Parul University hosts International Week 2024, uniting delegates from 12 countries to foster global education, cultural exchange, and academic collaboration.
Vadodara-based Parul University recently held its International Staff Teaching & Training Week 2024, an event aimed at widening and strengthening cooperation with renowned foreign institutions, sharing different experiences on internationalisation, facilitating networking, and establishing new partnerships that also align with the vision of the university. This week-long event, themed “Developing Competencies for Strengthening Internationalization” brought together educators, administrators, and representatives from institutions across the globe who shared thoughts and insights on globalisation, student exchange, and multicultural education. Participants engaged in numerous activities, from cultural involvement to professional development sessions. The week featured interactive workshops, insightful presentations, departmental visits, and enriching cultural experiences, offering attendees a comprehensive view of India’s unique cultural landscape while facilitating global academic collaboration.
The International Week Staff Teaching & Training Week 2024 program exceeded expectations, marking a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration and dialogue. The program featured captivating keynote addresses from global education leaders, delegates visiting under International Staff Teaching & Training Week including 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), and Ms. Geeta Bhatia (Charles Sturt University, Australia), and delegates visiting under International Visiting Program including Mr. Theophile Niyonsaba (Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia), Prof. Ivan Al-Azm (Bern University of Applied Sciences, Switzerland), Dr. Brigita Janiunaite and Dr. Lina Gaizuiniene (Kaunas University of Technology), and Prof. Desrier Antoine (ISEN Nantes, France), and the Students under Inbound Exchange Program from Italy; Tayo Gatta (University of Florence), Federica Palmiotti, Maria Martinez Alcantra, and Emilio Previtali (from the University of Bergamo) for , David Lopez Sanchez (University of Granada, Spain), Mikołaj Krupiński (Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland).
Their insights into the future of internationalisation and global education sparked vibrant discussions and set a forward-thinking tone for the week. These engaging panel discussions explored critical topics such as cross-cultural competency, international research partnerships, and the integration of global perspectives into academic curricula. These discussions provided valuable perspectives and actionable strategies for enhancing global education. Participants took part in a variety of workshops and seminars designed to equip them with tools and strategies to explore topics from global student mobility to virtual exchange programs. The event proved to be a hub for meaningful connections, with numerous networking sessions facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering potential collaborations. These esteemed delegates shared experiences on internationalisation, exchanged ideas about improving student and staff accessibility, and delved deeper into their home institutions' structures and working practices.
Participants in the International Staff Teaching & Training Week got an in-depth insight into India's diverse traditions, customs, and cuisine through various activities. The program also celebrated the vibrant tapestry of cultures represented by the delegates, enriching the overall experience for all involved.
Dr. Preeti Nair, Director of Center for International Relations and Research (CIRR), expressed her thoughts on the program and was quoted saying, “The International Week program was a tremendous success, surpassing our expectations and reaffirming our commitment to global education. We are grateful to all the delegates, speakers, and participants who contributed to making this event a remarkable experience.” The program was indeed an enlightening experience that broadened perspectives on global education. It focused on how institutions can collaborate to improve internationalisation efforts while enriching the student and staff experience.
