Recently, Parul University, based in Vadodara, hosted its International Staff Teaching & Training Week 2024 to extend and strengthen collaboration with prominent foreign institutions, share various examples about internationalisation, develop networks, and form new partnerships that would align with the vision of the university. This week-long event, entitled “Developing Competencies for Strengthening Internationalization,” brought together educators, administrators, and representatives from international institutions with global representatives sharing their thoughts and experiences on globalization, student exchange, and multicultural education. Participants took part in several activities, including cultural engagement and professional development opportunities. During the week, participants have the opportunity to engage in an interactive workshop, presentations, departmental visits, and cultural exposure, and diversely showcase India to provide participants opportunities for not only engagement with India, but also globally.
International Week 2024
1. International Staff Teaching & Training Week Delegates
| Name | Institution | Country |
| Dr. Hubertus Johannes Forschelen | University of Applied Sciences Kaiserslautern | Germany |
| Ms. Mavlyuda Narmuratovna Mirzayeva | Navoi State University of Mining and Technologies | Uzbekistan |
| Ms. Nazira Khatamova | Navovy Region National Center for Training Teachers in New Methods | Uzbekistan |
| Dr. Arasu Raman | INTI International University | Malaysia |
| Mr. Antonio Ruiz Moya | University of Granada | Spain |
| Mr. Miguel Carvalho | University of Minho | Portugal |
| Ms. Geeta Bhatia | Charles Sturt University | Australia |
2. International Visiting Program Delegates
| Name | Institution | Country |
| Mr. Theophile Niyonsaba | Universitas Airlangga | Indonesia |
| Prof. Ivan Al-Azm | Bern University of Applied Sciences | Switzerland |
| Dr. Brigita Janiunaite | Kaunas University of Technology | Lithuania |
| Dr. Lina Gaizuiniene | Kaunas University of Technology | Lithuania |
| Prof. Desrier Antoine | ISEN Nantes | France |
3. Inbound Exchange Program Students
| Name | Institution | Country |
| Tayo Gatta | University of Florence | Italy |
| Federica Palmiotti | University of Bergamo | Italy |
| Maria Martinez Alcantra | University of Bergamo | Italy |
| Emilio Previtali | University of Bergamo | Italy |
| David Lopez Sanchez | University of Granada | Spain |
| Mikołaj Krupiński | Wroclaw University of Science and Technology | Poland |
Their insights regarding the future of internationalisation and global education certainly stimulated lively conversations and goal-oriented wheels in motion for the week. During the sessions, these engaging panel discussion sessions examined interesting and timely topics related to cross-cultural competency, collaboration in international, cross-disciplinary research, and the development of global context in curriculum, all of which provided awe-inspiring perspectives and tangible projects to enhance global education.
The delegates participated in a variety of workshops and seminars designed to provide them with practical tools and strategies to grapple with topics from global student mobility to international and virtual exchange programmes. The event was very much a think tank opportunity, with many networking opportunities allowing the movement of ideas and possible collaborations. These prominent delegates shared experiences of their internationalisation and ideas about improving access for students and staff, and dug a little deeper into their institutions (i.e., structures and working practices).
The delegates who participated in the International Staff Teaching & Training Week engaged in programming that offered a more profound appreciation of the multiplicity of India’s traditions, customs, and cuisine through a multitude of activities. The program embraced a rich tapestry of cultures represented by the delegates, enhancing the experience for everyone.
Dr. Preeti Nair, Director, Center for International Relations and Research (CIRR), shared her thoughts about the program, “The International Week program was an astounding success that exceeded our expectations and only strengthened our commitment to global education. We thank all of the delegates, speakers, and participants who made this event a memorable experience.” The program was, in fact, a most enlightening experience that expanded notions concerning global education. The focus of the program was on how institutions can work together to enhance internationalisation efforts while enriching the experience of staff and students.
