Context/background of the project at Management Center Innsbruck (MCI): Teaching, learning and research in an international environment and the active participation in global dialogue are integral parts of MCI’s institution’s philosophy and are positively experienced and valued by our students, faculty and staff. MCI strives to provide its students with an international and diverse learning experience, at the same time endeavors to contribute to the economic, political, scientific and cultural understanding and development on a multilateral level. The integration of a global perspective in all its educational and research activities, the creation of an international and intercultural diverse study environment and the positioning of MCI in the international higher education landscape is its prime focus reflecting in its mission statement and related mission components: "MCI provides profound academic competence in a strong international network and empowers motivated people in achieving outstanding performance. • Its strong international orientation generates know-how, prestige and added value for its customers • MCI’s brand is internationally renowned and stands for performance, professionalism, knowledge and competence • Its extensive and international network creates a competitive edge and added value for its stakeholders" The exchange of students and faculty under the framework of the Erasmus plus program plays an important role for the implementation of the mission components above. Objectives of the project: In accordance with its mission MCI has formulated the following objectives for the project in question: - Establishment and enhancement of the European partner network - Provision of a wide portfolio of study abroad opportunities within the Erasmus network - Enhancement of collaboration linkages through faculty exchange MCI’s strong international orientation is advocated by providing a high proportion of students with the opportunity of spending a semester abroad, doing their mandatory internship in an international set-up or joining study trips to international partner universities. MCI currently maintains a global network of presently 220 partner universities with whom MCI engages actively by encouraging student and staff mobility. During the project period, the European partner network has been further enlarged and currently consists of 130 EU/EEA higher education institutions. Currently, more than 40% of the undergraduate students and 20% of the graduate students participate in a study abroad semester. During the project, the opportunities for students to either study abroad or to do an internship in another European country, were further increased. In order to facilitate student mobility and academic recognition, MCI was awarded the DS and ECTS label in 2013 for the second time in a row. MCI maintains close contact with its partner universities by supporting faculty exchange. The guest lecturers’ business and research experience contribute to their teaching activities and enrich the learning experience of MCI’s students. Every year, MCI hosts a large number of international guest lecturers. MCI’s staff mobility, in turn, is promoted within the framework of the Erasmus program. Additional funding schemes exist for teaching and research opportunities at partner institutions in the EU and beyond. Number and type of participants of the project: outgoing students: 160 faculty: 4 administrative staff: 2 Description of undertaken activities MCI strongly encourages student and faculty exchange under the program by - Institution-wide dissemination of information - selection of quality oriented partner institutions and organisation of student and faculty mobility by the central International Relations office - academic preparation and approval of study abroad semesters by the relevant academic department - Co-financing of teaching staff exchange according to MCI policies and guidelines - Academic recognition of successfully completed study abroad periods towards degree completion by Head of Academic Department Results, Impact and long term benefits MCI’s participation has clearly improved its program quality and strengthened the competitiveness of its graduates by enabling even more students to take part in study/training abroad periods. Currently, around 40% of its undergraduate students study abroad, 30% do an international internship. The program has further bolstered these activities. More students acquired an additional degree by joining a double or joint degree program, increased their employability making it easier for them to find high-skill occupation in other countries. Furthermore, the program has supported the recognition of academic credits gained abroad through transparency tools like ECTS and DS and through development of double or joint degrees. Program participation has intensified collaboration with partners, paving the way for potential future research projects.