In four years, Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) will apply for the status of a university of applied sciences, therefore the network of international partners is purposefully strengthened, good practices are adapted, and joint projects and applied scientific research are carried out.
Kauno kolegija HEI International Partnership Development Coordinator Jolanta Valiaugienė notes that the tasks set out in the strategic plan of the Kauno kolegija HEI meet the priorities of the European higher education and scientific research area, but their implementation also requires certain changes. A closer partnership with higher education institutions in Europe and beyond is an essential basis for the development of internationality.
Partnerships that help build a stronger global academic community
The partnership of higher education institutions is increasingly developed and becomes an exchange of academic and non-academic personnel determining not only student mobility but also high-quality cooperation in the fields of teaching, research, knowledge transfer, organisation and process management.
In the formation of a sustainable knowledge and innovation ecosystem at Kauno kolegija HEI, to achieve high quality of scientific applied activities and greater dissemination of scientific knowledge, partnership with higher education institutions in Europe and beyond is necessary, with which common interests are linked in developing not only the mobility of students and lecturers but also high-quality cooperation in the fields of scientific research, knowledge transfer, organisation and process management.
Kauno kolegija HEI’s international partners include higher education institutions not only from Europe but also from Africa and Asia. J. Valiaugienė says that by developing partnerships not only with higher education institutions in Europe but also on other continents, Kauno kolegija HEI strengthens its potential and aims to ensure sustainable and mutually beneficial results.
‘By partnering with universities in Africa and Asia, the Kauno kolegija HEI can contribute to the development of global education and research networks through knowledge exchange and capacity building. Such partnerships help strengthen the educational and research capacity of universities in Africa and Asia, thereby building a stronger global academic community. Through cooperation, we contribute to the implementation of sustainable development goals,’ says J. Valiaugienė.
She adds that students and lecturers’ exchanges promote cultural understanding and enrich the academic experience. Familiarity with different educational systems and cultures increases global competencies for students and lecturers. Strengthening cooperation with higher education institutions located in Asian countries corresponds to the directions, priorities and measures of promoting the internationalisation of Lithuanian higher education and the development of Lithuanian (Baltic) studies abroad in the years 2024–2026 by increasing the awareness of Lithuanian higher education and organising targeted and consolidated presentation of Lithuanian higher education in the target export markets of Lithuania.
The latest international partners are Malaysian higher education institutions
Kauno kolegija HEI’s Director Dr Andrius Brusokas, Vice Director for Organisational Development Dr Inga Stravinskienė and International Partnership Development Coordinator J. Valiaugienė visited Malaysia this month where cooperation agreements with BERJAYA University College and a prestigious higher education institution that is rapidly rising in the QS world university ranking – INTI International University & Colleges were signed.
‘During the meetings with these institutions, mutually beneficial possible activities were discussed, especially emphasising priority research directions, publications, distance teaching, participation in joint conferences and their organisation. With BERJAYA University College, edu-tourism development opportunities are planned, combining educational and cultural/tourism programmes. Proposals have already been prepared and sent to Malaysian partners to attract researchers from these higher education institutions for distance work at the Kauno kolegija HEI,’ shares J. Valiaugienė.
She also reveals that an International Business student from Kauno kolegija HEI is planning to go to INTI International University for part-time studies under the Erasmus+ exchange programme next fall, so the programme for his part-time studies in Malaysia is being coordinated.
