The XIII International Staff Week 2023/2024 Erasmus+ Program and Partner Countries Staff Training Week (ISW) took place at the Universidad de Almeria (UAL), Spain, from April 22 to 26, 2024. This program, organized by Erasmus, focuses on the mobility of academic and administrative management staff, aiming to add value to individuals and organizations.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) was represented by Dr. Mimi Haryani Hashim from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Energy Engineering (FKT) and Mr. Dzulhelmi Mohd Razali from the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), along with more than 50 participants from over 20 countries. They convened to build new relationships and delve into the local work culture, while discussing the latest issues related to academia and higher education.
The ISW program started with a briefing from D. Jose J. Cespedes Lorente, Rector of UAL, including an introduction to UAL and a campus visit. Located in the south of Spain, UAL is part of Andalusia on the Alboran Sea, providing modern facilities as well as sports and cultural amenities that form the backbone of a university embedded in the local community. Participants were also introduced to aspects of Spanish culture and language to guide them during their stay in Almeria.
On the second day, the program continued with a presentation of “Unigreen: The Green European University,” a collaborative effort with several European universities focused on maintaining resource sustainability and ensuring planetary health. This was delivered by Tomas Lorenzana de la Varga and Maria Fernanda Rodriguez Heras. This initiative is highly relevant to the current issue of Planetary Health, which many academics are addressing to preserve the earth’s health.
The program included a networking session where each university shared their corporate video, followed by a pitching session with the participants. UTM, represented by Mr. Dzulhelmi Mohd Razali, promoted its status as the first university in Malaysia to offer an Artificial Intelligence program, along with other undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This attracted the interest of several participants who wanted to learn more about UTM’s offerings.
Dr. Mimi Haryani Hashim also had the opportunity to conduct a two-hour lecture with UAL students. With a background in Chemical Engineering and specialization in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), she described this platform as a strategy to enhance collaboration through research grants and matching grants.
“This opportunity should not be missed. The chance to spend two hours with UAL students is a stepping stone to build more collaboration between UAL and UTM,” said Dr. Mimi.
Meanwhile, Hugo Gonzalez from the UAL Internationalization Office shared best practices aimed at engaging over 300 participants, including students and staff, in the mobility program with scholarships provided by the Spanish Government under the European Union. Some inbound students from Argentina, Germany, Finland, and Armenia also shared their experiences of spending one semester at UAL. The Erasmus program provides extensive exposure and added value, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the local culture and work environment. UTM can use these best practices to run mobility programs and promote Malaysian culture.
Participants also enjoyed visits around Almeria, including a tour of Cabo de Gata Natural Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark since 2006. They were impressed by the conservation of this vast area, free from modernization to maintain its originality. On the final night, participants enjoyed a Networking Dinner and Flamenco Dance performance, showcasing Spanish traditions and culture.
Dzulhelmi, participating in the ISW program for the first time, described the platform as fitting for the UTM International tagline: “Bring UTM to the World and Bring the World to UTM.”
“Mobility is a platform for us to get out of our comfort zone and see what is happening in the outside world while building new, more effective relationships. Many new ideas arose after meeting with new friends and discussing current issues,” he said.
Currently working as Postgraduate Academic Manager at FSSH, he added, “This program also provides individual added value in terms of managing the journey from start to finish, enhancing soft skills, crisis management, and decision-making skills.”
In conclusion, this mobility program should be expanded to all levels, both for students and staff. It adds value that will show results in the future. Faculty members with extensive collaboration networks can ensure the sustainability of academic programs and that the scholarship of academics is certified by partners from other universities, further enhancing the university’s global ranking.