For a week, the university has been hosting representatives from international partner universities from all over the world. As part of the first-ever International Week, the internationalisation of universities was examined and analysed in depth from a wide range of perspectives through workshops, lectures and panel discussions.
Events such as International Week are organised at universities around the world to further develop international cooperation, improve its quality and exchange valuable experiences. This was the first time such a week had been held at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. Under the theme ‘What makes an international university?’, around 40 representatives from international partner universities in 17 countries, both within and outside Europe, came together.
Whilst on site,
the participants were able to gain a comprehensive insight into Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences and discover how the university implements internationalisation as a core principle at all levels. The aim of the event was not only to provide a forum for discussing the latest trends and topics in internationalisation, but also to connect people across institutions, countries and cultures through a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and experiences. Numerous workshops and presentations focused on examples of good practice and explored the opportunities and challenges facing international university cooperation in the future, the practical implications of these, and the key prerequisites for success. The international partners met with representatives from the faculties, support services, the administration and the General Students’ Committee.
One day was dedicated specifically to students and staff at Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences. External experts, including representatives from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), gave presentations on Erasmus exchanges, Erasmus Strategic Partnerships and blended mobility, a partly virtual form of student exchange. Partner universities presented themselves at information stands. Many students took the opportunity to seek personalised advice on the possibilities of spending a semester abroad.
The international guests were highly impressed by the event. “The programme was an excellent mix of lectures, workshops and cultural activities. I’ve learnt a great deal this week,” said Marie McArdl from the Office for Study Abroad at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Rafal Gaczyński, Head of the Foreign Languages Centre at President Stanisław Wojciechowski University of Applied Sciences in Kalisz, praised the international character of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences: “Here, you study in a truly international environment. Students have plenty of opportunities to study abroad and build networks. I’ve been able to make many important international contacts this week.”
Dr Joost Kleuters, Head of the International Centre at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, is delighted with the enthusiastic response from the international guests and emphasises: “It is important that our partners see the opportunities we offer their students to spend a semester abroad. And it gives our students the chance to go abroad themselves.”
