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Description
The proposed project aims at intensifying the cooperation between University of Economics, Prague (VŠE) and partner universities in Iceland and Liechtenstein in the student and staff mobility. The cooperation is based on long-term relationship especially in student mobility within Erasmus+ programme.
This project focuses on supporting the student mobility to certain partner countries by providing exceptional financial grant as well as introducing these mobility opportunities to students from disadvantaged groups such as those coming from underprivileged socioeconomic background. Furthermore, staff mobility is planned as well especially training of staff involved in international relations. Staff mobility is mainly focused on sharing best practices, mapping new trends in internationalization such as digitalisation etc. and other tips for improving support services for student mobility on the whole. Partners from Iceland and Liechtenstein are welcomed to join Prague International Week - intensive one-week training for international relations officers organised by VŠE International Office on yearly basis. This type of staff training will multiply the positive effects on student mobility services and internationalization at all institutions.
Increasing number of student and staff with intensive international experience will affect not only their personal and professional development, but could definitely serve as a key factor of motivation and inspiration for other potential candidates and could improve the whole university environment.
In a long term, internationalization of university environment contributes to allowing VŠE to remain one of the best business schools in Central and Eastern Europe. This will also result in increasing employability of its graduates in highly competitive labour market.
Summary of project results
The project was aimed at intensifying the cooperation between Prague University of Economics and Business (VSE) and partner universities in Iceland (Reykjavik University) and Liechtenstein (The University of Liechtenstein) in the student and staff mobility. The cooperation was based on long-term relationship especially in student mobility within Erasmus+ programme. This project focused on supporting student mobility to certain partner countries by providing exceptional financial grant as well as introducing these mobility opportunities to students from disadvantaged groups, such as those coming from underprivileged socioeconomic background who would not be able to participate under normal circumstances. Further deepening of existing cooperation was planned through, staff mobility, mainly by training of staff involved in international relations.
The project was partly affected by the situation connected with COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on travel. Nevertheless, several substantial project changes, especially project period prolongation for more than a year, allowed for the original objectives to be mostly met.
Thanks to this project, 6 VSE students spent one term at our partner universities in Iceland and Liechtenstein. Even though the mobilities in Spring Term 2021 were still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic measures and the teaching was mainly online, a study abroad experience was very beneficial for all participants. Furthermore, one of VSE students who spent her term in Vaduz, was selected in a special call for students from underprivileged socioeconomic background (special call focused on the group of students with social scholarship during their regular studies at VSE).
Without special financial support she would hardly consider long-term stay abroad as an option, therefore this was without any doubt life-changing experience for her and it contributed immensely to her personal growth.
Furthermore, 6 staff mobilities could take place in Spring 2022 once the COVID-19 travel restrictions have been cancelled. Thanks to the project, the cooperation with both partner institutions was deepened and will continue based on much stronger base also in the future.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation with all partner universities was based on long term relations especially in student mobility, nevertheless, the project helped to strengthen and deepen the existing cooperation a lot. Promotion of mobility options within this project definitely increased interest in Iceland and Liechtenstein, its culture and mobility in general among Czech students. For mobility participants, first hand experience with different type of education system, high quality teaching standards, culture, way of life and beautiful nature, was definitely beneficial and improved their knowledge, skills and mutual understanding. Sharing this experience with their fellow students and colleagues was very inspirational for others. The collaboration will definitely continue. There are bilateral agreements with both partner institutions within Erasmus+ programme for student mobility, further staff mobility especially within international relations is planned, further joint research projects especially in the field of Entrepreneurship with University of Liechtenstein are in the process.