ERASMUS+

UTCB \ ERASMUS+

KA171 – Mobility of higher education students and staff supported by external policy funds

What is International Credit Mobility (ICM)?

For 35 years, the European Union has funded the Erasmus programme which has enabled over 4 million European students to spend part of their studies in another higher education institution (HEI) in Europe. In 2015, Erasmus+ opened up these opportunities to individuals and organizations from other parts of the world. Through “International Credit Mobility” – ICM for short – European HEIs can set up mobility agreements which partners around the world to send and receive student and staff. This programme is the continuation of ICM (KA107) from the 2015-2020 programme period, and the first call for applications was launched in call 2022 of Erasmus+.

Why participate?

ICM projects aim to help participants acquire key skills, support their professional development, and deepen their understanding of cultures. These projects aim to increase the capacities, attractiveness and international dimension of the organizations taking part too.
The key action KA171 of the Erasmus+ programme for International Credit Mobility (ICM) promotes the implementation of mobility projects outside the EU, in line with the internationalisation of higher education institutions strategy. The goal of this action is to attract students and teachers towards the European universities, supporting them in the competition with the global higher education. At the same time, the objective is to expand the range of possible destinations for European students and teachers with an openness towards other Countries of the world.

Goals:

❍ Promoting Excellence in Higher Education
❍ Strengthen soft skills for labour market integration (spirit of initiative, digital and linguistic skills)
❍ Exploit the full potential of new technologies
❍ Promote social inclusion
❍ Raise the level of teaching and professional capacities

Recipients:

❍ Students
❍ Teachers
❍ Technical and administrative staff

Mobility types:

❍ International Student mobility for Study, from 2 to 12 months, or from 5 to 30 days for short-term doctoral mobility or if part of a blended mobility
SMS – Student mobility for Study, from 2 to 12 months
It is opened to short cycle, first cycle (Bachelor or equivalent) or second cycle (Master or equivalent) students, as well as third cycle doctoral candidates.
The mobility period can last from 2 months (or one academic term) to 12 months.
Short-term doctoral mobility or blended mobility can last from 5 days to 30 days.
❍ International Student mobility for traineeship, from 2 to 12 months, or from 5 to 30 days for short-term doctoral mobility or if part of a blended mobility
SMP – Student mobility for Traineeships, from 2 to 12 months
It is opened from call 2023 to short cycle, first cycle (Bachelor or equivalent) or second cycle (Master or equivalent) students, as well as third cycle doctoral candidates.
The mobility period can last from 2 to 12 months.
❍ International Staff Mobility for Teaching, from 5 days to 2 months
STA – Staff Mobility for Teaching, from 5 days to 2 months
For academic staff and (from call 2018) for invited staff from non-academic organisations to teach at a partner higher education institution (HEI) abroad.
The mobility period can last from 5 days to 2 months.
❍ International Staff Mobility for Training, from 5 days to 2 months
Short-term doctoral mobility or blended mobility can last from 5 days to 30 days.
STT – Staff mobility for Training, from 5 days to 2 months
For teaching and non-teaching staff in the form of training events abroad (excluding conferences), job shadowing, observation periods and/or training at a partner HEI.
The mobility period can last from 5 days to 2 months.

Please note:

A blended mobility for the academic staff for teaching and training may be planned. In this case, the minimum number of teaching hours shall be reduced by 50%.

How to Participate:

Note: We would like to inform you that the consideration of your application will be contingent upon the availability of funds and the type of mobility approved for this period. We also inform you that there are no outgoing student mobilities available for Regions 2 and 10. Ask for information at the International Office – Technical support (Contacts – at the end of the page).
❍ Incoming Students: Please, verify if your University is one of our Partners in the list you can find in „Open Calls”. In order to participate you need to enrol in special calls for application to the mobilities at your University.
❍ Outgoing Students: In order to participate you need to enrol in special calls for application to the mobilities and follow the instructions. See next paragraph whether there are open calls or not.
The selection of candidates for student mobility will be conducted through a structured and competitive process, detailed as follows:
Application Process:
Application Submission: Candidates are required to submit an application to their home university, which must include a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a detailed study plan outlining their academic objectives and proposed activities during the mobility period.
Document Review: The selection committee will conduct a thorough review of all submitted applications to assess the suitability of candidates for the mobility program.
Interview: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria based on the document review will be invited for an interview to further evaluate their qualifications and alignment with the goals of the mobility program.
Final Decision: The selection committee will make the final decision regarding candidate selection, based on the outcomes of the application review and interview process.
Selection Criteria:
Academic Performance: The candidate’s grade point averages from previous academic years will be a primary factor in the assessment process.
Motivation Letter: The motivation letter must clearly articulate the candidate’s reasons for participating in the mobility program, including their academic and professional goals.
Interview Performance: The candidate’s ability to effectively communicate their objectives, readiness, and potential contributions during the interview will be critically assessed.
Tie-Breaking Criterion: In cases where candidates have equivalent scores from the above criteria, the decision will be made based on the comparative grade point averages from their previous years of study.
This selection framework is designed to ensure that the mobility program selects students who demonstrate strong academic credentials, clear motivation for international study, and the potential to benefit significantly from the experience.
❍ Incoming Academic or Administrative staff: Please, verify if your University is one of our Partners in the list you can find in „Open Calls”. In order to participate, you need to enroll in special calls for application to the mobilities at your University and prepare a dossier with the following documents:
– Invitation letter signed by representative from UTCB
– Nomination letter issued by your university
– Letter of motivation signed by the participant, explaining the reason(s) why, as an applicant, should be selected for an Erasmus+ teaching staff mobility; previous participations in different exchange programs should be considered as an advantage for the application;
– Curriculum Vitae (Europass form)
– Confirmation of the employer (home HEI) about the applicant’s employment status
– Proof of citizenship (copy of passport, or certificate of nationality)
– Application form for staff mobility filled by the participant
– Staff Mobility Agreement for Teaching.
– Individual grant agreement regulating the payment of the financial support towards the grant holder prior to arrival. Grant/scholarship is paid during the mobility (not before), in cash (100%) in EUR (attached)
– Insurance Policy valid for the total duration of mobility
❍ Outgoing Academic or Administrative staff: In order to participate you need to enrol in special calls for application to the mobilities and follow the instructions.
Application Process:
Faculty members interested in participating in the mobility program must submit an application package that includes the following components:
Official Invitation: An official invitation from the host university is required, indicating that the host institution welcomes and approves the faculty member’s visit.
Detailed Teaching/Training Plan: A teaching/training plan that has been approved by the host university, outlining the courses, seminars, or workshops the faculty member intends to deliver, including objectives, content, and expected outcomes.
Selection Criteria:
In cases where the number of applicants exceeds the available places, selection will be based on the following criteria:
– Alignment between the objectives of the mobility and the applicant’s professional field.
– Importance of the mobility for improving teaching or research skills.
– Teaching experience relevant to the mobility.
– Participation in Erasmus+ projects, international collaborations, or other mobility programs.
– Contribution to the development of international partnerships.
– Potential for strengthening or initiating new international collaborations.
– Commitment to professional development and internationalization.
– Mobilities aimed at initiating new partnerships may be favored.
– Supporting staff members with fewer opportunities.
– Preference for candidates who have not previously benefited from an Erasmus+ mobility.
– Previous involvement in internationalization activities within the home institution.
– Participation in research or international cooperation projects.
The selection process is designed to be transparent, fair, and merit-based, ensuring that Erasmus+ resources are effectively allocated to enhance institutional capacity, foster academic development, and strengthen international partnerships. This application process ensures that all faculty mobility initiatives are well-coordinated and meet the academic standards and needs of both the home and host institutions.

Open calls:

2022-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000071019 (01.08.2022-31.07.2025)

(Region 12) USA and Canada
United States of America – Mississippi State University (Department of Mathematics and Statistics)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 2 (10 days)

2023-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000134449 (01.08.2023-31.07.2026)

(Region 3) South-Mediterranean countries
Tunisia – North American Private University
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (8 days)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (10 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 1 (3 months)
(Region 5) Asia
India – Punjabi University (Department of Basic Mathematics and Applied Sciences)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (12 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Outgoing: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 1 (3 months)
(Region 10) Latin America
Chile – Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso (Department of Informatics Engineering)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (10 days)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (11 days)
Mexico – Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes (Department of Information Systems)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (10 days)

2024-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000239663 (01.08.2024-31.07.2026)

(Region 1) Western Balkans
Kosovo – Kolegji Aga Xhite
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 3 (36 days)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (9 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 2 (6 months)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Outgoing: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 2 (5 months)
(Region 2) Neighbourhood East
Ukraine – Institute of Combustion and Advanced Technologies, Odessa I.I.Mechnikov National University
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 2 (15 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants (2 with fewer opportunities) = 2 (5 months)
(Region 3) South-Mediterranean countries
Tunisia – North American Private University
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (6 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 1 (4 months)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Outgoing: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 1 (2 months)
(Region 5) Asia
India – Punjabi University (Department of Basic Mathematics and Applied Sciences)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (5 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (2 months)
Vietnam – Hanoi University of Mining and Geology
Vietnam – Thuy Loi University
Vietnam – Truong Dai Hoc Mo Thanh Pho Ho Chiminh
Vietnam – Truong Dai Hoc Xay Dung
Vietnam – University of Transport and Communications
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (12 days)
(Region 6) Central Asia
Uzbekistan – Namangan State University
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (6 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (4 months)
(Region 9) Sub-Saharan Africa
Ghana – University of Cape Coast
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (11 days)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (10 days)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Incoming: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 2 (6 months)
❍ Student mobility for studies – Outgoing: Number of participants (1 with fewer opportunities) = 2 (6 months)
(Region 10) Latin America
Chile – Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso (Department of Informatics Engineering)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Incoming: Number of participants = 1 (7 days)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (7 days)
Mexico – Universidad Autonoma de Aguascalientes (Department of Information Systems)
Mexico – Universidad Vasco de Quiroga A.C. (Department of Science and Technology)
❍ Staff mobility for teaching – Outgoing: Number of participants = 1 (7 days)

Implemented Mobilities:

2022-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000071019 (01.08.2022-31.07.2025)

⚠ Dr. Mohsen Razzaghi, Mississippi State University (USA), Professor of Mathematics, Head of Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Delivering lectures in fractional calculus and their applications between April 8-12, 2024.

2023-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000134449 (01.08.2023-31.07.2026)

⚠ Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Punjabi University, Patiala (INDIA), Professor of Mathematics, Head of Department of Basic and Applied Sciences
Delivering lectures in differential geometry with indefinite metrics between May 20 – June 04, 2024.

⚠ Dr. Alexandru Cristian Rusu, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (CHILE), Full Professor, Director of Doctoral Program in Informatics Engineering, Escuela de Ingeniería Informática
Delivering lectures in Customers and User Experience and their applications between June 03 – June 14, 2024.

Ongoing Mobilities:

2022-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000071019 (01.08.2022-31.07.2025)

2023-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000134449 (01.08.2023-31.07.2026)

⚠ Dr. Ion Mierlus-Mazilu, Technical University of Civil Engineering, Bucharest, (ROMANIA), Associate Profesor, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Delivering lectures in Modern Teaching Methods in Computer Science at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (CHILE), Escuela de Ingeniería Informática between March 14-28, 2025.

2024-1-RO01-KA171-HED-000239663 (01.08.2024-31.07.2026)

⚠ Dr. Rakesh Kumar, Punjabi University, Patiala (INDIA), Professor of Mathematics, Head of Department of Basic and Applied Sciences
Delivering lectures in Riemannian Geometry and Its Applications between May 22-28, 2025.

Useful Links:

https://dri.utcb.ro/en/erasmus-office/mobilitati-incoming-ka1/
https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/resources-and-tools/mobility-and-learning-agreements/learning-agreements/studies-agreement-guidelines-ka171

Contacts:

Erasmus+ KA171 Project Coordinator:
Assoc.Prof. Ion MIERLUS-MAZILU, PhD. email: ion.mierlusmazilu@utcb.ro
International Relations Office:
Anca MĂRGINEANU email: anca.margineanu@utcb.ro
Mia TRIFU (Staff) email: iro@utcb.ro
Doina IRODEL (Students) email: erasmusin@utcb.ro

Disclaimer:

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.