Strengthening EU-Malaysia Academic Ties with Cordoba University

Dr Farhana Diana Deris

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 28 – University of Córdoba, Spain through Erasmus+ selected Language Academy, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities (FSSH), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) for the implementation of cooperation, specifically staff mobility and training. The cooperation aimed to foster stronger European Union (EU)-Malaysia academic connections, enhance the internationalisation efforts of both institutions, and explore new collaboration opportunities. For the implementation, Professor Javier Ávila Lopez, a distinguished scholar from the Department of English and German Studies, who is also the Director of Internationalisation at the University of Córdoba visited Language Academy. The Language Academy’s research groups, Technology and Language Education Research Group and Language in Communication and Society Research Group, played a vital role in facilitating the visit and engaging with Professor Ávila on various academic and research initiatives.

Talk in hybrid mode — *Professor Javier Ávila Lopez from the University of Cordoba, Spain*

During his time at UTM, Professor Ávila delivered three thought-provoking talks. His first talk was delivered in hybrid mode. In the talk entitled “Internationalisation Activities, Erasmus+ Research Experiences, and Collaboration Opportunities”, he shared successful internationalisation strategies and insights on Erasmus+ projects, providing practical suggestions for enhancing research and academic partnerships between UTM and European institutions.

Welcoming Speech by Dr Farhana Diana Deris — *Welcoming speech by Dr Farhana Diana Deris*

The second talk, “Transforming Learning with English Medium Instruction: The University of Córdoba Experience”, was delivered virtually and it entailed the integration of English Medium Instruction (EMI) at the University of Córdoba, highlighting the benefits and challenges of EMI in higher education and its impact on transforming the learning experience.

Screenshot () — *One of the screenshots of the virtual participants, featuring FSSH’s student Nasyithah Syathirah Yusuf as Moderator*

Meanwhile, his third talk “Beats and Books: The Role of Music in Multiliteracy Development” focused on the connection between music and language learning, focusing on how musical elements can enhance multiliteracy skills and enrich educational practices.

Professor Ávila’s visit marked a significant step forward in strengthening academic and research collaborations between UTM and the University of Cordoba, demonstrating the power of Erasmus+ in bridging educational communities across borders. The engagement fostered mutual learning and set the foundation for future joint initiatives in language education, internationalisation, and intercultural collaboration.

Photos of activities between the two universities are available on FSSH Facebook Page, Humanities@UTM.