FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences

International. Flexible. Inclusive. – Erasmus+ Short-term traineeships at FHJ

The FHJ supports students who are unable to participate in long-term mobility programs abroad (e.g., family obligations, health studies curriculum) through funded Erasmus+ short-term traineeships.

Cultural experiences and professional insights from Tanzania

Objectives

In the new Erasmus+ program generation, FH JOANNEUM has decided to support short-term traineeships abroad and promote them through Erasmus+. This commitment goes beyond traditional mobility formats and highlights the diverse opportunities, challenges, and advantages of this approach. These short-term traineeships are proving to be extremely valuable, especially in health-related degree programs. Short-term mobility is extremely relevant for students in the healthcare sector, as the MTD law requires them to complete many short traineeships during their studies. Until now, these programs have not been eligible for funding for long-term stays through Erasmus+. Thanks to short-term mobility, these programs, which do not require a minimum two-month traineeship, are now also eligible for funding through Erasmus+. In addition, the program is also aimed at students who are unable to spend a longer period abroad due to family commitments, care responsibilities (e.g., students with children). Also student who working next to their studies, or students with health problems or with diasbilities are able to complete a funded Erasmus+ short-term traineeship abroad. Short-term mobility thus offers a flexible and inclusive alternative for gaining international practical experience—regardless of personal circumstances. Since last year, funded Erasmus+ short-term traineeships have also been available at partner institutions of the European University EU4Dual, in which FH JOANNEUM is an active partner university. This opens up additional high-quality and practice-oriented mobility options within the European university network and strengthens the internal network between the partners.

Background

The introduction of Erasmus+ short-term traineeships at FH JOANNEUM is based on the observation that certain groups of students – particularly those studying in the health science department – were structurally disadvantaged when it came to Erasmus+ funded mobility programs. The legal requirements of the MTD law stipulate many short, consecutive traineeships, meaning that a continuous stay abroad of at least two months, as previously required by the Erasmus+ program, was generally not possible. At the same time, other student groups also expressed a need for more flexible mobility formats, such as students with family care responsibilities, professional commitments, or health restrictions. The impetus for developing this format came from the International Office. The initiative was made possible by the new generation of Erasmus+ program (2021–2027), which explicitly promotes short-term mobility for the first time. Internally, implementation was strongly supported by the commitment of the International Office and the strategic anchoring of inclusion and internationalization at FH JOANNEUM. Joining the European University EU4Dual also created new cooperation structures that can be used to organize short-term traineeships. Externally, the Erasmus+ program provided the financial and structural basis for implementation. FH JOANNEUM supports this example of good practice institutionally through clear information offerings, adapted funding processes, and individual counseling. In addition, the exchange of experiences with students who have completed a short-term traineeship and with other universities and partner institutions is actively promoted in order to continuously develop the format and ensure its long-term sustainability.

(Implemented) Activities

A total of 116 applications have already been received, indicating high demand and relevance of the format. The program is not only used by students from individual degree programs, but by students from 16 different degree programs (speech therapy, midwifery, occupational therapy, biomedical analysis, radiology technology, etc.) at FH JOANNEUM. A key factor in the success of the Erasmus+ short-term internship format at FH JOANNEUM is the wide geographical spread of the host institutions. Most internships have been completed in Germany, which is the preferred destination country, particularly due to its linguistic proximity and high density of suitable institutions in the health sector. Switzerland, Denmark, and Sweden are also among the most important partner countries. It is also noteworthy that mobility programs have even taken place in Malaysia and Tanzania, which is an indication of the university's growing international reach and the openness of its students to intercultural experiences outside Europe. As part of her health studies, a midwifery student completed a three-week internship in Lucerne, which was only possible as a short-term mobility program due to the internship structure enshrined in the MTD Act. Her experience report impressively shows how valuable professional and intercultural skills can be acquired even in a short period of time. https://www.fh-joanneum.at/news/die-schweiz-ruft-erasmus-praktikum-in-luzern/ Ein Another successful example is the short-term internship of a student from the Health and Nursing program, who was unable to participate in a longer mobility program abroad due to childcare responsibilities. Thanks to the three-week Erasmus+ internship in Tanzania, she was still able to gain international experience and expand her professional skills in an intercultural environment. https://www.fh-joanneum.at/news/kulturelle-erfahrungen-und-berufliche-einblicke-aus-tansania/

Results

The Erasmus+ short-term traineeship program at FH JOANNEUM has achieved concrete, measurable success: Within a short period of time, more than 100 students from over 15 degree programs were attracted and supported for a stay abroad—including many who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to participate in a traditional long-term traineeship due to legal requirements (MTD law), care responsibilities, or professional activities. The added value for the target group lies in the realistic feasibility and promotion of international experience under difficult conditions. Students acquire important technical, intercultural, and linguistic skills, strengthen their self-efficacy, and broaden their professional horizons. The short duration also makes mobility accessible to previously underrepresented groups such as students with children or part-time jobs. In the long term, the model contributes to more inclusive internationalization. It promotes equal opportunities, strengthens the employability of graduates, and positions FH JOANNEUM as an innovative university in the European higher education area. The close connection to the EU4Dual University network also increases the sustainability and visibility of the format—and creates new potential for future cooperation in the field of practice-oriented mobility.

Lessons learned

Implementing the Erasmus+ short-term traineeships was a learning-intensive process that required new approaches in terms of both organization and communication. One of the most important lessons learned was that there is great interest in international experiences—provided that the mobility formats fit the students' real lives. The new program was received with great openness, especially in the health study programs. Two major challenges arose in particular in the area of administration: - The funding logic of Erasmus+ was originally geared toward long-term mobilities, so internal processes, tools, and documentation requirements had to be adapted. - Short-term mobility is expensive, so a certain amount of Erasmus+ funding must be available at the university. These hurdles were overcome through good and structured work by all involved. The key lessons learned are: - Flexibility in mobility formats is crucial to promoting diversity and equal opportunities in internationalization. - Short-term traineeships are not “less valuable,” but offer condensed yet effective learning and development experiences. - Early, individual guidance is essential to identify and support suitable participants. Experience shows that targeted innovation in mobility practices can break down real barriers and attract new target groups to international higher education experiences.

Rahels Traineeship Team

The best doctors there

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