The visit by representatives from Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution to Marrakech, Morocco, marked a significant step in expanding international cooperation and forging a strategic partnership with one of Morocco’s largest universities, Université Cadi Ayyad (UCA).
During the visit, key agreements on cooperation, research, and Erasmus+ were signed, while stronger ties were also established with the university’s academic community. This marks an important step in advancing Kauno kolegija’s strategic goals of enhancing internationalisation, promoting sustainable development, and creating added value for students and staff through global initiatives and projects.
Collaboration will be developed in research, education, and other areas
During the visit Kauno kolegija was represented by Director Dr Andrius Brusokas, Vice Director for Research and Development Dr Inga Stravinskienė, Dean of the Alytus Faculty Dr Mindaugas Samuolaitis, Coordinator for Development of International Partnerships, UNINOVIS Project Manager at Kauno kolegija Jolanta Valiaugienė, and Head of the International Relations Unit Povilas Beseckas.
One of the main objectives of the visit was to sign a cooperation agreement with UCA, which outlines long-term and sustainable activities in areas such as joint research, training, academic mobility, and cultural exchange.
‘Additionally, an Erasmus+ inter-institutional agreement was concluded, enabling students and lecturers from Kauno Kolegija and UCA to participate in exchange visits from the 2025–2026 academic year, across several fields of study, including languages, informatics, engineering, management, and IT technologies,’ explains P. Beseckas.
J. Valiaugienė adds that the primary goal of the visit aligns with Kauno kolegija’s strategy for international development – fostering partnerships with foreign higher education and business institutions, and strengthening the institution’s presence on the global stage.
‘To achieve this goal, long-term partnerships with international institutions are being established and developed. Kauno kolegija is already engaged with UCA in joint activities, particularly in applied sciences, and visiting lecturers are regularly invited from this university. Therefore, the visit to Marrakech represents a new phase in Kauno kolegija’s international cooperation – its aim is to solidify a strategic partnership with UCA,’ says J. Valiaugienė, Coordinator for Development of International Partnerships, UNINOVIS Project Manager at Kauno kolegija.
She also emphasises that Kauno kolegija by participating in the UNINOVIS Data for L.I.F.E. activities, aims to attract new partners with whom it could seek sustainable and productive cooperation: ‘Therefore, the interest of UCA researchers in UNINOVIS activities is particularly useful.’
Even wider international opportunities for the Kauno kolegija community
The visit to Marrakech included a meeting with the President of UCA, Prof. Blaid Bougadir, followed by the signing of three agreements. There were also visits to two faculties, and meetings with the Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Humanities, Prof. Abdeljalil Lokrifa, and the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Techniques, Prof. Said Rakrak.
‘The meetings were attended by vice-rectors of the faculties, heads of departments, and representatives of research groups. These discussions were crucial for exploring common areas of scientific research and experimental development, identifying opportunities for joint projects in sustainable tourism, environmental protection, and innovation, introducing the UNINOVIS network, and exploring its global development,’ says P. Beseckas.
According to him, this partnership opens up new opportunities for international projects, innovations, and joint research for the Kauno kolegija community, enhancing the institution’s reputation and attracting partners and students from other countries.
‘The visit to Morocco broadens Kauno kolegija’s network of international partners, strengthens its visibility in the global context, and creates new opportunities for academic mobility. This supports the strategic goals of Kauno kolegija – enhancing internationalisation, implementing sustainable development principles, and fostering the synergy between knowledge and practice,’ notes P. Beseckas.
He adds that the partnership with UCA also opens new avenues for collaboration in Africa, including joint scientific projects and research in areas such as the environment, tourism, and data science.
