Modernization and digital transformation for International Relations Offices in HEI’s
About IROconnect
The IROconnect project aims to enhance the operational capabilities of international offices in the universities of the Neighbourhood East region by promoting improvements in operational standards that have an impact on the international dimension of the involved institutions. This will be achieved by strengthening the offices for international relations and developing internationalization strategies, with a specific focus on collaboration between universities and student’s associations.
Internationalization Strategy
Improving operational standards and contributing to the international dimension of the involved institutions will enhance the operational capabilities of International Offices.
Development of IRO Services and Training
Specific training and mentoring programs in collaboration with European universities will foster the growth of International Relations Offices.
Relationship with ESN
Collaboration between International Relations Offices and student associations, specifically mentioning the Erasmus Student Network will be encouraged.
Digitalization
Promoting the digitalization of IROs, potentially linking to
future access to the European Student Card (EWP) will be a priority
IROconnect timeline
IROconnect Partners
IROconnect Resources
Establishment of a comprehensive internationalization strategy per institution with a fully integrates dedicated IT tools for Training and Strategic Planning to maximize the efficiency, monitoring and impact of these international collaborations.
Training for all IRO staff – updating welcome office and creating new welcome offices.
Establishment new collaborative initiatives with a local ESN section per institution, one per each university.
Implementation of a digital platform and paper-free policies:
1. Tool for the definition / monitoring of international strategic plan.
2. Tool for the management of IROs.
IROconnect News
Workshop
ESN international platform
September 20, 2025
On September 20–22, 2025, IROconnect partners met in ESN assembly at Cagliari, Italy with the end of disseminating the IROconnect project and reviewing the project development.
Fair EAIE
EAIE Conference poster session
September 09, 2025
On September 9-12, 2025, IROconnect partners presented the project in the EAIE fair. It was also highlighted as a best-practice example among CBHE initiatives.
Secondement for Strategic Plan Development
April 14, 2025
On April 14–15, 2025, the IROconnect partners met in Chisinau at Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy to review the project’s progress and share best practices in strategic planning.
Preparatory Meeting
Jan 20, 2025
On the 16th and 17th of January 2025, in a hybrid format, the IROconnect partners met in Tbilisi (Georgian American University) to update/develope strategic plans based on real needs and realistic goals.
Maggiori capacità operative nelle Università Extra Ue: meeting alla “d’Annunzio”
Nov 25, 2024
On the 25th and 26th of November 2024, the IROconnect partners met in Chieti (Universita Degli Studi Gabriele D’Annunzio Di Chieti-Pescara) to discuss project activities and plan for the next months in the kick off meeting.
