In addition to networking and getting to know the host institution at Aalto, participants learned about joint programs, multilingual and multicultural aspects, the European degree, and wellbeing at universities. Workshop moderators from Aalto, KTH, and Grenoble-INP led sessions, presenting tools, guidelines, and best practices developed by Unite!.
Ferdinand Keil, head of the research group at the Laboratory of Integrated Electronic Systems at TU Darmstadt, along with six universities, companies, and research institutions, is currently creating a joint program on microelectronics to train urgently needed specialists for the semiconductor industry. The GreenChips-EDU project aims to enable 6400 students to complete bachelor’s or jointly offered master’s degrees over a four-year project period.
Participants also learned about the alliance policy on multilingualism and multiculturalism (M&M), which must be considered when creating courses and programs in an international environment. The goal of this policy is to establish general guidelines for the university alliance to successfully create a multilingual trans-European campus. Since more practical advice was needed, Unite! is currently finalizing a handbook to provide the alliance and all its members with ideas, tools, and good practices to fully utilize our cultural diversity.
“Although we have a common language of communication, all Unite! languages and cultures must be considered and appreciated to truly be part of our environment,”
– explains workshop leader Sophie Belanger from Grenoble-INP, who coordinates the M&M expert group in Unite!.
The workshops discussed aspects of supporting wellbeing in teaching, human resources, direct support for students, or general university services. Janne Mertala and Tiina Pylkkönen presented Aalto University’s view on the holistic wellbeing of the university community and perspectives on student wellbeing. The workshop also included a guided tour of the Wellbeing Path in Aalto, a breathing break combining movement with the surrounding campus nature, and meditation.
“Conversations and the exchange of information with international colleagues were enlightening in many ways—we learned a lot from each other and had a great time. Each participant brought one good practice from their home university. I find the opportunity for benchmarking refreshing and have many new thoughts on future development,” says Janne Mertala, who works at Aalto University as a career advisor and special education teacher.
Unite! offers training weeks and courses for all staff from the nine partner universities. Visit the page dedicated to faculty and staff mobility.
