Alison Vermeulen, who manages staff mobility within the International Relations Office, decided to make a staff mobility experience herself in order to be better able to advise other colleagues. Read about her stay at Freie Universität Berlin.

Alison, why did you choose to undertake a staff mobility at Freie Universität Berlin?

I chose the programme offered by Freie Universität, because it matched my profile as international relations officer very well.
The subject was “International affairs in enhancing Students and Staff Exchange”.
As I manage staff mobility at our university, I thought it was useful for me to make the experience myself and at the same time exchange good practices with colleagues from abroad.
Moreover, I think it is important for an international officer to increase their network and strengthen the ties with partner universities.

What did the programme of the staff week consist in?

The staff week consisted in workshops, group events, tours, presentations, sports activities and, of course, time for networking with colleagues from other universities.

Was there some time for social activities?

Coffee breaks, definitely! They are the perfect occasion to get to know other participants.
But beside that we also did a campus tour and a boat trip on the Spree.
Berlin is a lovely city!

What was the main outcome of this staff exchange for you?

For me, it was an opportunity to share my experiences and learn good practices from other colleagues.

Have you learned anything that you will be able to implement directly at the University of Luxembourg?

That is what I am actually doing right now. Giving an interview and gathering testimonials. One of the conclusions of the staff week was that this is the best way to increase the interest in staff exchange programmes.

How can other staff members benefit from such an international experience?

They can apply for the staff mobility programme within the framework of Erasmus +, which offers the possibility of carrying out a teaching or a training period (i.e. a workshop, staff training week of job shadowing period) abroad.

For further information, visit the staff mobility section on our website or
contact me (Alison Vermeulen).