RSU representatives advance teaching and study organisation practices during Erasmus + Mobility visit in Romania

Photo: Courtesy of the participants

From 26 to 29 April, Lect. Romāns Gagunovs and study process organisers Ilze Speķe and Sandra Alksne of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Faculty of Social Sciences visited West University of Timișoara in Romania, where over the course of several days, they delivered lectures and shared their experience, highlighting the RSU best practices in coordinating the study process.

During the visit, the RSU representatives learned about the work of the Faculty of Governance and Communication Sciences, its study organisation and academic approaches, as well as discussed opportunities for future cooperation in the study and research fields. Particular attention was devoted to exchanging experience on study process organisation, student engagement, and the development of international cooperation.

At the beginning of spring, 

a cooperation agreement was signed between the two universities, providing opportunities for academic and administrative staff, as well as students from both universities to participate in Erasmus mobility exchanges.

Teaching mobility 

International exchange of experience not only helps to improve the study process but also strengthens long-term cooperation between universities. Gagunovs participated in a teaching mobility programme, which involved delivering lectures. Given his area of expertise and the current geopolitical situation, during the lectures special attention was paid to current security risks and challenges in the Baltic Sea region, including political security, societal resilience, and military development.  

‘Mobility is an excellent opportunity to share knowledge. At the same time, the experience gained in an international environment provides new ideas for advancing teaching and improving the quality of studies,’ 

says Gagunovs, reflecting on the benefits of the Erasmus programme.

Exchange of experience in organising study process 

Meanwhile, the study process organisers participated in a staff mobility programme. Exchanging ideas with colleagues from West University of Timișoara allowed them to broaden their perspective on work organisation.

Ilze Speķe emphasised: ‘This mobility provided a valuable opportunity to learn about colleagues’ experience in organising the study process. 

The visit offered in-depth knowledge about the organisation of the study process at another university and provided practical ideas that can also be adapted to our faculty’s daily work.’

Participation in the Erasmus+ mobility programme provided valuable experience and fostered international cooperation, strengthening the RSU position within the European academic community.

Sandra Alksne added: ‘The mobility programme provided a broader perspective on coordinating the study process and strengthened my understanding of various organisational solutions. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share experience, while at the same time learn from colleagues in other countries.’

Future cooperation 

As part of the mobility visit, meetings were held with academic and administrative staff and the opportunities discussed to expand cooperation within the Erasmus+ programme, including the promotion of joint initiatives and future mobility exchanges. The visit also included discussions on research collaboration, including the preparation of joint applications for the Horizon Europe research programme.

Representatives of the RSU Faculty of Social Sciences highly value the opportunity to participate in Erasmus mobility activities, as they contribute to professional development and promote the RSU reputation worldwide.