My participation in the ERASMUS+ administrative staff mobility programme and my visit to the Isparta University (Isparta, Turkey) from 14 May 2019 to 18 May 2019, as the Vice-rector for International Cooperation, was really successful, fruitful and cognitive.
I have been able to discuss opportunities for future development and implementation of Dual/Double degree study programmes, short-term programmes (summer schools, internship and trainings), joint scientific and research activities with the Erasmus Institutional Coordinator and the rector of the Isparta University. I have also managed to reach an agreement on supplementary memorandums signing in the above-mentioned areas, additional students’ exchange and scientific cooperation.
I have had an opportunity to familiarize myself with the organisation of work of the international and ERASMUS+ departments of the Isparta University, as well as to share my experience in the sphere of other Turkish governmental exchange programmes. These activities have enabled me to learn from good practices in student, academic and administrative staff exchange and to discuss the possible issues that might arise in such exchanges on the basis of both universities’ experience.
The representatives of the Isparta University conducted a campus tour, which allowed me to become acquainted with the facilities for the students, including scientific and research facilities, labs and dormitories. Additionally, they have prepared for us a region tour and a city tour. Isparta is a terrific place to study and to work at. It is a small ancient city, reminding Switzerland’s cities beauty, with mountains and lakes and a distinctive culture.
A meeting-presentation with the participation of all interested in internationalization managers, department directors and faculties deans of the Isparta University has been held at the end of our visit. Every University has represented its study programmes and university facilities, developed internationalisation plans and agreements reached during our face-to-face meetings.
All the negotiations and meetings were in English. That is why my participation in the ERASMUS+ exchange programme has increased my linguistic, social and cultural competences.
Now the joint full-time and short-term programmes development are under active preparation. Supplementary memorandums have been approved and signed.
Participation in the ERASMUS+ administrative staff exchange programme has extended my professional network and cooperation with the Turkish business environment representatives, has reinforced our areas of cooperation with the partner- universities in Turkey and has allowed me to build up new contacts as well as to improve my professional competence.
I am confident that the received results will contribute to engendering and enhancing of international cooperation between our Universities, to increasing the quality and quantity of student and staff mobility to/from our Universities and to creating spin-off effects.
I will encourage all students, academic and administrative staff to visit not only this University, but also Isparta, which is so similar to other Turkish cities and at the same time is so different from them.
Vice-rector for International Cooperation Inta Buka
