Our Institution’s International (EU And Non-EU) Strategy
The CUCN is offering the opportunity for students to study in a multicultural environment that promotes friendship, cooperation and understanding. The language of instruction for most programmes of study is in English and currently for one programme (Diploma in Administrative Support Officer) in Greek. The College is fully committed to implementing the Bologna Process and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) reforms. Upon receipt of the Erasmus Charter it aspires to expand its cooperation with EU and non-EU institutions and to offer the Diploma supplement to all incoming graduating students as well. Through these reforms (Learning Outcomes (LOs), ECTS, DS, etc.), the College is setting a strong basis for implementing its International Strategy both at the EU and non-EU level. The international Strategy of the College ties very closely with its overall strategy in terms of growth with regards to the:
- number of degrees offered at all cycle levels
- number of students and graduates
- quantity and quality of both basic and applied research
- contribution to society
- inclusive access to higher education
Offering of cross-border education through:
- franchise agreements
- double/multiple/joint degrees
- e-learning/blended learning modes of delivery
Partnerships
CUCN has conceived and applied a strategic decision to operate as a specialist institution especially in the fields of Business Administration and Hospitality Business. This fact constitutes a basic criterion in choosing our ERASMUS partners. Partnering Higher Education Institutions (HEI) must have well established quality curricula in the fields mentioned. City Unity College abides by all the required standards set by the Bologna Declaration and the European Higher Education Area (EHEA). The College seeks to partner with Higher Education institutions that comply with the Bologna and the EHEA frameworks and standards. Further to the aforementioned, the College assigns priority to partnering with HEI of diverse cultures and HEI that are based in different geographical areas around Europe. We choose our partners based on a variety of study programs, qualifications and skills that staff of hosting organizations possesses. On the basis of its strategic plan, CUCN is currently in the process of examining the possibility of collaboratively developing BA. in Hospitality, Business and Retail Management programmes with its ERASMUS partners and other universities, accredited by their official national bodies in each country of origin. The aim is to deliver these programmes concurrently, separately or jointly in Cyprus and the European and/or other countries internationally. If this strategic move proceeds forward, it will power up each institution’s strengths and expertise, and offer distinct, unique, mutual, and substantial benefits for all institutions involved. The ERASMUS programme has been conducive towards this end. Another vital strategic direction of the College focuses on working together with ERASMUS partners, European and other international Higher Education institutions on developing modules that offer further value-added to student learning.
Geographical Area(s)
We are open to cooperate with institutions located in any part of Europe, or other non-EU program and partner countries, provided that their programs and research projects match ours.
Objectives and Target Groups of Mobility Activities
The main objectives of mobility activities are:
- To prepare students thoroughly for an exciting career. Not only do international students learn globally transferrable skills, but their time abroad opens doors and brings them in contact with new and developing and expanding job markets.
- To develop a cross-cultural communication skill. One of the most important skills students learn while studying abroad is cross—cultural communication. The world has become so interconnected that all industries and sectors need skilled professionals who can work efficiently in a variety of situations and locations and with colleagues of culturally diverse backgrounds.
- To make learning more accessible. International experience holds such high value for employability, the demand for study abroad opportunities has increased a lot.
- Establish a social and academic/professional network among students and staff members. To expand activities in the area of staff mobility, as well as to foster teaching collaborations, both nationally and internationally.
- Gather students’ and staff members’ experiences for purposes in Higher Education. As a multicultural society we want to share our ideas and experiences internationally.
CUCN target groups are undergraduate and graduate programme students, who are research-led and characterized by a high academic level and the integration of lifelong employability skills.
Our Institution’s Strategy For The Organization And Implementation Of International (EU And Non-EU) Cooperation Projects Within The Framework Of The Erasmus+ Programme
CUCN Strategy stems from the Strategic Plan 2018-20 approved by the Board of Directors seeking to exploit the international context by a holistic approach aiming to:
- Establish a high quality in-country presence: Offer innovative programs for the needs of society, industry and labour market, primarily in Greek/English, with future target also to other languages
- Offer programs jointly with esteemed partners
- Enhance international recruitment: internationalize curricula and align syllabus with international norms
- Establish sound partnerships to provide quality transnational education and research
- Improve student and staff mobility: establish international alumni base
The overall objective is to combine academic excellence with economic and social relevance. One of the main priorities of the strategy of international cooperation is to give all students and staff the opportunity to go abroad (in line with the defined departmental strategy) or to have an international experience at home (e.g. by welcoming and cooperating with international students and staff to the College). CUCN main objectives defined in CUCN strategy for implementation is to increase student mobility in first, second and third cycles in order to meet the student mobility target by 2020.
CUCN Therefore Seeks To:
- Work with partners with similar vision and capabilities/capacities that CUCN values.
- Recognize the benefits of a diverse portfolio of HE partnerships, given the breadth of CUCN‘s mission.
- Recognize the importance of partnerships with long-term perspective and focus on mutual benefit
CUCN’s Main Objectives For Mobility Are To:
- Increase proportion of outward student mobility for placements, promoting quality structured traineeships abroad to gain international experiences/skills
- Encourage Faculties for overseas study/practical training in all programs, especially PhD
- Initiate outward mobility for studies, encouraging and supporting all students, including those facing difficult circumstances to study abroad. Still, acknowledging that most CUCN students find it difficult to undertake a significant period abroad because of family obligations or employment, a key objective is to embed elements of international education in all CUCN programs
- Ensure sustainability of international activities by expanding student numbers, research activity and international curricula
- Improve support for all staff mobility and increase externally funded collaborative research projects for staff exchanges
- Develop new and existing international partnerships to attract incoming students and academic staff, also bilateral agreements with enterprises to increase the trend of inviting experts from industry to CUCN
- Expand support for students in English language proficiency, academic literacy and career development
- Promote virtual mobility for adult learners experiencing difficulties for mobility abroad
CUCN’s strategy underlines the quality of teaching, research and services provided to ensure academic staff opportunities for professional development.
Expected Impact Of Our Participation In The Erasmus+ Programme On The Modernization Of Our Institution
The parameters that are set for institutions with Erasmus Charter, challenge us to be even better at what we are doing.
Increasing attainment levels
It is important for us to recruit students to all programs, especially there is a need to recruit more new qualified teachers. We want to give an opportunity for them to grow within the education sphere and provide the graduates and researchers Europe needs. In addition to offer special measures for disadvantaged students, such as language support and adapted education methods to students with disabilities.
Improving the quality and relevance of studies and research
- Have a close relationship with enterprises, so as to give the students and the teachers skills and possibility to become more readily employable and competitive candidates
- Make it possible for different groups of the population to study at CUCN through distance learning, modular courses, distance courses and part-time courses.
Strengthening quality through mobility and cross-border co-operation
- Through a focus on attracting the best within their subject areas and employing renowned professors, ensuring that CUCN improves its high standard
- Fostering research collaboration/clusters with the best professionals within some research areas and attracting the best students to participate
- Systematically build mobility into all CUCN degree programs and increase numbers in mobility
Linking higher education, research and business for excellence and regional development
- Establish cooperation with the industry and conduct common projects that will tend to apply theoretical knowledge to business related challenges
- Implementing new practices
Improve governance and funding
- Excellence in teaching will be acknowledged
- Actively seek alternative funding sources and have at least one staff member who is specialized in these application systems
- Keep on running CUCN in an efficient, caring and transparent manner and involve students, teachers and staff in important decisions
- Engage international activity
The goals of quality improvement practice are to enhance performance by setting aims, examining processes of care, testing changes in these processes, and implementing those changes that improve results.
