Description
Internationalization, diversified student populations & student-centred learning have set in motion profound changes in higher education (HE). Still, HEIs are largely unprepared to face those challenges. Student psycho-social support and cultural competences of students and staff are the areas of greatest shortage. This impacts student academic achievement and well-being. The project aims to create a comprehensive psycho-social support program tol facilitate early integration with academic and local communities in order to help cope with the challenges of studying abroad. A thorough needs- and best practice analysis will be conducted, followed by creation of methods preventing psycho-social problems (e-learning before arrival; orientation days), promoting integration (infrastructure for student activities), granting support to those in need (counseling services, self-help materials). Experts will support MUW team’s work. Creating support network at MUW shell increase mobility and strengthen cooperation with NTNU.
Summary of project results
Internationalization, diversified student populations and student-centered learning have set in motion profound changes in Higher Education. Still, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) are largely unprepared to face those challenges. Student psycho-social support and cultural competences of students and staff are the areas of greatest shortage. This impacts student academic achievement and well-being. The project is aimed at creating a comprehensive psycho-social support program, which facilitates early integration with academic and local communities and help cope with challenges of studying abroad. First, a thorough needs - and best practice analysis was conducted, followed by creation of methods preventing psycho-social problems (e-learning; orientation days programme), promoting integration (infrastructure for student activities), granting support to those in need (counseling services, self-help materials). The following outputs were delivered resulting from the main activities financed by the project: reports on cultural adaptation, integration and psycho-social support (1) at the Medical University of Warsaw (MUW) and (2) other HEI, (3) a Good Practice report on the above topic and (4) a report/handbook on Orientation and Integration. Also, (5) a Practical Guide to Cultural Adaptation, Integration and Psycho-social Support was published as a handbook. Next, (6) a questionnaire on student satisfaction with studies was created and (7) results of the study were published as a report. A new (8) “Welcome to MUW” webpage was created with a lot of handy materials, including (9) e-learning videos e.g. on how to get around Warsaw or around the campus. A University Counseling Services (10) webpage was also created and (11) psychological self-help e-materials (videos, animations and leaflets) were placed there. Last but not least, (12) a Cosy Counselling room and (13) an exciting Integration Room for international students were designed and furnished.
Summary of bilateral results