The SEA-EU Staff Week Pathfinder, hosted by the University of Split, from October 22 to 24, 2024, brought together professionals from international relations office from the SEA-EU alliance who discussed some of the most relevant topics concerning mobility. Held at the Spinit Incubator, this three-day bimodal event focused on enhancing international mobility, while strengthening partnerships between universities.
Day 1: opening and fine-tuning mobility initiatives
The event was opened by Prof. Zoran Đogaš, PhD, MD, Vice-Rector for International Relations at the University of Split. His opening speech emphasized the significance of international cooperation and mobility, setting a collaborative and enthusiastic tone for the days ahead.
The first session, titled “Fine-tuning the SEA-EU Mobility Handbook,” addressed key challenges in international mobility, focusing on language barriers and student experience. Moderators Severine Allain from theUniversity of Brest and Ana Ćosić from the University of Split guided discussions on enhancing pre-departure language preparation for students and improving welcoming sessions to make SEA-EU universities more accessible and appealing.
During the session, participants discussed revisions to the handbook, agreeing that it should remain concise to avoid overwhelming users. Instead of lengthy text, the handbook should provide links to guide students to essential information. Several important issues were raised, including the need for clear contact persons, streamlined welcome activities, and improvements in the registration process. Additionally, the session emphasized the importance of defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), particularly for the success of Staff Weeks.
Following a networking lunch, participants wrapped up the day with a city tour at 17:30, which was followed by wine and cheese tasting. This social activity offered a perfect cultural experience and a relaxing sublimation of a productive day, fostering stronger connections among attendees.
Day 2: KPIs and mobility measurement framework
The second day of the Staff Week was opened with a session on identifying Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for mobility programs. Moderated by Quentin Sohet and Severine Allain, this discussion focused on both qualitative and quantitative measurements, examining how mobility enhances internationalisation and transforms higher education. Participants discussed online mobility formats and the factors influencing their success.
Following the coffee break, Prof. Zoran Đogaš presented the proposal for a Mobility Credit Transfer System (MCTS). It was proposed that this idea will be presented at the Governing Week in Malta.
This session encouraged lively debate on how to streamline credit transfers between universities in the SEA-EU alliance, creating a unified framework for measuring the success of mobility initiatives. The discussion also covered virtual mobility, and it was agreed that the Erasmus indicators must be
finalized by November 15. Each university is responsible for completing all necessary actions by that date.
The afternoon provided a chance for attendees to engage in a traditional local game of balote following a relaxing lunch.
Day 3: strategic planning and inclusivity in mobility
The final day of the Staff Week focused on strategic planning and reflections. The first session, moderated by Ana Ćosić and Gordana Dujmović, involved developing an action plan for organising six SEA-EU International Weeks across partner universities. The aim was to strengthen collaboration and exchange across campuses, bringing students and staff closer.
There was also discussion about the challenge of achieving 50 percent mobility, though it was agreed that the numbers should continue to rise.
After the coffee break and some networking with the University of Split’s Erasmus+ coordinators, the group reconvened for a recap on mobility for students with disabilities. This session followed up on a previous Staff Week on Inclusion, hosted by the University of Western Brittany, and examined ways to encourage participation in mobility programs for students with disabilities. Moderator Severine Allain led a constructive discussion on how to make mobility more inclusive.
The event officially concluded with the distribution of certificates of attendance, marking the end of a fruitful and enriching week.
A Week of Success, Solutions, and New Connections
The SEA-EU Mobility Staff Week was a productive event, bringing together a diverse group of professionals focused on enhancing mobility and fostering international collaboration in higher education. Sessions addressed several key challenges, including language barriers and accessibility for students with disabilities while introducing ideas for future solutions.
Through constructive discussions, participants worked through some pressing issues and established groundwork for continued initiatives.
The SEA-EU Mobility Staff Week concluded on a positive note, with attendees departing with new strategies and a sense of continued collaboration. The success of the event reflects the commitment of its organizers and the cooperative spirit within the SEA-EU alliance.
