Through the ‘HAW.International’ programme, the DAAD has been supporting innovative projects at universities of applied sciences (HAW) since 2019 that contribute to the further internationalisation of these institutions. The selected initiatives are intended to bring about structural changes and a lasting increase in the level of internationalisation at the institution. Funding is therefore provided in particular for the development and implementation of internationalisation strategies, the establishment of cross-border networks in study, teaching, research and knowledge transfer, and the development of international, practice-oriented study programmes. Within this framework, Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW) recently received confirmation of funding for the ‘LatiNetPrax’ project.
‘LatiNetPrax’ stands for the establishment of a Latin American network with a practical focus.
The main objective is to establish a collaborative network of higher education institutions in Colombia, Peru, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Panama and the Canary Islands, facilitating exchanges between students, lecturers and researchers. The aim is to facilitate academic exchange, joint projects, and teaching and research activities. This would, for example, enable the organisation of practice-oriented events such as conferences, summer schools, tutorials, workshops, makeathons or hackathons.
Within this framework, joint research topics will be developed, particularly those focusing on interdisciplinary areas aimed at achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Teaching materials will also be developed, and partnerships for international work placements will be established with universities and strategic partners from industry, business and civil society.
The project will run for two years (2024–2025), and Rhein-Waal University of Applied Sciences will receive just under 490,000 euros for this purpose. The ‘LatiNetPrax’ team comprises: Prof. Dr Rolf Becker, Patrick Kofer, Dr Waltraud Kofer and Magdalena Mossbrucker, all from the Faculty of Communication and Environment.
Further information: www.daad.de/haw
