Representatives of international relations offices from Moldovan Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) participated on Monday, April 25th, in an internationalization training. The event was organized by the National Erasmus+ Office in Moldova, in cooperation with the Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs) team that activates within the Erasmus+ Programme.
Frederik De Decker, Head of International Relations Department of Ghent University from Belgium, was the expert of the seminar, delegated by the European Commission. He presented belgium institution’s best practice regarding internationalization.
Frederik De Decker shared with his Moldovan colleagues modalities of attracting international students and setting partnerships, the organizational chart of the department he is administering and insights about how Ghent University is managing its internationalization budget in order to be globally visible. Also, the expert advised his Moldovan colleagues to find their niche and elaborate strategies based on the biggest asset of the institution. “It’s the only way to distinguish yourself form other HEIs, both locally and internationally”, said De Decker in his intervention.
The 50 participants at the “Internationalization in Higher Education. Role of International Relations Offices in the Moldovan HEIs – support or leadership” training had the chance to interact and find out about the experience of two of the most proficient universities from Moldova when dealing with internationalization: “Alecu Russo” University of Balti and Free International University of Moldova.
In her presentation, Valentina Pritcan, former vice-rector for internationalization at Balti and HEREs member focused on practical aspects of implementation of mobility projects. She advised the audience to take advantage of the autonomy of the Moldovan universities and elaborate courageous internationalization strategies.
In her turn, Valentina Ciumacenco, that leads the Center for International Cooperation at Free International University of Moldova, shared the advantages of being member in international organizations and talked about the importance of foreign students’ involvement in institution’s decision making.
Fabien Schaeffer, representative of EU Delegation in Moldova and Nadejda Velisco, head of Higher Education Department at the Ministry of Education and HEREs member, were also present at the event.
“Internationalization in Higher Education. Role of International Relations Offices in the Moldovan HEIs – support or leadership” falls within the Technical Assistance Mission to support reform in Higher Education in Moldova. The activity is financed by the European Commission, within Erasmus+ Programme. The seminar was hosted by Free International University of Moldova.
