Alenka Breznik, Study Affairs Coordinator, and Diana Rico, Junior Researcher, of the Euro-Mediterranean University (EMUNI), have completed a dynamic Erasmus+ staff training mobility week at the University of Padova, Italy.
Alenka and Diana were warmly received by Prof. Dr. Elisabetta Pavan, who teaches Italian Culture and Italian Language at EMUNI, and Prof. Dr. Giorgia Nesti, Head of the degree course Political Science from 18-20 May, 2023.
The EMUNI duo, who were accompanied by EMUNI Masters Intercultural Business Communications (IBC) students, had a tour of the University and were given an overview of the relevant degree programmes for EMUNI students. They met with students and exchanged best practices in the implementation of the educational programme, from both an administrative and content point of view. Students of both institutions had the chance to present their background, culture and professional interests.
An Italian Culture course was organised, both in the classrooms of University of Padova and in the field, where Alenka and Diana had the opportunity to explore the main cultural heritage points of Padova and learned more about Italian culture.
Additionally, in collaboration with the University of Padova and University Ca´ Foscari Venice, they organised a visit to the latter, where they – as well as EMUNI students – were warmly received by the international office.
The mobility had an important impact on both Alenka and Diana since they acquired new professional contacts at regional level and learned about the importance of the Universities of Padova and Ca´ Foscari in the northeast region. They received honest feedback from students of both institutions on how well educational programmes functioned and the level of satisfaction regarding their perception of studies, which will help the EMUNI Education Department develop modern approaches and methods in the workplace.
The experience ensured strong cooperation between the Universities of Padova and Ca´ Foscari will continue, both for future student and staff exchanges, collaboration with teachers within degree programmes, joint research initiatives, and internationalisation of curricula through the incorporation of global perspectives into the EMUNI educational programme.