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Erasmus+ KA103 mobility for students, faculty and staff provide unique opportunities for learning and knowledge-sharing with a focus on the European integration process. In 2012, Södertörn University developed a policy for internationalisation, emphasising the importance of learning environments where ideas, knowledge and experiences can be exchanged. Following this, in 2017 the university decided on a three-year action-plan for internationalisation where the benefits of increased mobility for students and staff are highlighted. Erasmus+ KA103 thereby continues to play an important role in implementing the university’s internationalisation strategy.The objectives of the project can be described as twofold: to give individual students and staff members increased international experience and training, but also to strengthen the institution’s capacity for international cooperation. This is done primarirly through professional training, development of best-practices and international networking with European educational institutions. The overall purpose of these activities is to further enhance the quality of education and to prepare students and staffs alike for work in an international setting in a way that will further enhance their understanding of global challenges and the European integration process.The largest group to participate in Erasmus+ KA103 mobility call 2017 were students studying one or two terms at an Erasmus+ partner institution. Ten students also participated in a traineeship in another European country. Most outbound and inbound students were studying at the undergraduate level. A greater part of the budget was used for student scholarships and activities aiming to inspire and facilitate for incoming and outgoing students, such as information sessions and cultural preparation. A lesser part of the budget was used for staff members participating in a training or teaching exchange. The profile of the twenty-two outbound staff members was quite diverse, representing very different departments and roles. Seven of them were lecturers going abroad with teaching as the primary purpose.As shown in the reports, students are overall very satisfied with the academic quality and rich student life offered as a part of their exchange. In general, the participants report very high on their personal development and intercultural competencies gained. All staff participants reported that they have increased their job satisfaction and improved their language skills. Activities to support the mobility of individuals and their learning outcomes included an orientation week for incoming international students at the beginning of each term, preparation seminars for outgoing students, homecoming and departure events as well as an International Day where students were encouraged to apply for studies and/or traineeship abroad. The latter was also an opportunity for alumni Erasmus students to share their experiences with peers.Guidance and support meetings with individual students and staff were offered throughout the year with fixed reception hours four days a week as well as individual appointments. The International Office also works together with the Erasmus Student Network to organise social activities for incoming international students, and as is shown in the participants' reports, incoming students report that they have felt well integrated during their studies at Södertörn University. Student members of the Erasmus+ Student Network also actively participated in external events regarding EU-cooperation, internationalisation of the curriculum and are represented in the Internationalisation Board. The Internationalisation Strategist has held regular information sessions for faculty and administrative staff regarding Erasmus+ exchange opportunities. Information was also shared via the Advisory Board for Internationalisation with representatives from all faculties/schools and via the newly developed Handbook for Internationalisation. Regular meet-ups with Erasmus+ partner institutions were organised throughout the years, both in the form of individual partner visits and pre-scheduled conference meetings. International officers also participated in network meetings with other HEI both in Sweden and Europe.For student exchanges to be successful, it is necessary to offer a varied set of English-taught courses. Likewise, the integration of domestic and international students in the classroom is essential to the study-abroad experience. Our academic schools are now tasked with increasing the number of English-taught courses in regular study programs. In 2017-2019, 18 new courses that integrate domestic and international students have been developed. This strengthens the university’s international profile and quality of the study abroad programme. Therefore, internationalisation of the curricula should be stressed as one long-term benefit of the Erasmus+ KA103.
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