May 2019

Several Faculty and Staff took advantage of the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility programme this Spring.  PBL Academic Lead Dr Stella Loizou and HR officer Irene Petrou share their experience.

Dr Stella Loizou, PBL Academic Lead: ‘This was the second time I took part in ERASMUS+ Staff Mobility Programme. I had the opportunity to visit the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Belgrade, Serbia. It was a unique experience and very beneficial for my professional development. I networked with many colleagues and I learned about their curriculum and their teaching methods. This visit built a bridge which might lead to future research collaboration. Some of the activities I carried out during my five-day visit were to observe chemistry laboratories in session, to attend meetings and presentations related to their medical programme.  I also had the opportunity to make a presentation about our Medical School.. Overall, I exchanged ideas and I returned to Cyprus with useful knowledge and information.  Thank you ERASMUS!’

Ms Irene Petrou, HR Officer: ‘In May 2019 I had the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ programme offered by the University of Nicosia. I visited the Metropolitan University Prague (MUP), from 13 to 15 May where I took part in the International Staff Week organised by MUP.

I had the opportunity to interact with staff from the host institution and also from other countries such as India, Austria, Portugal, Turkey, the UK, Bulgaria, and Ireland. During the International Staff Week we attended seminars and group discussions on the barriers to internationalization, we exchanged examples of good practice from our home institutions, and we discussed methods of promoting internationalization.

Away from the conference we had the chance to visit the beautiful historical city centre of Prague, to learn about its history and legends and to enjoy a medieval dinner!

I would recommend Erasmus+ to all of my colleagues as a means of broadening their knowledge and experience and of expanding their professional networks.’