Associate Professor Konstantinos Petridis, Vice Rector of Internationalization and Extroversion of the Hellenic Mediterranean University in Greece, will moderate this session: The Impact of Virtual Exchange Programs into HEIs Internationalization. The session includes short presentations (15 minutes for each presentation) by Virtual Exchange Coordinators and a round table discussion with the panelists and representatives of the EACEA on the impact of virtual exchange on more internationalization in Higher Education. 

To watch again on the 1st day, please check it at this link: https://youtu.be/fOcwNFH71M0 

Associate Professor Zoe Petropoulou - please click here. 

Abstract: 

The St. John's University policies for staff engagement in Virtual Exchange Programs emphasize fostering cross-cultural collaboration and enhancing global learning experiences through technology-driven communication platforms. These policies encourage faculty and staff to participate in virtual exchanges, promoting institutional internationalization by integrating global perspectives into the curriculum. Key aspects include providing necessary training for effective virtual communication, supporting the development of intercultural competencies, and ensuring equitable access to resources. Additionally, the policies highlight the importance of sustained collaboration, assessment of program outcomes, and alignment with the university’s strategic goals for global engagement. 

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The Virtual Exchange Project Inter-Mediterranean Peace and Collaboration (IMPACT) focuses on developing youth soft skills to facilitate communication and cultural competencies in the southeast Mediterranean area.  Associate Professor Konstantinos Petridis, coordinator of the project, will present the project's achievements, challenges, and vision for the future. More information about the project can be found here: https://eve-impact.eu/about/

Associate Professor Konstantinos Petridis from HMU, Greece, will give the presentation. 

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Mrs Susana Rodrigues, from the Atlântica - Instituto Universitário in Portugal,  will present the project. More about this project can be found here: https://switchinvirtual.com/

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Global Case Study Challenge (GCSC) is a female-led virtual team driving a future-oriented movement of global, conscious, and sustainable thinkers and leaders. GCSC prepares students and young professionals for future careers. The project helps educators and learning professionals upskill for the digital world. GCSC consults and trains HEIs on internationalization, virtual exchange, and sustainability. More information about the project can be found here: https://www.globalcasestudychallenge.com/ 

Prof. Dr. Eithne Knappitsch from CUAS, Austria, will give the presentation. Eithne Knappitsch is a Professor of Intercultural Management at Carinthia University of Applied Sciences, with an extensive background in higher education, including a Ph.D. in European Cultural Studies from the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland and a university certificate in Diversity Management from the Alps-Adria University Klagenfurt and Austrian Diversity Society. A a former President of SIETAR Austria, her expertise spans intercultural communication, leadership and teamwork in cross-border and remote work contexts, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Eithne’s most notable achievement is the co-founding of the Global Case Study Challenge, an innovative educational program and non-profit organization celebrated for enhancing intercultural, digital collaboration, and sustainability competencies across global student and educator communities. This initiative, alongside her role as curator of TEDxKlagenfurt, underscores her dedication to innovation, collaboration, and community. She has received several awards for her contributions, including two Austrian ARS Docendi Recognition Awards and the Profformance International Teaching Excellence Award, reflecting her impact on teaching and learning innovation. Knappitsch's work, characterized by a commitment to conscious community building and effective collaboration, has made significant strides in promoting intercultural understanding and educational advancements globally.

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MARGISTAR, an EU-funded COST Action aimed at furthering inclusive, competitive, and green mountainous regions, was launched in collaboration with 27 countries and more than 100 participants this April. The project supports international cooperation, inviting scholars, inhabitants, civil society, entrepreneurs, local government, and policymakers to work together to bring transformative change towards more connected and resilient mountainous communities.  More information about the project can be found here: https://margistar.eu/ 

Dr. Irene Christophoridi from HMU, Greece, will give the presentation. 

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Professor, Raquel Bravo Marín, internationalisation coordinator at the Faculty of Education in Albacete (University of Castilla-La Mancha) will make the respective presentation. 

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Mr. Vlasis Manolias, Project Manager and mobilities Coordinator at Metropolitan College in Greece and coordinator of DigiUP, will present the project's vision and good practices and share with us his challenges and proposals. For more information about the project, please check here. 

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Dr. Mathien, Tara Dawn, University of Florida, USA.  Dr. Mathien, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Florida and affiliate of the Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies, holds an Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction Leadership from Northern Illinois University. Her research interests encompass early childhood education teacher preparation, coaching and technology-enhanced clinical field experiences, internationalizing curriculum virtual exchange, and professional learning for early childhood practitioners, as well as, adult learners, particularly in online environments. More information about Dr. Mathien please check it here. 

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