Impressive results in higher education capacity building
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Montenegro has achieved impressive results in higher education capacity building, it has been stated at the Erasmus + Info Day that was held today at the University of Montenegro.
In previous three years, the University of Montenegro has participated in a large number of international projects, mainly in area of education and development/structural projects. During this period, the value of internationally funded projects was 7.5 million euro, which represents 78.2% of the total value of the University projects.
University participated in the Erasmus+ programme as coordinator or partner in project consortia, Rector Prof. Dr. Danilo Nikolić has said. Contractual value of these projects increased from 123.335,00 € in 2017 to 1.123.510,00 € u 2020. The total value of funded projects for the University is nearly 3 million euro in this three year period, which makes this EU programme the most significant in relation to funds received.
Nikolić pointed out that the University strives to provide attractive conditions for scientific and artistic activities, for our employees and incoming researchers through creation of quality preconditions for short-term or long-term incoming or outgoing mobility. In order to increase number of incoming motilities at the University, we are working on realization of numerous activities that, amongst others, include introduction of course modules in English language to be offered to foreign students at every faculty, we started the process of accreditation of study programmes in English language, creation of summer schools in English language, trainings for teaching staff for a qualitative teaching in English language. And all these activities are realized within the Erasmus+ project Fostering Internationalization at Montenegrin HEIs through Efficient Strategic Planning (IESP).
„Our aim is to attract larger number of foreign students through the academic openness and offer of a certain number of courses and study programmes in English language. Activities in the area of internationalization are also directed towards the strengthening of the existing and establishment of new partnerships with renown higher education institutions from region and wider, in areas of mutual interest, towards the establishment of joint study programs at each level, preparation and realization of joint research, art and structural projects, active participation in international university associations etc.
In this year, University had seven granted projects within the Erasmus+ programme, capacity building in higher education, where the University will coordinate one and will be a partner in other six. One project where the University is the coordinator, is listed within the category of top 13% of the most qualitative projects. The project is innovative and relates to the „blue economy“, and introduces, for the first time, the establishment of joint master programme in English language in Montenegro
Minister of education, science, sports and culture, Ms. Vesna Bratić pointed out that Montenegro continuously improves its results in Erasmus+ programme, and within the last year’s call, within the Key action I that relates to international credit mobility, Montenegro had 125 approved applications with 1549 mobility scholarships.
She added that within the Key action II – capacity building in higher education, Montenegro participates in eight projects with the total budget of 6,8 million EUR.
„The Ministry will continue to provide adequate mechanisms, as well as quality assurance in higher education, internships for students with implementation of modern methods, better student standard, as well as strengthening of scientific and research component of higher education“
She also pointed out that she used, as a professor, three opportunities to realize international credit mobility, and that the experience was of an immense significance. She also participated in creation and realization of the project Reflame that dealt with the reform of foreign languages at the Faculty of Philology of the University of Montenegro.
Vanja Drljević, coordinator of the National Erasmus + Office in Montenegro pointed out that, during the last three decades, participation in the Erasmus+ had positive impact to personal and professional development of more than 10 million people in Europe.
„In the next programme period, for which 26 billion euros is allocated, Erasmus+ will be more innovative and inclusive, with the focus on digitalization and green development”
Drljević reminded that Montenegro participates in this programme from its very beginning.
“If we speak in numbers, results that Montenegro has achieved are impressive. Participation in 35 projects in area of capacity building in higher education, where 8 of them are coordinated by Montenegrin institutions with budget over 23,4 million euro, makes an impressive success and would be good result for even larger states then Montenegro is.” Newly selected projects brings innovativeness in approach, introducing themes such are blue economy, digitalization, dual education, development of multimedia platforms for online teaching and learning, inclusive education, strengthening of the university autonomy …
Impressive result is also the 352 agreements on international credit mobility, with over 200 EU universities, as well as the number of students that gained the scholarships for joint master programmes, programmes of excellence.