Medizinische Universität Graz

Bridging Worlds – Partner Week 2023 at Med Uni Graz

The Partner Weeks bring together participants from global partners to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and live internationalization through immersive academic and cultural experiences.

The group of international participants sits in front of the Med Uni Graz building. The Med Uni Graz lettering and some flags can be seen in the background. — © Med Uni Graz International

Group Photo Participants

Objectives

The core objective of the Partner Week (International Staff Week), which brought 34 participants from 23 partner institutions in 16 nations to Graz, was to strengthen existing partnerships and cultivate new collaborations by providing a platform for personal interaction, academic exchange, and mutual learning. Targeting international academic and administrative staff, the week aimed to deepen institutional ties and support the strategic goal of Med Uni Graz to enhance internationalization in research, education, and student services. It also aligned with the university’s mission to internationalize the curriculum and promote intercultural competence among staff and students.

Background

Initiated and coordinated by the International Office, the Partner Week was developed as a strategic measure within the framework of Med Uni Graz's internationalization strategy. Its implementation was supported institutionally and logistically by various organizational units, including the Clinical Skills Center, the Medical Research Center, and the Study Management Department. The development process was characterized by internal strategic planning and external global developments in the areas of mobility and university cooperation.

(Implemented) Activities

Over five days, a rich program included campus tours, lab and hospital visits, workshops, and networking sessions. Highlights were the Poster Exhibition and Best Practice Workshops. Participants were engaged through cultural excursions and social events, such as a Styrian dinner, a trip to the chocolate factury and guided city tours, ensuring immersive, interactive learning. The combination of formal presentations and informal dialogues ensured accessibility and relevance to the international guests.

Results

The week resulted in concrete outcomes such as expanded collaboration agreements, new ideas for mobility programs, and strengthened professional networks. Participants reported increased understanding of institutional practices and greater interest in joint research and mobility initiatives. Long-term, the event reinforced the university’s role as a hub for international medical education and contributed to strategic goal-setting across partnerships.

Lessons learned & transferability

We learned the value of combining structured academic exchange with personal storytelling and cultural immersion. Key challenges included balancing program intensity with time for networking. Adaptability and open communication proved essential. Feedback emphasized the importance of emotional connection, leading to deeper, more sustainable partnerships. Future events will focus even more on co-creation and including diverse voices, especially from underrepresented partners.

Comments

The success of the Partner Week shows that strategic internationalization can be both human-centred and institutionally effective when it brings together hearts, minds, and missions. Whereas this Partner Week was carried out in May 2023, a follow-up version with the name “Global Partner Week” already took place in May 2025.