The internationality of teaching and research is particularly important to the Medical University of Innsbruck. Providing students, lecturers, and staff with the opportunity to gain international experience and acquire intercultural skills plays a key role in qualifying them for international competition. Our long-standing participation in the Erasmus programme is a very important aspect. In this respect the Medical University of Innsbruck continues to pursue, as it has in the past, the following objectives in particular: ? To establish partnerships with other universities for co-operation in the internationalisation of teaching and academic programmes ? To simplify the credit transfer process ? To strengthen student exchange programmes in both directions (incoming/outgoing) ? To further increase the mobility figures with a special focus on maintaining the incoming/outgoing balance achieved in recent years ? To provide quality assurance ? To increase staff mobility In order to achieve these objectives the Medical University of Innsbruck has taken the following measures: ? Promote exchange programmes as part of the degree programme ? Measures to continuously improve the quality of targeted information preparation ? Continue the established and proven procedure for the transfer of academic credits gained and for the follow up on the study/training period abroad ? Promote relevant language skills ? Provide comprehensive advice through the International Relationships Department as well as support and supervision during the stay ? Provide special support for incoming students through "welcome events", Erasmus tutorials and a "buddy" system, as well as ongoing supervision by the International Relations Department ? Provide relevant information for incoming and outgoing staff and students The Medical University of Innsbruck has in the past supported university staff mobility at all levels, and will continue to do so. Information is sent out regularly highlighting relevant opportunities offered in particular by the Erasmus programme, and staff mobility opportunities are regularly brought to the attention of personnel through announcements on Staff Training Weeks. Interested lecturers and members of general university staff can receive comprehensive advice on such opportunities from the International Relations Department. With respect to student mobility, the main priority for the Medical University of Innsbruck has been, and will continue to be, to reduce barriers and encourage student mobility through the provision of specific information, by offering language courses, and in particular through clear regulations for credit transfer. The European Credit Transfer System, issuing Learning Agreements and Transcript of Records significantly simplify the recognition of credits. Brochures issued to students explain the credit point system for academic credits earned. These brochures also list each semester separately, describing the options available for individual courses (recognised alternatives, conversion formulas). This not only guarantees no loss of study progress but also greatly speeds up processing and credit transfer when they return. After reviewing the certificates submitted the coordinator will issue the administrative decision of the credit transfer. In addition to ongoing advice and support provided to students through the International Relations Department, an information event is held for all applicants at which the International Relations Department staff and the Erasmus coordinator provide a detailed presentation of the information documents and are then available to answer questions. In order to provide additional help and guidance to incoming students the MUI has also introduced a regular Welcome Day, a "buddy" system with local students, and Erasmus tutorials, as well as producing a brochure for incoming students similar to that available for outgoing students. Thanks to these measures the Medical University of Innsbruck has managed to significantly increase the mobility figures in recent years (inbound: more than 120 in 2014, outbound: 97 including SMT in 2014). Participation in the programme also plays an important role in ensuring the comparability of curricula and in attaining international standards. The curriculum also includes a significant practical component, attaching particular importance to placements that combine theory and practice. Not least, experience gained in staff training exchanges provides new ideas for discussion with regard to the development of medical education, which can also serve as inspiration for curriculum development. For students, participating in the programme represents an initial form of professional experience in other countries, which further qualifies them for their subsequent careers. In addition, improved language and intercultural skills are extremely important for both groups of student participants (placements and studies).