FH JOANNEUM University of Applied Sciences

Erasmus+ at FH JOANNEUM: Short-term internships for global education

FHJ is committed to helping students with long-term obstacles to mobility, such as family commitments, and thus broadens educational opportunities and international horizons in higher education.

Objectives

In the new Erasmus+ programme generation, FH JOANNEUM has decided to support short-term internships abroad and promote them via Erasmus+. This commitment goes beyond conventional mobility formats and emphasises the diverse opportunities, challenges and benefits of this approach. These short-term internships are proving to be extremely valuable, particularly in healthcare degree programmes. Short-term mobilities are extremely valuable for healthcare students, as the MTD law requires them to undertake many short internships during their studies. These study programmes have therefore not had the opportunity to receive funding for a long-term stay via Erasmus+ until now. Thanks to short-term mobility, these study programmes, which do not require an internship of at least two months, now also have the opportunity to receive funding via Erasmus+.

Background

Students on the logopedia, midwifery and radiology technology degree programmes now have the opportunity to deepen their theoretical knowledge through practical experience abroad. In addition, FH Joanneum is actively committed to ensuring that students who find long-term mobility difficult due to personal circumstances can also benefit from the advantages of the Erasmus+ programme.

(Implemented) Activities

Students on the speech therapy, midwifery and radiology technology degree programmes now have the opportunity to deepen their theoretical knowledge through practical experience abroad. One example of this is https://www.fh-joanneum.at/news/summer-in-the-city-erasmus-praktikum-in-koeln/, where students received financial support for their stay. This opportunity not only gives them the chance to acquire international expertise, but also to develop intercultural skills, which are invaluable in today's globalised working world. In addition FH JOANNEUM is also actively committed to ensuring that students who find long-term mobility difficult due to personal circumstances can also benefit from the advantages of the Erasmus+ programme. One example of this is students with family commitments such as children or caring responsibilities. They have the opportunity to gain fascinating cultural experiences and professional insights in countries such as Tanzania without having to neglect their family commitments: https://www.fh-joanneum.at/news/kulturelle-erfahrungen-und-berufliche-einblicke-aus-tansania/

Results

Overall, FH JOANNEUM's support for short-term Erasmus+ internships helps to broaden students' educational opportunities and international horizons while promoting the diversity of mobility opportunities in higher education. The UAS is proud to offer students these valuable valuable experiences and to accompany them on their way to becoming competent and cosmopolitan specialists.

Lessons learned

Recognising the broadening of educational opportunities: FH JOANNEUM's commitment demonstrates that supporting short-term internships abroad is an effective way of offering students additional educational opportunities that go beyond traditional teaching formats. Practical application of theoretical knowledge as teaching: Experience shows that short-term internships enable students to deepen their theoretical knowledge through practical applications abroad. This is crucial for the application of acquired knowledge in real professional situations. Emphasise the importance of intercultural skills: Participation in Erasmus+ internships has been shown to be an effective way of developing intercultural skills. These skills are invaluable in the globalised world of work and help graduates to operate successfully in international working environments. Experience in integrating students with special needs: FH JOANNEUM has learned that through active efforts it is possible to enable students with personal circumstances that make long-term mobility difficult to participate in the Erasmus+ programme. This includes students with family responsibilities who can still gain international experience through short-term internships. Encourage diversity of mobility opportunities: Experience shows that supporting short-term internships promotes the diversity of mobility opportunities in higher education. This provides students with more flexible routes to international experience. Pride in support and advice: FH JOANNEUM recognises that actively supporting students on their way to becoming competent and open-minded professionals is not only an important contribution to their education, but also leads to a sense of pride in the valuable experience they have gained.

Further links