Staff Mobility: FH Kufstein Tirol is a guest in Norway

Manuela Osterauer, Head of International Relations Office/Head of IP at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol, took part in the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL) as part of an Erasmus+ staff mobility. The winter school in Sogndal, which took place from February 17 to 21, 2025 as a BIP, provided an ideal platform for gaining insights into the organization and implementation of these innovative Erasmus+ programs that combine physical and virtual learning formats. The aim was to discuss new opportunities for cooperation, to further develop student mobility and to collect best practices in international university exchange.

In addition to specialist lectures and workshops on the topic of Entrepreneurial Prospects and Challenges in Special Interest Tourism, the program offered numerous opportunities for networking and strategic cooperation with partner universities from all over Europe.

Campus visit in Bergen: insights into our partner university

The visit began with a city tour and a visit to the HVL Campus in Bergen, where initial talks were held with the International Relations Office and a Director of Studies. The campus tour provided valuable insights into the infrastructure, organization and international activities of the higher education institution. This facilitated further discussions on future cooperation.

NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HVL: EXCHANGE WITH A FUTURE

One of the main reasons for the trip was to get to know the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences as a new partner university of the FH Kufstein Tirol. Intensive meetings and discussions provided deeper insights into the structures and working methods of the HVL. This not only laid the foundation for sustainable cooperation, but also opened up new perspectives for outgoing students who will be able to spend their semester abroad there in the future.

FUTURE-ORIENTED COOPERATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES

An important part of the week was dedicated to meetings on future cooperation in the areas of student mobility and joint projects. The possibilities for more intensive exchange programs and research collaborations were discussed.

In addition, there was a lively exchange with representatives from other higher education institutions, during which innovative strategies and best practices for international mobility programs were discussed. Comparing the different approaches used in Europe to promote student mobility and university cooperation was particularly valuable.

LESSONS LEARNT FROM THE ORGANIZATION OF GDP

A central learning objective of this week was to gain a deeper understanding of how to organize and implement a blended intensive program. The structured planning, the combination of academic and social activities, and the targeted networking of participants provided valuable insights for the future implementation of BIPs at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.

Particularly impressive was the successful integration of excursions and cultural experiences into the academic program, as they naturally promoted networking and intercultural exchange.

IN CONCLUSION

Participating in the Blended Intensive Program in Norway provided the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol with valuable insights into how to organize innovative mobility formats, strengthened its relationship with HVL and enabled an intensive exchange with international university partners. The knowledge gained and new contacts will help to deepen future collaborations and further expand international mobility.

Links:

• International Relations Office | Website
• Western Norway University of Applied Sciences | Partner University