attention was given to providing practical knowledge that participants could apply directly in their respective fields, ensuring the program’s long-lasting relevance and value. For students, the short-term mobilities offered valuable opportunities to gain interdisciplinary knowledge. For example, the Blended Intensive Programs (BIPs) in Croatia, Zagreb, exposed students to different fields in media production (branding, video production, applications development), while the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) in Czechia, Olomuc, helped them further develop skills in screenwriting. A traineeship in Spain provided a student with valuable professional competencies in marketing. These experiences not only broadened their academic and professional horizons but also fostered a greater appreciation for Erasmus and European values, sparking interest in longer-term Erasmus opportunities. We are particularly proud of our success in supporting students with fewer opportunities. Out of 14 participants, 10 came from underrepresented backgrounds. By establishing clear guidelines and creating a welcoming environment, we encouraged more students not to hesitate in seizing these opportunities. This inclusivity remains a central pillar of our program, helping to break down barriers for students who might otherwise feel excluded from such international experiences. Staff mobilities, on the other hand, allowed us to expand institutional knowledge and form new collaborations. In Italy, staff gained insights into curriculum updates, especially concerning BTEC accreditation, which is crucial for our institution. In addition, staff explored pedagogical processes in Turkey and acquired knowledge from accounting and law sector. Staff in Czechia participated in a short-blended mobility for students where they improved their expertise in areas such as career development counseling. Lastly, staff in Croatia strengthened their professional competencies in academic leadership, student support, and internationalization processes that can be applied at Academia. Sustainability was a core value of our project, with a strong emphasis on promoting green travel as part of our commitment to environmental responsibility. We are proud to report that a significant portion of the mobilities, specifically 15 out of 18, were completed in an eco-friendly manner. Even more encouraging, students who participated in short-term mobility have, in some cases, chosen to travel sustainably for their longer-term Erasmus experiences—opting for greener alternatives despite the convenience of air travel. In conclusion, looking at our internal evaluation forms from our participants, the Erasmus+ mobility project provided transformative opportunities for both personal and professional growth, while contributing to the internationalization of our academic community. By fostering innovation, enhancing academic programs, and building long-term cooperation between institutions, the project made a lasting impact. The inclusion of students with fewer opportunities, along with the promotion of European values, further strengthened our institution’s role in the broader European educational landscape.

Project partners (1)