Batikan TanerMay 16, 2023Uncategorized

Expanding Learning Mobility: A Pathway for All

In today’s interconnected world, the importance of learning opportunities abroad cannot be overstated. The European Commission recognizes this significance and is actively seeking input from citizens to make learning mobility more accessible and widely known. As part of their comprehensive consultation strategy, the Commission has initiated a public consultation until May 3, 2023, to gather opinions and proposals from all stakeholders. In this blog post, we will explore the key factors to consider in order to turn learning mobility into a reality for everyone.

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  1. Inclusive Approach: One of the primary objectives is to ensure that learning mobility encompasses diverse groups of learners and trainers. It is crucial to prioritize individuals who face various barriers, including those with disabilities, health issues, economic challenges, social constraints, and geographic limitations. By including these individuals, we can create equal opportunities for all to engage in learning mobility experiences.
  2. Environmental Sustainability: As we strive to expand learning mobility, we must not overlook our responsibility to protect the environment. Choosing environmentally-friendly means of travel and promoting sustainable practices can contribute to the fight against climate change. By integrating green initiatives into mobility programs, we can make a positive impact while fostering educational growth.
  3. Harnessing the Power of Digitization: The digital era brings forth immense opportunities and challenges for learning mobility. We must explore the potential benefits of digitization, such as leveraging digital platforms for enhanced learning experiences and blending on-site and online learning. Embracing technology can open up new avenues and make learning mobility more accessible to a broader audience.
  4. Cultivating Intercultural Dialogue and Active Citizenship: Learning mobility is not solely about acquiring knowledge; it also plays a pivotal role in fostering intercultural dialogue, promoting active citizenship, and nurturing shared values. By embracing diverse perspectives and encouraging cross-cultural interactions, we can cultivate global understanding and cooperation.
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Learning mobility has the power to transform lives and shape a more inclusive and interconnected world. The European Commission’s commitment to engaging citizens in this process is commendable. By considering the diverse needs of learners, prioritizing sustainability, harnessing digital advancements, and fostering intercultural dialogue, we can pave the way for a future where learning opportunities abroad are accessible to all. Let’s join hands and make learning mobility a reality for everyone!

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Batikan TanerMay 16, 2023Uncategorized

European Citizens’ Learning Mobility Panel

21 Suggestions for Enabling Universal Learning Opportunities Abroad

From 28 to 30 April, the European Commission convened a Citizens’ Panel in Brussels for the conclusive deliberation session on expanding learning opportunities abroad for all individuals. The citizens’ proposals materialized into 21 specific recommendations aimed at facilitating the mobility of students, educators, and staff across different countries.

With the overarching objective of enhancing accessibility in the learning landscape, the panel’s suggestions emphasize the significance of raising awareness about opportunities and promoting the involvement of individuals facing fewer prospects. They also address the implications and challenges associated with digitalization while exploring sustainable solutions to minimize the environmental impact of mobility.

During three weekends in March and April, 150 individuals representing diverse age groups and backgrounds from all 27 Member States engaged in discussions and identified barriers to learning mobility abroad.

The participants highlighted key areas for improvement and prioritized solutions to broaden access and participation in educational experiences abroad, irrespective of age or field of study. These solutions encompassed various domains, including school education, vocational training, higher education, adult learning, and non-formal learning settings.

These recommendations will contribute to the Commission’s proposal for a Council recommendation, scheduled for later in 2023. They will also provide a framework for the Commission to address incentives and obstacles related to learning mobility.

Simultaneously, the Commission is conducting online public consultations on learning mobility until 3 May.

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Batikan TanerMay 9, 2023Erasmus Plus

The European Universities Initiative 2023: Driving Systemic Change through Deeper Cooperation

The European Universities initiative is driving systemic change through deeper cooperation between higher education institutions (HEIs) across Europe, and is implemented under Erasmus+ through a series of calls for proposals. The latest call for proposals closed on January 31, 2023, and the results are expected in the summer of 2023.

The 2023 call attracted a total of 65 proposals for the two topics, involving around 500 higher education institutions as full partners. These proposals bring us closer to reaching the European strategy for universities objective of 60 European Universities alliances established by mid-2024, involving around 500 higher education institutions across Europe.

Topic 1, “Intensification of prior deep institutional transnational cooperation,” received 26 applications with 224 higher education institutions involved as full partners. Topic 2, “Development of new deep institutional transnational cooperation,” received 39 applications with 278 higher education institutions involved as full partners.

The call covers 26 EU member states, 5 third countries associated with the Erasmus+ programme, and 4 countries from the Western Balkans. These figures show the continued commitment and interest of the higher education community in the roll-out of the European Universities initiative to support systemic, structural and sustainable transnational cooperation among diverse higher education institutions across Europe.

The European Universities initiative aims to achieve greater quality, performance, attractiveness, and international competitiveness in higher education institutions. It promotes common European values and a strengthened European identity through innovative and diverse models of long-term institutionalized cooperation between higher education institutions across Europe.

The initiative supports the European strategy for universities objective of creating 60 European Universities alliances by mid-2024, involving around 500 higher education institutions across Europe. The 2023 call for proposals brings us closer to achieving this goal, and the continued commitment and interest of the higher education community will ensure the success of the European Universities initiative.

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