Partnerships and Reciprocity
Who learns, who benefits?
Mobility and International Exposure
What if mobility is limited?
Think beyond long-term mobility and identify varied ways of creating international exposure.
Why this matters
Mobility can be valuable, but it is not always possible or sufficient. One year postgraduate programmes, visa barriers, cost, work, caring responsibilities, disability, political constraints and staff capacity can restrict mobility. Internationalisation therefore needs a wider menu of options: short visits, guest speakers, online collaboration, international projects, blended formats, internships, alumni mentoring, summer schools, local organisations with international links or peer exchange through networks.
Key questions
- What forms of international exposure are realistic for our students?
- Who can access mobility, and who is excluded?
- What low resource options could we develop?
- How can guest speakers, alumni or partners contribute meaningfully?
- Can local cultural organisations offer international perspectives?
- What preparation and reflection are needed before and after mobility?
Notes & Resources
This section brings together resources, examples, references and practical ideas that may help you explore the topic further. Use what is relevant to your context, and adapt it as needed.
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Explore more flexible and inclusive approaches to student mobility
Erasmus+ guidance shows how mobility can include long-term, short-term and blended formats, while highlighting the need to address barriers faced by students with fewer opportunities.
Mobility projects for higher education students and staff · Erasmus+ · European Commission -
Create international experiences without requiring physical mobility
Virtual exchange connects students across countries through facilitated online interaction, creating opportunities for intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning where physical mobility is not possible.
Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges · European Commission -
Explore Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL)
A practical guide to designing international collaborative learning within an existing course, enabling students to work across institutions and countries without requiring physical mobility.
COIL Handbook: A Practical Guide for Educators · Ulysseus European University -
Explore the original COIL model and resources
Developed by SUNY, Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) connects students and educators in different countries through shared, curriculum-based projects. Explore guidance, examples and practical resources for developing COIL experiences.
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) · SUNY COIL Center
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Connect student mobility with professional learning in the cultural sector
Explore how international mobility supports training and professional development for artists and cultural professionals, including physical, online and hybrid opportunities.
Cultural Mobility Yearbook 2024: Training and Professional Development · On the Move · 2024 -
See how transnational collaboration can widen international exposure
Research on European University Alliances illustrates how short-term mobility, blended programmes, connected classrooms and collaborative learning can bring international experiences to students who may not be able to travel.
A paradigm shift in European transnational collaboration: European university alliances as communities of practice · Palmowski & Angouri · 2025the article is Open Access
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