‘Developing Institutional Internationalisation’ was the topic for discussion this week during training for University presidents and staff in Egypt.
Professor Mohamed Loutfi, Pro Vice Chancellor (International) led the two-day event –known as a Technical Assistance Mission (TAM), which was organised by the EU Commission’s Erasmus+ Office in Egypt, in collaboration with SPHERE (Support and Promotion for Higher Education Reform Experts), and hosted by Alexandria University. More than sixty senior staff members from more than 25 universities across Egypt attend the event.
Technical Assistance Missions provide expert advice based on the needs of the partner country and is one of a number commissioned by the EU each year to support its mission of strengthening higher education systems around the world and developing links with Europe.
The training examined internationalisation that is fit for purpose, both within the context of the partner country and based on the expectations of the institution. This was followed by examining structures and strategies that support this and looking at practical ways for internationalisation to be implemented.
The adoption of comprehensive internationalisation strategies is now becoming the norm around the world as universities seek to expand their international activities, recognising the benefits of international collaboration for programme development and research, mechanisms that fund and support students and staff to experience periods abroad, and the integration of home and international students.
The training is the latest in a number of capacity building programmes that Cardiff Met has delivered in the field of internationalisation, including bespoke support for universities in Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, the Philippines and Ukraine.
Professor Loutfi described the event as “an important component of the EU Commission’s work in supporting higher education development. The quality of the discussions that took place today between the delegates and the programme team demonstrate that events such as this are important for shared learning and networking. It is vital that the UK maintains these links for the benefit of higher education in the UK and internationally.”
