Description
The EEA Grants project is considered of very high importance for the Romanian American University internationalization process. The objectives are focused on: a new approach for diversifying the partnerships; enforcing the international experience for students; strengthening international dimension of study programs; Increasing the number of international students.The outcome of the project is: Expanding the partnerships with entities from EEA and increasing the number of students and staff exchange; Creation of a center for Scandinavian/Nordic Studies in Romanian American University. The project addresses these challenges through the following methods: Networking tools; Drawing a set of criteria to choose the proper academic partners as well as preparing a procedure to approach them.The target groups are students and staff, universities and businesses, and the local community. The role of the donor project partners are to cooperate and support the beneficiaries and the activities agreed, as good as possible.
Summary of project results
This EEA Grants project builds on previous cooperation; we also participated in the previous funding period and we wanted to continue to build on the shared expertise and benefits. We had multiple objectives: a new approach for diversifying the partnerships; enforcing the international experience for students; strengthening international dimension of study programs; Increasing the number of international students; attracting international staff; enhancing staff skills and expertise for international activities; enhancing the international dimension of research – the majority of them were fulfilled and the impact was creating a positive image on the EEA Grants programme and greater satisfaction for beneficiaries, both students and staff. Through the project, the following outputs were delivered: 2 incoming teachers from Norway and Iceland to the Romanian-American University and 4 outgoing teachers from the Romanian-American University to the project partner countries, 1 outgoing staff member, and 2 outgoing bachelor students to Norway for a spring semester. The outcome is: Expanded the partnerships with entities from EEA and increasing the number of students and staff exchange, networking was positive; Students and staff are better prepared for the international environment; Developed our curricula; Developed the entrepreneurial skills of the beneficiaries, both incoming and outgoing; Shared best practices; Getting in touch with local community. The project also involved participation at different events, conferences, seminars and Summer School attendance. The main benefit for the beneficiaries was getting in touch with modern teaching and working techniques, personal and cultural development, improving language and general social abilities and good perspectives on developing their career. The donor partnership achieved: Different teaching styles and methods; Qualitative students; Financial support for incoming and outgoing mobility; Logistic support for outgoing mobilities; Intercultural environment.
Summary of bilateral results
Different teaching styles and methods; - Qualitative students; - Financial support for incoming and outgoing mobility; - Logistic support for outgoing mobilities; - Intercultural environment. Through strengthened bilateral relations we can improve and harmonise curricula and possible joint or double degree programmes. A smoother process of communication will positively contribute to a smoother management of the EEA Grants. The role of the partners was to cooperate and support the beneficiaries and the activities agreed, as good as possible, and to respect the principles and conditions of the EEA Grants guidelines. On the educational level, there is room to continue joint activities outside the scope of the EEA Grants Programme: for example at the Romanian-American University we are organizing conferences where guests from partner EEA universities are present. Additionally they are present here as guest lectures. Regarding other activities, to be noted that 2 professors from EEA universities participated in the Romanian-American University Summer School – a very dynamic environment, very internationally focused and with impact on the local community.