Instituto Superior Técnico welcomed around 120 professionals from 64 foreign universities in 19 countries for the 5th edition of International Staff Week, which took place between 26 and 30 May. The event, promoted by Técnico, once again brought together representatives of higher education institutions in a meeting marked by the sharing of good practices, the debate on internationalisation strategies and the strengthening of cooperation networks.
‘International Staff Week is a way of getting closer to our international partners and bringing them to us, making them visible to our community’, emphasised Luís Moreira, coordinator of the International Affairs Division. ‘It allows us to deepen partnerships that were still at an early stage and foster new ones, by debating common interests throughout the week.’
The week’s programme included themed work sessions, visits to Técnico’s three campi, cultural moments and networking activities. Participants were challenged to reflect on the current challenges of academic mobility and to share institutional experiences.
‘The programme was very well organised, and I think the staff were very involved in all the activities’, commented Cosmina Vosloban, from the West University of Timișoara in Romania. ‘People came from all over Europe, which is very good. I really liked the city too – it’s very lively, full of music, beautiful architecture and festivals.’
The balance between formal and informal moments was pointed out by several participants as one of the highlights of the week. ‘I found the street networking especially useful. We had the chance to talk about our challenges and areas of work’, said Elena Starciue, also from the Romanian university. ‘This kind of exchange is very relevant and is important for fostering co-operation between higher education institutions and creating networks.’
For many participants, Lisbon was not just the setting for the week, but an integral part of the experience. ‘I chose to come to Portugal because it was a long-standing goal. I think the dimension of co-operation between universities is important. Contact with different cultures helps you understand other contexts better’, shared Katarzyna Smolny, from Wroclaw University of Economics and Business in Poland. Before returning, she also expressed her desire to come back with her family, emphasising ‘the historical richness of the city’.
On the last day of the week, the participants also joined the Técnico community at International Day, an event dedicated to promoting international mobility and co-operation, providing a space for students, staff and partner institutions to meet.
