European Policy Statement (EPS) of Hochschule Stralsund: University of Applied Sciences

(Last revised: 26 May 2020 as agreed by the Rectorate)

UAS Stralsund is committed to both the Renewed EU Agenda and the four strategic goals of the European Education Area and considers itself to be welcoming to persons of all origin. It has signed the German Diversity Charter and pledges its commitment to support the integration of all status groups through the provision of equal chances and opportunities. HOST is aware of its responsibility within the European educational landscape and the associated effect it has on the region, as well as the resulting interdependencies. Making it possible for the region to experience internationalisation is an important contribution the University can make toward society.

Strategic Basis for the Internationalisation of HOST

HOST is able to base its activities for international development on a sturdy foundation. The strengthening and expansion of the international profile is and will remain one of the University’s key areas of strategic activity. HOST is thus pursuing the long-term goal of creating an environment for international practice-oriented teaching and research in a European educational landscape that is both productive and warm-hearted.

This goal is supported by four central pillars:

1. Qualitative consolidation of the international network
2. Digitisation
3. Internationalisation of the practice components
4. Internationalisation@Home

Participation in the Erasmus+ network is essential for each of these pillars. The Erasmus partnerships are the pivot of HOST’s international network. The practice-oriented education that is aided by (international) projects and compulsory excursions in degree courses that are predominantly internationally oriented, some obligatory internships abroad, as well as the establishment and extension of collaboration with international practice partners would be hard to imagine without Erasmus+. Traditionally, HOST has close ties to several higher education institutions in Europe, but also in Latin America and Asia. UAS Stralsund feels it is particularly closely linked to the Baltic Sea Region and Eastern Europe. The faculties’ collaboration activities with European higher education institutions are regularly evaluated, subsequently leading to recommendations for their continuation or adjustment.

The quantitative and qualitative development of internationalisation at HOST is centrally, yet not entirely, based around the mobility of the members of the university community. After all, the mobility of students, members of teaching staff and all other members of staff – both going abroad and coming to Stralsund – is at the heart of the so-called “Internationalisation@Home” - i.e. the purposeful integration of international and intercultural dimensions in the University’s teaching, research and administration. This, in turn, forms the basis for a successful further internationalisation of the entire institution, because the resulting interaction has an immediate positive effect on the qualitative and quantitative goals and the international atmosphere at HOST.

The digitisation of the programme management, teaching, supervision and provision of advice plays a prominent role in removing obstacles and encouraging mobility. This not only supports the traditional “outgoing and incoming mobility”, but also the consolidation of digital abilities, the goal of inclusive education, as well as “green mobility”. Mobility, internationalisation and sustainability are thus linked on multiple levels.

The University’s efforts in the digitisation of the Erasmus programme have a particularly positive effect. The further development of the institution receives additional impulses – whether in teaching, in administration or in means of communication. This is definitely a key to successful, modern internationalisation. Furthermore, digital offers help provide all persons with access to the University. This is supported by HOST’s participation in the state-wide project “Inclusive University”.

Erasmus Charta of Hochschule Stralsund - University of Applied Sciences (2021-2027)