Dino-Dominik Magić, lecturer in English at Virovitica University of Applied Sciences, took part in an Erasmus+ Staff Week held at the partner institution Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija (ŠVK) in Šiauliai, Lithuania. The programme brought together teaching and non-teaching staff from several European higher education institutions with the aim of exchanging experience, strengthening inter-institutional cooperation and deepening partnerships within the NEOLAiA alliance.
The programme opened with presentations of the participating institutions and national cultures, laying the groundwork for further professional exchange. During the week, participants visited the host institution’s Faculty of Health Care, where they were introduced to its equipment, simulation classrooms and approach to practical training. The visit opened the way to identifying potential areas of cooperation between ŠVK and VUV.
Particular emphasis was placed on a workshop based on the LEGO Serious Play methodology, in which participants worked in international teams to explore the concept of well-being in the workplace. The programme also included a professional and cultural component, with visits to a Jewish museum in a nearby town, the Hill of Crosses and Bauska Castle in neighbouring Latvia, where participants learned about the history and cultural heritage of the region.
Alongside the formal part of the programme, a series of joint activities provided opportunities for informal exchange of experience and networking with colleagues from across Europe. According to the participants, these moments opened the way to concrete discussions about future mobilities, joint projects and cooperation within the NEOLAiA alliance.
Participation in the Erasmus+ Staff Week contributes to the professional and intercultural development of teaching staff and strengthens the international visibility of Virovitica University of Applied Sciences, particularly in the areas of academic exchange and the methodological improvement of teaching.
