FHWien der WKW

Integrating Mobility Windows in the Curricula

Mobility Windows in the Curricula - A boost for internationalisation

Objectives

Employers are placing increasing value on international experience and intercultural skills, such as the ability to work in international teams or to deal adequately with cultural differences, in addition to a professionally sound education. For this reason, internationalisation is a priority goal of FHWien of WKW. Through a variety of international actvities, FHWien of WKW aims to optimally align teaching, research and also the corporate culture with the requirements of the global labour market. From 2018/19 onward, all students at FHWien of WKW in full-time Bachelor's programmes are to complete the 3rd semester as a semester abroad.

Background

The FHWien academic board, programme heads and CIEM (Center for International Education and Mobility) worked together to define mobility windows in the curricula, i.e. semesters that are suitable for international student exchange. As a consequence, studying/working abroad is no longer just an oprtion for students - it has become the norm.

(Implemented) Activities

- Participation in international projects in the areas of research & development - Teacher and student mobility: teacher exchanges; student exchanges within the framework of the Erasmus programme; bilateral cooperation with third countries; summer sessions abroad - International networking in the area of study programmes and degrees in the form of double-degree agreements - Internships abroad - Internationalisation of the curriculum by means of an intensive offer of English-language courses as well as integration of international content and teaching methods - Application of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) & implementation of the ECHE - Erasmus Charter for Higher Education 2021-2027 - Application of the Diploma Supplement Further internationalisation projects for the future: - Study programmes in English - Expansion of international networks with partner universities and business partners We created mobility windows not only for students on a mandatory study-abroad semester but for the students on the majority of degree programmes, with the aim of encouraging them to take part in international exchange.

Results

Outgoing student mobility has risen since 2019/20, the academic year when the first students on the mandatory study-abroad semester embarked on their international semesters. Outgoing mobility has risen for all students, with more and more opting to study abroad.

Lessons learned

The mobility windows in the curricula have proved to be an important prerequisite for student mobility. Even before enrolling at FHWien der WKW, the students are aware that international experience is going to be part of their studies. The mobility windows have to be evaluated at regular intervals. It is equally important to ensure that there are adequate courses taught in English for the incoming exchange students.

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