That was the resounding conclusion at the final Transnational Partner Meeting of the INTERLOCALITY consortium at Fontys Eindhoven. This journey began with a brainstorm session between UCN and Fontys UAS in January 2020, leading to a project proposal submitted by a consortium of 5 partners in May 2021. Nearly five years later, the circle closed with a successful multiplier event and the final partner meeting, once again in Eindhoven.
Aiming for Local Employability
The INTERLOCALITY project focuses on enhancing the local employability of international higher education (HE) degree students, especially in engineering and business administration. Funded by the Erasmus+ program under the KA2 Cooperation Partnership, it tackles the employment challenges faced by international students in their host countries. The consortium includes UCN (Denmark), Arcada (Finland), FH Munster (Germany), SEND (Italy), and Fontys UAS (The Netherlands).
A Week of Collaboration and Innovation
The week kicked off with a two-day multiplier event. The first day saw over 70 participants from nearly 15 countries. In his opening speech, Joep Houterman, Chair of the Executive Board of Fontys, emphasized the critical need for international talent in the Netherlands, particularly in tech hubs like Brainport. He called for regional collaboration between educational institutions, employers, and the government to support the integration of international students into Dutch society. Key strategies include offering Dutch language classes and fostering connections between local and international students. Houterman highlighted the immense value that international talent brings to the economy and society.
Tue Werner Mikkelsen, UCN’s lead project coordinator, outlined the project’s aims and introduced the tools and interventions developed by the consortium. Attendees participated in workshops to learn more about these interventions. Mikkelsen stressed that the project’s strength lies in incorporating multiple stakeholders’ perspectives and enhancing their collaborative efforts. He noted that while employability is an individual trait, retaining international students in the local labour market is a shared responsibility among students, higher education institutions, employers, and third-party organizations. The panel discussion provided a platform for these stakeholders to share challenges and best practices, sparking engaging conversations and new partnerships.
The second day, hosted by Nuffic, focused on brainstorming ways to increase the stay rate of international students and the roles various stakeholders play in this effort. Nuffic, dedicated to promoting international cooperation in education, facilitated an interactive session with 30 attendees.
Wrapping Up and building bonds across cultures
The rest of the week was dedicated to wrapping up the INTERLOCALITY project. Alongside the usual meetings to finalize project details, consortium partners had the opportunity to delve into the innovative, challenge-based learning approach of Fontys Pulsed. This initiative by Fontys University of Applied Sciences focuses on student-centered, talent-based teaching designed to spark human transformation and prepare students for the future. A campus tour showcased how practice, education, and research seamlessly interact within the ‘sticky campus’ concept at Fontys Rachelsmolen campus. This integration fosters a dynamic learning environment where students can thrive.
The social activities during the last two days highlighted the strong bonds formed among the team, despite cultural differences. Imagine the contrast between living in warm Sicily and experiencing the first snow of the year in the Netherlands! These activities underscored the enjoyable and productive collaboration among colleagues, who expressed a keen desire to continue working together whenever opportunities arise.
On behalf of the Fontys-INTERLOCALITY team, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our consortium partners. Together, we have created meaningful tools and strategies that will benefit the international students in the Fontys region. We look forward to continuing our collaboration.