Erasmus delegates visiting the Copper Works in Hafod
Around 40 delegates from universities all over Europe have spoken highly about Swansea University following their visit to the University during its second Erasmus Staff Open Week.
The Erasmus programme gives university staff from across Europe the opportunity to spend a short period of time teaching or undergoing training at another European university.
Funded by the European Union’s Erasmus programme, delegates spent the week discussing a range of topics which are relevant to all but where different approaches may be taken in different countries.
These included the management of international activity, student support, employability, curriculum development and recruitment. Delegates had the chance to share best practise and learn from each other as well as being able to experience the Swansea University approach for themselves.
Three of the visitors commented on their visit before they departed:
Virginia Salazar, from the University of Granada, Spain said that this was the first time that she had visited South Wales and Swansea University and she had been particularly impressed with the developments to the campus. Virginia commented : “I am impressed with the new campus and the way it is going to link to businesses and the fact that it is restoring a site which was not being used”.
Isabel Pera, from the Technical University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain said that it was her first visit to Wales and she had found a very friendly atmosphere, not just at the University but generally with the Welsh people. Isabel said: “ With the strong collaboration already in place between the two Universities, particularly regarding Masters and Doctorates in the College of Engineering, I have found it has been very useful sharing experiences with staff and students.”
Nicolas Vidal, from the Joseph Fourier University in Grenoble, one of the University’s key strategic partners said: “I have been impressed with Swansea University’s very good communications and organisation as well as the strong links with Grenoble.”
Staff and student exchange, teaching and research partnerships with leading European Universities have long been a key part of Swansea’s approach. The University has recently seen big increases in the number of students opting to spend a period of time studying or working abroad as part of their degree both within and outside Europe.
These strategic links will continue to grow and develop through engagement with Erasmus+, the new EU programme for Education, Training, Youth and Sport, and Horizon 2020, a key funding instrument of the European Commission for research and innovation.
The Open Week was also an opportunity to show off the region and delegates had the chance to visit the regenerated Copper Works in Hafod, the Swansea Bay waterfront and the Gower.
