ERASMUS+
The Erasmus programme and its implementation is a part of the strategy and internationalization aims of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA). The Erasmus projects support a significant part of ViA internationalization and invest in improving and modernizing higher education in the EU and Latvia. Various stakeholders have been involved in the development of the Erasmus Policy Statement 2021-2027 of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. During the process, planning of the next period (2021-2027) was performed.
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) 2021 - 2027. The award of an ECHE is a pre-requisite for all higher education institutions located in an Erasmus Programme country and willing to participate and implement Erasmus+ projects by organizing the international exchange of students, teachers, and other staff; implementing intensive courses and workshops; modernization of studies, networking and other international events.
In 2020, together with five other regionally based universities in five countries of the European Union, ViA became part of the European University Alliance E3UDRES2, which was joined by three more partners in 2022.
The E3UDRES2 network operates with the aim of proactively promoting regional development through excellent and human-centered education, applied research activities, and participation in the creation of innovations in cooperation with various involved parties. Out of the 44 European University Alliances established by 2023, only four (including E3UDRES2) are applied science alliances.
E³UDRES² is an acronym for Engaged and Entrepreneurial European (3xE = E³) University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable (2xS = S²) Regions. Sounds more complicated than it really is - if you say E³UDRES² out loud, you would just say it as "EUDRES" (sounds like you-dress), without any numbers involved.
Between the partner institutions (holders of the ECHE), the inter-institutional agreements are signed. The decision on signing a new agreement is made at the faculty, department or institute level if it covers only one faculty field, or at the university management meeting if the agreement foresees cooperation with different faculties and in various study fields. The factors considered are the similarities with the offered study programmes and research fields. The proposal for the new cooperation agreement can be submitted by anyone: staff members, management, students and representatives from abroad. The International Office collects all the proposals and forwards to the faculty or the university management for approval. Academic personnel are encouraged to establish new partnerships within their field of expertise to ensure possibilities for international and joint research.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS GROUP
INTERNATIONAL EVENTS
There are many international events ViA is organizing each academic year. Starting from International Weeks, Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programs, and Hackathons to Scientific Conferences and more. These events provide students and faculty with opportunities to engage in cross-cultural collaboration, gain new perspectives, and enhance their academic and professional skills.
