Current Trends in Higher Education Internationalization and Transnational Education

The common agenda was discussed and arranged by the Coordinator of SL Partner Universities at a meeting held in February 2024 (attached). Accordingly, the SLTC initiated communication with the EU partner appointed to monitor the activities carried out by the SLTC ENACT Project Team. Arrangements for transportation and accommodation were made in consultation with Ms. Christina and the Finance Division of VUM during the visit.

Day 1 – 25 April 2024

Ms. Christina was welcomed by the Senior Officials of the University according to the agenda. She visited the EU Cell located in the International Office, where team members of the SLTC ENACT Project participated in a meeting. Ms. Christina reviewed the progress of activities in the three multiplication training exercises and examined the financial summary of the project, which were presented to her via PowerPoint. We were briefed on concerns raised by the team regarding project fund utilization and resigning trainers after having participated in multiplication trainings. Particularly, issues such as exchange rate differences and rejection of Schengen Visas for nominated trainers were discussed.

Ms. Christina also conducted a workshop focusing on “Current Trends in Higher Education Internationalization and Transnational Education,” which left a positive impression on the participants.

Day 2 – 26 April 2024

Discussions on self-assessment for integrating SLTC non-academic staff learning and development into university operations took place on this day. This included the following:

• Delivery 3.1: Multiplication trainings on building skills and capacity to support and cope with internationalization 
• Delivery 3.2: Multiplication trainings on modern practices in Human Resource management, university administration, and financial management.
• Delivery 3.3: Multiplication trainings on soft skills
• Delivery 3.4: Stakeholder involvement in the development of the University Strategy for Non- Academic Staff Learning and Development
• Delivery 3.5: Strategy for Non-Academic Staff Learning and Development.
• Delivery 3.6: Staff Training and Development Cell.

We were requested to conduct a TOT for Delivery 3.1, which was postponed due to the Trainers’ busy schedule. It was assured that this training program would be conducted in May 2024. The team was advised to submit all evidence of completed TOTs along with the Final Report.

Additionally, we were educated on how to develop the strategy for non-academic staff learning and development with stakeholder involvement and the requirements for establishing the Staff Training and Development Cell. Furthermore, discussions were held on hosting the Final Conference, and instructions were provided on initiating this process.