From March 25th to March 27th, 2024, the kick-off meeting of the "ESN-AIR – Engaging Students for Enhancing Internationalization Practices in the Adriatic-Ionian Region" project was held in Ancona. This project is being implemented under the coordination of the Polytechnic University of the Marche Region, with the University of Montenegro as a partner.
The main objective of the project is to promote active participation of students, especially student organizations, in the institutional life of universities in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The focus is on improving internationalization practices in higher education with the aim of providing young people with the adequate means to shape the future of higher education in the Western Balkans, thereby contributing to the development of internationalization for their benefit and the benefit of future generations. Special emphasis will be placed on the development of the Erasmus Student Network section in Montenegro.
The inaugural meeting was attended by representatives of all partner institutions involved in the project: the Polytechnic University of the Marche Region as the project coordinator, as well as partners such as the University of Džemal Bijedić in Mostar, the University of Tirana, the University of Shkodra "Luigj Gurakuqi", the University of Novi Sad, the University of Split, the University of Zenica, UniAdrion, representatives of the Erasmus Student Network Albania and the Erasmus Student Network Ancona, as well as representatives of the University of Montenegro.
During the meeting, the general objectives and plans of the project were presented, along with a concrete plan of activities for the first project period. Basic information regarding reporting and financial documentation was also provided. The project work packages were presented, with particular emphasis on the "Communication and Dissemination" work package, for which the University of Montenegro will be responsible throughout the project duration until the end of 2026, along with participation in other work packages.
The inaugural meeting marked an important step in the implementation of the "ESN-AIR" project, providing a solid foundation for further activities that will contribute to the enhancement of internationalization in higher education in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
