INGENIUM in the Spotlight at TUIASI’s International Staff Week 2024

INGENIUM was once more in the spotlight! This time at TUIASI’s International Staff Week, which took place between 28 October – 1 November. At the week-long event, staff from partner universities UNIOVI, HKA, UdA and other international partners from all over the world joined to discuss and find out more about Effective University’s Strategy for a Sustainable Internationalisation.

The week’s agenda included a variety of courses, workshops, talks and special keynote speakers that covered a wide range of topics for modern universities like: virtual mobilities, Blended Intensive Programmes, best-practices in English taught programmes and how do we put the student’s needs first. And, in specific Romanian hospitality, the participants were invited to special networking and cultural events.

Showcasing the INGENIUM Alliance

At the International Staff Week at TUIASI a special focus was placed on the INGENIUM Alliance where key representatives of our consortium, Jesus Daniel Santos, Institutional Project Coordinator for INGENIUM in UNIOVI and Irina Lungu, INGENIUM Project Coordinator for Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi, presented and discussed about our ongoing success story and the pillars for the INGENIUM model of cooperation with interested stakeholders.

The presentation, with an international audience ranging from Germany, Japan, Ukraine, Tanzania and Jordan to name a few, had an in depth focus on: our governance model in the wider context of the European University Initiative; the foundational work laid out in the first two years; our current success stories like the flagship mobility initiative the 10 Days of INGENIUM event; and some of the key priorities for the future of INGENIUM.

Students Health, Well-being and Mobility Opportunities

Throughout the week, special attention was given to the needs and challenges faced by students. A noteworthy highlight was the dedicated workshop on identifying and addressing students’ emotional needs. This session emphasised the importance of mental health and well-being in the context of international education, providing valuable insights and practical solutions for supporting students in their academic and personal journeys.

The TUIASI Erasmus coordinators initiated an open discussion on student mobility, addressing key issues and exploring strategies for improvement. The dialogue focused on how we can make mobility opportunities more visible and accessible to students, ensuring that the benefits of international exchanges are maximised.

Effective Pillars of Sustainable Internationalisation

Another important event of the week was the hands-on workshop on the “Core Pillars of an Effective University’s Strategy for a Sustainable Internationalisation” where attendees chose their preferred foundational pillars, explored the potential obstacles in effectively implementing them and found creative ways to overcome them. This interactive game, led by a TUIASI facilitator, encouraged participants to think critically and creatively about sustainable internationalisation.

An Opportunity for Cultural Immersion

The International Staff Week at TUIASI not only showcased the INGENIUM Alliance’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and education but also provided an enriching cultural exchange experience. Participants engaged in a Romanian culture and language course and enjoyed a guided tour of Iași, deepening their appreciation for local traditions and history.

This event underscored the vital role of such gatherings in promoting global cooperation and understanding, paving the way for future collaborative efforts within the INGENIUM Alliance.