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Description
The project allows for increased mobility in higher education between Poland and eight universities in Norway and Iceland in the scope of:
a. Student mobility:
- Outgoing mobilities of Polish students to Donor States and incoming mobilities of students from the Donor States for study periods lasting from 3 to 12 months within an academic year.
- Outgoing mobilities of Polish students to Donor States and incoming mobilities of students from the Donor States for work placements from lasting from 2 to 12 months within an academic year.
b. Staff mobility:
- Teaching assignment-based mobilities of academic teachers between Poland and the Donor States for a period of between one day and six weeks (a minimum of eight hours of teaching at the partner institution must be provided during one week of mobility).
- HEI staff mobility between Poland and the Donor States for job shadowing, participation in seminars, training, workshops and conferences aimed at improving skills and expanding knowledge in a given field for a period of between one day and six weeks.
- Mobilities of representatives (employees) of companies from Poland and the Donor States for teaching assignments in a host institution for a period of between one day and six weeks.
Summary of project results
At Lodz University of Technology (TUL), internationalization-related processes are one of the key areas of development and activities. Thus, the implementation of the second edition of the Education Programme was important to be able to complement and support these activities, especially in the area of mobility, which positively translate into closer cooperation with foreign partners. One of the main objectives of the project was to make it easier for students and employees to contact and exchange with universities from countries where the cost of living usually makes it difficult for Polish participants to participate. Considering the high scientific level of our partners, we wanted to enable more students and employees of the Lodz University to go to these universities. The high cost of living in the Donor States has often been a barrier to mobility, so the Education Programme made it possible.
The project initially aimed at implementing 8 mobilities for studies, 2 for internships, 8 staff mobilities from Poland to the Donor States, and 1 mobility for studies, 2 for internships and 2 staff mobilities from the Donor States to Poland. In the end, as a result of the activities undertaken and also of the agreements between the partners and Lodz University, the following were realized: 5 mobilities for studies, 2 for internships, 18 staff mobilities from Poland to the Donor States. As for mobilities from the Donor States to Poland, 1 mobility for internship and 4 staff mobilities were realized.
Unfortunately, no mobility for studies could be realized due to lack of interest.
The project had a positive impact on its beneficiaries - the mobility participants - by providing opportunities to share their expertise, experience new learning and teaching environments, acquire new pedagogical and digital skills, connect with staff and students to jointly develop activities to achieve academic and teaching goals, exchange good practices and strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions. According to the 22 ex-post questionnaires provided from staff, all participants of staff mobility declared having benefited from good practices learned abroad. Most participants acquired higher education sector-specific skills relevant to their current work and professional development, increased organizational management competencies, strengthened cooperation with the partner institution, and improved foreign language skills. A large number of participants mentioned in the survey that they improved skills in the use of information and communication tools and technologies (e.g., computer, Internet, virtual collaboration platforms, software). In addition, participants in the teaching mobility declared learning and developing new, practical teaching methods, innovative solutions for sustainability and opportunities for strategic meetings with experts in the field of science.
On the other hand, the 8 surveys sent by the students show that the students are satisfied with the mobility they received and would recommend the experience to their peers. 1 of the students undertook the study of the local language.
At the same time, the project was a gateway to strengthen cooperation within the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), of which Lodz University and the University of Stavanger are members. In 03.2022 Lodz University, as a member of ECIU, joined the EU application for funding (ERASMUS-EDU-2022-EUR-UNIV - EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES).
The joining of the project promoter to the network of European Universities within the ECIU consortium has a long-term positive impact on internationalization processes at TUL.
Summary of bilateral results
Having institutions from Donor States in the project has resulted in the identification of new areas of cooperation and expanded knowledge of new teaching methods. One of the main results that the project has brought is the strengthening of cooperation and exchange of knowledge and good practices between partner universities. Participation in the programme is now crucial for the development of initiatives related to the Lodz University of Technology''s participation in the European Universities Initiative. The University of Stavanger is a very vibrant member of the EUIC network, involved not only in operational processes, but also in defining the network''s development strategy. A very important aspect was and is the development of cooperation models based on the triple helix, i.e. the inclusion of local government partners in close cooperation with universities. Norwegian universities lead the way in this area. Thanks to participation in the programme, it was possible to start work on such a model at Lodz University of Technology. The exchange of staff allowed for a faster and more comprehensive definition of the path for TUL to reach the standards of functioning in the network. Cooperation with all participating partners in terms of mobility continues under the Erasmus+ programme. In addition, scientific cooperation has developed with some partners at individual faculties of Lodz University