Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Receives the Erasmus Charter

In order to apply for and receive the Charter, Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences developed the Erasmus International Cooperation Strategy 2021-2027. The development process included not only the planning of the next period, but also the evaluation of the previous period 2014-2020, reviewing the results of cooperation with European Union (EU) countries and partners, and partners outside the EU, foreign companies and organizations and evaluating membership in international associations, the results of previous period international exchange, joint programmes and various cooperation projects.

Taking into account ViA strategy discussions on the main keywords and actions in different ViA structural units, as well as international trends and Erasmus+ guidelines for 2021-2027, the following international cooperation priorities are set for Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences for the next strategy period:

1. To create and offer internationally relevant, integrated and high-quality content and knowledge flows (joint courses, modules, international programmes, academic degrees);
2. To develop international partnerships in order to ensure high-quality joint development projects and high-quality mobility of students and lecturers;
3. To attract foreign students;
4. To attract foreign lecturers and researchers;
5. To create an international environment and implement ViA processes at the international level.

In addition, priorities were set that is important for individual study programmes and structural units: to promote international scientific cooperation, mobility of lecturers and staff, including activating and increasing student mobility, implementing intensive programmes and study tours.

Assessing the international strategy developed and submitted by Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences, the conclusion of foreign experts states that it clearly and comprehensibly describes the directions of the institution's activities. The role of the Erasmus programme in international cooperation is well justified, and specific objectives have been set not only for the various international exchanges but also for the other activities of the programme that envisage the development of diverse studies at the international level.

ViA plans and implements its strategy by operating in the region, but sees the challenges from a European and global perspective. The university will continue to offer international experience through exchange studies, the opportunity to do practice in the EU countries and outside the EU. International activities cut across all levels of the university, and ViA cooperates with more than 100 partner universities in 45 different countries. Also in the next seven years, ViA is committed to expanding the range of foreign cooperation partners in the field of education and research by establishing new partnerships and evaluating good practices. New international projects are planned for cooperation with foreign industry representatives, which will allow improving professional experience during studies.

As the latest Erasmus project, ViA has launched the European University project “Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions” that foresees establishing a framework for purposeful cooperation between six universities representing all European regions. The cooperation includes students, researchers, as well as the development of innovation projects of various levels. The European University is the university of the future that tests and implements different approaches to enable the acquisition of future study, research and business skills.

The Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) provides the general quality framework for European and international cooperation activities higher education institutions may carry out within the Erasmus Programme.