Visit of a Vanadzor State University employee to the University of Aveiro (Portugal)

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ MIND ICM24 program, coordinated by the University of Porto, Armenuhi Harutyunyan, Head of the Department of Research, Innovation, and Cooperation of “Vanadzor State University after H. Tumanyan” Foundation, visited the University of Aveiro (Portugal) on October 24-31 for experience exchange and strengthening collaboration.

The host university organized a comprehensive and content-rich training week, which included meetings, thematic workshops, and discussions.

On the first day, a meeting was held with Sofia Brookman, Head of the International Office, and Filipa Neto, a staff member of the same office, during which the objectives and expected outcomes of the visit were discussed.

Armenuhi Harutyunyan presented Vanadzor State University, spoke about Erasmus+ mobility programs, initiatives carried out with partner universities, and ongoing international projects. In particular, she referred to the Erasmus+ CBHE DeSIRe project coordinated by VSU, led by Associate Professor Lusik Vardanyan (Chair of Foreign Languages and Literature). The three-year DeSIRe capacity-building project, funded by the European Union, aims to develop Soft Skills in higher education institutions of Armenia and Georgia in line with the labor market requirements of the 21st century. She also presented the Erasmus+ Key Action 2, CBHE — MEDIA project, aimed at strengthening the quality of online education in universities of Moldova and Armenia.

During the following working days, a tour was conducted by Mario Fernandes and Filipa Neto, introducing the structure of the university, its academic programs, opportunities, and vibrant student life.

Meetings were held with the coordinators involved in the university’s mobility programs: Susana Duarte, Sílvia Bastanos, Magno Fonseca, Anabela Mansuy, Zita Morgado, Sofia Souza, and Miguel Oliveira, who oversee the mobility of incoming and outgoing students, teaching staff, and administrative personnel.

A visit and tour were also organized to the “Science Factory” guided by Carmen Marques.

On the final day of the visit, A. Harutyunyan again met with Sofia Brookman, Head of the International Relations Office. The discussion emphasized further deepening cooperation between the two universities, implementing joint initiatives, developing students’ research potential, the importance of experience exchange, and applying student-centered approaches. The agreements reached as a result of the visit will serve as a basis for future joint initiatives, academic exchange programs, and the strengthening of institutional cooperation.

During the scheduled activities, A. Harutyunyan became acquainted with the university library, academic buildings, campus life, and the Science Factory.

As A.Harutyunyan has noted, this experience not only contributes to professional growth but also establishes strong partnerships, promotes the exchange of innovative ideas, and forms a solid foundation for future effective cooperation.