To enhance its global collaborations and internationalisation efforts, the University of the Western Cape (UWC) further deepened its longstanding partnership with the University of Granada (UGR) when a group of staff members visited the Spanish university recently.

The staff members were the first cohort of professional, administration and support staff to be involved in an international exchange programme funded by the Erasmus+ Mobility Staff Training (Often students and academic staff participate in those kinds of exchange programmes).

The six staff – Jerome Simmery, Rashid Ahmed, Angelo Adams, Amy Scott, Rohan Meyer and Myolisi Gophe – participated in a week-long mobility training on internationalisation as part of UGR's vision "to internationalise the international community".

"This partnership (with UGR) represents a significant milestone in UWC's journey towards internationalisation," said Umesh Bawa, Director of the International Relations Office at UWC. Bawa highlighted the institution's commitment to fostering academic, research and contextualised internationalisation, emphasising the vital role that administrative support staff play in realising these goals. 

He explained that UWC's support staff, like academics and students, receive specialised training to both facilitate and support international scholarly collaborations and mobility, aligning their efforts with the University's broader internationalisation mission.

The partnership with the University of Granada is not an isolated endeavour. UWC has established strong collaborative relationships with universities across Europe, including institutions in Spain, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the Nordic countries. Joint research collaborations and joint PhD degree programmes are part of these collaborations, fostering the seamless integration of academic and administrative efforts toward internationalisation.

Those who participated in the programme agreed that it was worth the while. Amy Scott, from the Faculty of Economic Management Sciences, believes the Erasmus Staff Mobility Programme successfully fulfilled its primary objective of facilitating discussions and exchanges around internationalisation and mobility in higher education.

"The workshops and presentations delivered valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by institutions seeking to enhance global partnerships and student mobility. What was most beneficial was learning the Spanish value of work-life balance, the rich history and preservation of landmarks, and the networking opportunities".

Jerome Simmery, from the Department of Student Administration, echoed her sentiments and said the fundamental takeaway was the invaluable lessons learned and the lasting friendships made. "Meeting people from all parts of the world, Kosovo, Ukraine, Mauritania, Tanzania, Albania, and Sokhumi State University in Tbilisi, Georgia - and getting fresh perspectives on internationalisation in higher education - gave me valuable insight that will aid my role at UWC".

Simmery added that the whole trip was culturally enriching. "The experience afforded me the privilege of experiencing the rich history of Granada's religious past, etched in several monasteries, statues, and the world-famous Alhambra that can be found all over the sprawling city. The distinct culinary cuisine unique to their region and culture made the trip even more delightful. With exposure to one of the best "romance languages", friendly people, ultra-modern amenities, and one of the best public transport systems in the world, the trip was over too soon". 

Bawa emphasised the importance of creating a cohesive cohort of administrators with international experience within each department. He believes this bridges the gap between academic and administrative functions, ensuring a streamlined approach to global initiatives. 

Bawa said interested staff members should keep an eye on university communication for future opportunities, and has encouraged staff to identify strategic collaboration opportunities and reach out to the relevant people at UWC.