Small steps, big impact: international experience through short mobilities

Today, international experience is a central element of modern higher education - but not every student has the opportunity to go abroad for an entire semester. This is exactly where we at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences come in with an innovative concept: short mobilities.

For our part-time students in particular, a semester abroad is often not an option. Nevertheless, we would like to offer everyone the opportunity to gain international experience - in a practical and manageable setting. Our approach: "Internationalisation at home" with real added value.

Short mobilities: Summer Schools, Joint Weeks & Co.

How does this work? For example, through short mobilities where our students can travel abroad for a few days - for example to a summer school or a joint week of courses with partner universities. Students from Burgenland University of Applied Sciences and from abroad form a team and spend a week learning, working and living together.

Particularly attractive: students gain valuable experience abroad in a very short space of time - without any lengthy organisational preparation. The entire week is planned and organised by the university, including invitations from international partner universities. This means that students don't have to worry about anything - they literally join the mobility programme ready to go. This creates space for what really counts: new experiences, inspiring contacts and broadening professional and personal horizons in order to get the most out of the international encounter.

Participation is also financially feasible: Thanks to funding programmes such as Erasmus+, travel costs can be covered. There is also a daily allowance to make the stay easier. This makes the international experience affordable.

Those who are unable to travel can receive compensation. Important: Participation is voluntary, but those who take part receive 3 ECTS - and above all: new perspectives, contacts and a feeling for international cooperation.

An experience with reverberations

To ensure that this week does not stand alone, it is embedded in a preparation and follow-up phase. This provides structured support for international learning. The students experience what it means to realise projects together with people from other cultures - including time management, planning and intercultural communication. Skills that are worth their weight in gold later in their careers.

The joint conclusion of Melina Schellmann, Armina Saric, Lia Simon and Sina Geilhaar shows just how valuable these insights are:

Quality cooperation & active partnerships

This brings enormous advantages for us as a university: We build quality partnerships with other universities - often on a personal level, which result in new long-term projects or even EU-wide collaborations.

Challenges & the future

Of course there are challenges. Short-term mobilities are relatively more expensive - and although EU funding such as Erasmus+ supports our students, the available funds in the International Office (IO) have to be carefully calculated. As a result, not all mobility requests can be realised - a point that is viewed critically throughout the higher education sector. And yet: the number of mobilities is increasing. We have observed that short stays abroad often whet the appetite for more - for many, it is the first step towards a longer period of study abroad.

A European mindset

We are strongly committed to bilateral alliances and practising internationality - throughout the university. This applies to students and staff alike. It is about understanding internationality as a matter of course. A clear "yes" to the European idea. About openness, curiosity and cooperation across borders. "I am European" - the mindset we want to promote.

We are working hard to broaden our cooperation - so that all degree programmes at Burgenland University of Applied Sciences can benefit from it. Short-term mobilities are more than just a trend: they are a key to internationality for everyone.

From 25 - 29 August 2025, the Pan-European University Ostrava will host an International Week focusing on innovation in business, marketing and management with the aim of knowledge exchange and cooperation between universities and the business sector. More information here.