This project originates from well-established cooperation relationships among partners, based on framework agreements, cooperation and research agreements, mobility programs and/or double degree programs. Its aim is to strengthen connections and activities in order to increase not only the number and duration of mobilities, but also the percentage of obtained credits.The activities in cooperation with El Manar University (Tunis) were aimed at 45 students obtaining at least 30 credits within the framework of 4 double degree agreements, learning languages (Italian, Arabian, English, French), performing activities in associations, NGOs and companies, and research for degree thesis.The mobility of teachers has been oriented at teaching to the study courses, in order to strengthen educational paths for professional figures in the sector of economic exchange, cooperation, public and business communication, management of migration flows. As a matter of fact, in the light of our experience from 2011 on, along with the one in our financed ICM KA 107 (2015-2017), this project has provided support to training programs having a strong spillover in the economic field such as in communication and in social/political phenomena, acting as a means of stabilisation within the Mediterranean area. Even though the program has encountered a number of uncertainties due to social instability phenomena, thanks to the shared commitment of all partners it was possible to continue along the path taken, with the help, in addition, of flexible management instruments during the times of crisis.The project with Vietnam has developed the already existing cooperation with Hanoi University and Electric Power University as well as creating a new one with Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology through the mobility of incoming teachers and students in the fields of Linguistics, Economics, Tourism and Engineering. The opportunity for students to spend a semester at UNIPA has offered a strong cultural social and linguistic integration, and allowed the strengthening of intercultural consciousness, along with the knowledge of European values.This project, moreover, has increased the visibility and prestige of Italian University system and industrial world within the framework of both electric energy and telecommunication, by strengthening the existing connections and by liaising with a number of companies (EVN in electric field, Mobiphone and Viettel for telecommunication). The project in the economical-tourism, technological, Humanities fields has enhanced the image of Palermo and its University as a cultural point of reference for Vietnam.The objective of the project with the “Universidad de El Salvador” was to strengthen the cooperation with the Central America countries in the field of scientific research and advanced training based on the study of geological phenomena and the evaluation of their dangerousness.The project has strengthened both institutions by allowing UNIPA teachers to contribute to the new-born Maestria in “Evaluación de Peligrosidades Naturales” (MEPN) while UE teachers have had an opportunity to enrich the “Scienze e Tecnologie Geologiche” course by training actions on hydrogeological risk in the central American area. Incoming students have spent a semester at UNIPA taking as well part to on-field activities on the Sicilian volcanic territory.The strengthening of Maestria is one of the project key impact elements: in Salvador there is a strong need for targeted high education on specific fields of natural risks in general and of geological ones in particular (earthquakes, eruptions, landslides, soil erosion, floods, tsunami). MEPN, the only II level degree in country on natural risk issues, has entered its self-support phase thanks to teachers/students exchange.A dedicated office has coordinated and managed the procedures, shared with the partner administration offices by initial and medium-term coordination meetings in foreign establishments, but also by “staff for training” mobilities, in meetings aimed at standardising practices as well as in job shadowing activities.On the whole, program results are excellent and are producing a multiplier effect thanks to dissemination activities and to periodical meetings for planning, project and evaluation of current and future activities. New partnerships have developed in a number of international programs: Agenzia Italiana per la Cooperazione allo Sviluppo (development in Salvador of Licenciatura en Ciencias de la Tierra con énfasis en Geología), Erasmus+ KA 107 2019-2022 (Tunisia and Vietnam financed again, by adding other universities), and such other actions as two KA2 Capacity Building projects with UNIPA as applicant: “Educity”, Vietnam, positively assessed, and “Migrants”, Tunisia, financed.

This action supports physical and blended mobility of higher education students and staff from EU Member States and third countries associated to Erasmus+ to any country in the world. Students in all study fields and cycles can take part in a study period or traineeship abroad. Higher education teaching and administrative staff can take part in professional development activities abroad, as well as staff from the field of work in order to teach and train students or staff at higher education institutions.

This is a project for higher education student and staff mobility between Programme Countries and Partner Countries. Please consult the website of the organisation to obtain additional details.