Erasmus Policy Statement for FH JOANNEUM (2021-2027)
1.1 FH JOANNEUM would like to participate in the following Erasmus+activities:-Erasmus Key Action 1 (KA1) – Learning Mobility:- Mobility for students and staff-Erasmus Key Action 2 (KA2) - Cooperation between organizations and higher
education institutions:- Partnerships for cooperation and exchange of good practice- Partnerships for Excellence - European Higher Education Institutions- Partnerships for Excellence - Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees- Partnerships for innovation-1.2 Erasmus Policy Statement: Strategy of FH JOANNEUM
Implementation of measures within the framework of Erasmus
FH JOANNEUM - University of Applied Sciences (FHJ) is - compared to the "traditional"
universities and colleges in Austria - a relatively young institution. Founded in 1995, it hascontinuously expanded its international activities in the 25 years of its existence and is now
among the leading universities of applied sciences in Austria when it comes tointernationalization, student and staff mobility and international projects. The basis of theinternationalization activities is a stable network of about 300 partner universities
worldwide. Since 2015, the program KA 107 (International Credit Mobility) has also been afixed and important component of internationalization - FH JOANNEUM has been recognized
as a best practice example for its successful handling of KA 107 and received the Erasmus
Award in 2018 for it.
The core of FH JOANNEUM's institutional strategy as an application-oriented university ispractice-based education in full-time, part-time and dual degree programs with aninterdisciplinary orientation. Our courses are oriented towards current international socialand technological challenges and the needs of the economy and focus on the acquisition of
the eight key competencies and the professional skills of graduates. We want to give ourstudents the best education and training - cultural diversity, international thinking andunderstanding of other cultures and perspectives are an indispensable part of being able tosucceed in further professional life and to be successful in a globalized world.
FH JOANNEUM understands internationalization as a continuous and dynamic process tooptimize the framework conditions that support and facilitate international thinking andaction. As a cross-sectional task, it affects all areas of the university and is therefore the joint
responsibility of all university members. This includes
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- the integration of a global perspective in teaching and research- the creation of an international and intercultural learning environment- mobility experiences in a variety of forms (study/internship, short/long-term/virtual)
The mobility of faculty and general university staff is also seen as an important lever in theinternationalization of the curriculum and the university as a whole. They are explicitlyencouraged and supported in their planning and carrying out of mobilities in order toestablish international contacts, bring an international dimension to their teaching, anddevelop and strengthen their didactic and intercultural competencies.
The basis of internationalization is cooperation with internationally recognized universities inteaching and research. A distinction is made between two groups: In addition to basic
partners, which are primarily used for mobility activities, we have defined a small number ofoutstanding strategic university partnerships, which are used on several levels - especiallyalso in the development of joint study programs and in the implementation of research
projects. FH JOANNEUM has entered into double-degree agreements with several
universities. We have defined strict criteria for the selection of new university partners or forthe evaluation of existing ones. The basic prerequisite is a compatible and high-quality study
program in order to ensure a smooth recognition of the academic achievements. For all
degree programs at FH JOANNEUM, "mobility windows" have been defined, in which a stayabroad at one of our partner universities is possible; students are also actively encouraged
to complete their compulsory internship abroad and are supported in their search forsuitable host institutions by both the central International Office and the international
coordinators at the degree programs. In order to ensure the best possible preparation andsupport, preparatory workshops and accompanying seminars are offered.
Multilingualism is at the heart of the vision of a European education area. CAMPUS
LinguaNEUM offers a wide range of foreign language training courses at various levels forboth staff and students. For incoming students and international regular students we offer acomprehensive teaching program in the field of "German as a foreign language" and are acertified ÖSD examination center. The Tandem Program provides Austrian and international
students with an additional opportunity for intensive immersion in the respective otherculture and effective communication and language training.
FH JOANNEUM attaches particular importance to providing equal and equivalent framework
conditions for all, also in the area of internationalization and mobility. Peer counseling isoffered for persons with special needs in order to provide the best possible low-thresholdinformation and assistance in planning and implementing a mobility abroad. During thesemester, numerous events on social integration and intercultural communication are
offered for all target groups: Workshops and events as part of the intercultural focus R.U.D.I(respectful - united - diverse - intercultural) are dedicated to the exchange of ideas,
languages and cultures and are designed to bring participants closer to the European idea,
diversity and common cultural heritage, as well as to raise awareness of their own identity.
International students are intensively advised and supported by the International Office andthrough the Buddy Program even before their arrival; in order to ensure the best possible
integration and an easy entry into the study program, an intensive orientation program andintensive language courses are offered at the beginning of the study program.

As a university, FH JOANNEUM assumes responsibility for the common good and socialdevelopment. Students have the opportunity to acquire an "Intercultural Skills Certificate" inthe course of their studies. For this purpose, four areas of competence must be successfully
demonstrated, representing different skills in an intercultural context. In addition to proof oflanguage skills, a study or internship period abroad and the completion of interculturalcourses, the competence module "Intercultural and Social Commitment" is also integrated,
for which volunteer and community work in the intercultural field can be credited. With theinitiative "Refugees on the run - FH JOANNEUM helps", FHJ aims to generate added value
not only for refugees but for the entire university through a wide range of projects. For
example, a simplified admission procedure was already developed for this target group in2015. In addition, young adults with a university background can take part in our German,
foreign language and cultural courses free of charge together with Austrian and international
students and are included in the rich range of intercultural events. In 2018, FH JOANNEUM
was included in the list of "Places of Respect" in Austria for its offer for refugees.
One of FH JOANNEUM's goals is to pursue innovative study programs and research projects
oriented to the needs of business and society and to identify new topics and trends at anearly stage. As a university of applied sciences, we are a driving force for innovation in
research and cooperate closely with our partners from business and society. In terms ofapplied research, FH JOANNEUM's research activities range from the transfer of results frombasic research to innovative services & developments. In this way, both a close relationshipto teaching and a high relevance for practical application are ensured. In regional, nationaland international projects we promote ecologically, socially and economically sustainable
concepts and focus on the benefits for society and future living spaces. FH JOANNEUM is not
only an important partner for regional business and industry, but has also established itself
in the international research arena. In the 25 years of our existence, we have actively
participated in or coordinated a large number of international cooperation projects. In theprocess, the share of international funding in the area of R&D has increased continuously
and is currently at 25%, which is due in particular to the very active participation in European
funding programs such as Erasmus+. The focus here is on quality-oriented university
development and internationalization.
FH JOANNEUM is strongly committed to digitalization at all levels - both in teaching and in
the administration of the university. The expansion of e-learning offerings and thepromotion and development of blended learning formats is an important goal in this regard.
The "Erasmus without Papers" initiative, the Erasmus+ app and the European student card
not only help to reduce bureaucracy and simplify administrative procedures, but also
promote virtual mobility and integrated learning.

Implementation of participation in Erasmus actions to achieve the goals of FH
JOANNEUM's institutional strategy
In the mission statement of FH JOANNEUM - in the sense of a university of applied sciences a quality-assured, comprehensive, practice-oriented and interdisciplinary education of its
students is named as a central goal. The focus is on the graduates' professional ability in a
global world, which is oriented towards the current international social and technologicalchallenges as well as the needs of the economy - international and interculturalcompetences, internationality, fairness, respect and a sustainable use of resources are seen
as an obligation.
Consequently, the study programs at FH JOANNEUM are designed to enable all students toacquire the key competencies defined in the idea of a European Higher Education Area
through a variety of different mobility and internationalization experiences. Participation inthe European mobility programs (especially Erasmus+) has always formed the basis for this.
FHJ is fully committed to the goals of the European Renewal Agenda and is working towards
realizing the vision of a common European Higher Education Area. Based on what has
already been achieved, the aim is to further intensify (international) cooperation withpartners at university level and in business and industry, and to raise it - quality-assured - toa new level.
In this context, mobility for students and university staff (KA1) forms the important basis of
our internationalization activities. For many years, FH JOANNEUM has also successfully
participated in projects under Erasmus Key Action 2 (KA2) - strategic partnerships,
knowledge alliances and capacity building projects. As a further step, the development of a
joint Erasmus Mundus Master's degree is planned in the coming program generation, andthe long-term vision is participation in the "European Universities" initiative.

Planned impact of participation in the Erasmus program on FH JOANNEUM
FH JOANNEUM's goals for the next generation of the program can be summarized as follows:
1) Deepening the cooperation with the already existing networks and partnerships:
The currently existing partnerships will be centrally evaluated along a defined set ofcriteria - partnerships that do not meet these criteria will not be renewed in the newprogram generation. Cooperations involving several study programs and where
double degrees or other intensive cooperation is agreed upon continue to gain
importance and are to be expanded into strategic partnerships - this process wasstarted several years ago and has not yet been completed - it concerns EU and nonEU cooperations in the same way. Basically, a maximum number of 300 partners isaimed at, with a maximum of 10-12 universities there should be strategic
partnerships. The selection of suitable partners is primarily carried out by theindividual study programs, whereby a centrally defined catalog of criteria is applied.
On the part of the university, special attention is paid to ensuring that partnerships
are used by as many study programs as possible. In the selection process, quality andcompatibility of the study program are given higher priority than regional aspects.
Nevertheless, we continue to strive for a balanced distribution of our international
network in order to be able to offer our students and staff a representative selectionof mobility options. In this context, the program track KA 107- International Credit
Mobility has proven to be extremely successful in recent years. This program willcontinue to be used intensively in order to provide incoming students fromeconomically weak countries in particular with scholarships and thus mobility
experiences.
2) Expansion of Double- and Joint-Degree Agreements:
In line with its institutional strategy, FH JOANNEUM is pushing ahead with the
expansion of double and joint degrees with strategically important partners as aparticularly high-quality form of mobility. The goal is to establish at least three joint
degrees from FH JOANNEUM's other five fields (departments) in addition to theexisting agreements in the field of business over the next seven years of the next
Erasmus program. In order to intensify the cooperation with excellent partners andto further increase the quality, in the medium term (within the next three to fiveyears) the participation in an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Program, and in the longterm the participation in the initiative of the "European Universities" is aimed at.

3) While the mobility figures in business and design are very satisfactory, there is stillcatching up to do in IT and engineering.
An increase in these areas is the declared goal for the coming years - the target is amobility rate of 25%. This is to be achieved through the following measures:• Identification and elimination of possible obstacles to study organization as part of
the re-accreditation procedures.
• Targeted application and information campaigns at the relevant study programsfor both students and teachers• Intensive integration and use of the new mobility opportunities within theframework of the upcoming pro gram generation in the study programs concerned.
4) The study programs in the health sector represent a special case.
Due to the Austrian legal situation, it is currently very difficult for students tocomplete an entire semester program (30 ECTS) at a partner university abroad, soprimarily internships abroad are used. The possibility of short-term mobilities andblended learning stays in the new program offers especially for this target group thepossibility to acquire scientifically sound intercultural and international knowledge
within the framework of courses. Participation in this program should therefore bestrongly promoted in these subject areas.
5) FH JOANNEUM aims to further improve the educational level and strengthen themobility of students from different social backgrounds, in particular also studentswith a migration or refugee background and students with disabilities. All students regardless of their social background - should have the opportunity to have anexperience abroad as part of their studies. This is to be achieved through targeted
information and advice, as well as concrete financial support through the provisionof special grants and scholarships. The possibility of short-term mobility and virtual
mobility should be intensively promoted, especially for part-time study programs.
6) Staff mobility (STT and STA) is already successfully anchored at FH JOANNEUM andshould continue to be pushed and expanded as an important component of theinternationalization strategy. It combines the elements of mobility and personnel

development and ensures the international exchange of experience on new forms ofteaching and learning and being exposed to best practice examples. Employees are
made aware of the possibility of staff mobility and motivated via a variety ofcommunication channels. The administrative process is to be simplified, incentive
measures are to be developed, successful mobilities are to be disseminated as
widely as possible, and best practice examples are to be actively brought to the fore.
A certificate (analogous to the already existing "Intercultural Skills Certificate" forstudents) will be developed for teachers and administrative university staff.
• FH JOANNEUM has been very successfully involved in international projects withpartners in and outside the EU for many years. With a 25% international share ofR&D funding, we are one of the most active universities of applied sciences inAustria. Our goal is to maintain this excellent position.
7) Ensuring the quality of internationalization and mobility activities at FH JOANNEUM
is also a top priority in the new Erasmus program. Quality assurance measures in all
mobility areas have been introduced and will be continuously revised and adapted.
8) The already extremely extensive offer for all student groups (outgoing, incoming andregular international students as well as for the special group of students with arefugee background) is to be continuously developed and expanded. Outgoingstudents should receive optimal information and support before, during and after
their stay. A comprehensive integration and orientation program is offered forincoming students and international first-year students before the start of thesemester. In addition, FH JOANNEUM offers a comprehensive range of German as aForeign Language (DaF) courses and is a certified ÖSD examination center.
Numerous curricular and extracurricular I@H activities are equally available to allstudent groups, with a special focus on the inclusion of students who, for various
reasons, cannot be physically mobile. All these intercultural offers are of course also
open to people with refugee experience - they are seen as an excellent opportunity
to gain low-threshold intercultural experience and to get to know other cultures andlifeworlds. The range of courses offered as part of the intercultural focus R.U.D.I. isto be further expanded and supplemented by guest lectures and workshops by
various institutions and experts in this field. The "Intercultural Skills Certificate" forstudents will be revised and adapted to the new program generation.

9) In line with the goal that all EU citizens should be proficient in at least two foreign
languages in addition to their mother tongue, the range of language courses offeredat FH JOANNEUM will continue to be greatly expanded and improved. In thesummer semester 2020, the cross-curricular "CAMPUS LinguaNEUM" was launched students and employees are not only to be taught language skills, but also to openup new cultural areas. Currently, 10 languages are offered at different levels,tailored to the needs of students and employees. The offer is complemented by atarget group specific training program especially for employees, in order to provide
comprehensive language training opportunities not only for teachers but also forcolleagues in administration and service departments.

10) An important goal for the next program generation is the further expansion ofdigitalization. The Erasmus+ app and the European student ID card are to be
implemented at FH JOANNEUM in accordance with the timetable set by theCommission and will be available to all students.

Graz 2021