1. Background
The Academy of Applied Preschool Teaching and Health Studies recognizes internationalisation as one of the key factors for enhancing the quality of higher education, promoting the professional development of academic and administrative staff, and strengthening students’ competencies for living and working in an increasingly interconnected world. International cooperation represents an important instrument for improving teaching and learning processes, research activities, professional practice, and institutional capacities.
2. Vision of Internationalisation
The Academy aims to become a recognized higher education institution that actively contributes to the exchange of knowledge, experience, and good practices in the fields of education, healthcare, and social welfare through continuous development of international partnerships and active participation in European and other international initiatives.
3. Strategic Objectives
The internationalisation strategy is focused on achieving the following objectives:
- enhancing the quality of education through international cooperation;
- developing and strengthening partnerships with higher education institutions, research organizations, and other relevant institutions and stakeholders worldwide;
- promoting the mobility of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel;
- fostering professional, intercultural, and language competencies among all participants in the educational process;
- exchanging experiences and examples of good practice in the fields of education, healthcare, and social welfare;
- increasing participation in international projects and funding programmes;
- encouraging joint research, professional activities, and academic publishing;
- promoting European values, inclusion, equal opportunities, and sustainable development;
- strengthening the international visibility and reputation of the Academy.
4. Priority Areas
4.1. Mobility of Students and Staff
The Academy actively supports incoming and outgoing mobility of students, academic staff, and non-academic personnel through Erasmus+, CEEPUS, and other bilateral and multilateral cooperation programmes. Particular emphasis is placed on international experience, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
4.2. International Academic and Professional Cooperation
The Academy seeks to establish and further develop cooperation with higher education institutions, research organizations, healthcare institutions, educational institutions, professional associations, and other relevant partners in order to implement joint activities of mutual interest.
4.3. Participation in International Projects
Special attention is devoted to participation in international programmes and projects aimed at improving the quality of education, digital transformation, inclusion, sustainability, innovative teaching approaches, and institutional capacity building.
4.4. Research and Professional Collaboration
The Academy encourages joint research activities, organization of scientific and professional events, exchange of educational resources, and collaborative publication with international partners.
4.5. Internationalisation at Home
In addition to physical mobility, the Academy promotes the concept of “internationalisation at home” by integrating international and intercultural dimensions into curricula, organizing guest lectures, workshops, and virtual activities, and utilizing digital technologies to foster intercultural dialogue and global awareness.
5. Principles of Implementation
The implementation of the internationalisation strategy is based on the following principles:
- quality and academic excellence;
- inclusiveness and equal opportunities;
- transparency and accountability;
- respect for cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue;
- sustainability and social responsibility;
- digital transformation and innovation;
- alignment with European standards and the principles of the European Higher Education Area.
6. Expected Outcomes
The implementation of this strategy is expected to contribute to:
- improving the quality of teaching and learning;
- strengthening the competencies of students and staff;
- enhancing institutional capacities;
- promoting research and professional cooperation;
- increasing the international visibility and attractiveness of the Academy;
- fostering active participation in the European Higher Education Area and the broader international academic community.
Internationalisation is understood as a continuous and dynamic process that supports the mission and vision of the Academy and contributes to its development as a modern, open, innovative, and socially responsible higher education institution.