The IntlUni Launch Meeting in Aarhus turned out to be an exciting as well as worthwhile experience for all participants. It was the first opportunity for everyone involved to meet up and, most of all, get a "feel" for the project and a sense of the exciting pan-European cross-fertilization of ideas to come. While some members were still en route back to their homes and families, we were busy collecting first impressions of the event.

2012.12.17 | Shaunna Joannidou

Overall the general impressions covered three main areas: 

(1) the discussion of the term “international” was rich and pointed out some of the grey areas this project will be dealing with;

(2) the three presentations were very helpful in that they gave insight to the state of the art as well as provided access to experts for all participants; and

(3) the activities undertaken at the kick-off allowed for a great exchange of ideas and input from all partners as well as a chance to get to know one another and exchange our HEI realities.

“I was impressed by the intensity of thought and discussion…There was so much sharing of contexts and experiences.” Danuta Romaniuk, University of Warsaw, Poland.

“In a nutshell, my feelings during and after our Aarhus meeting were overwhelmingly positive.  I thought the discussions were fruitful, honest and touching on really relevant issues…”. Maria Stefanescu, Babes-Bolyai University, Romania

"...the group activities with colleagues....entailed fruitful exchanges and ..(were)..a kind of simulation for a small multi-cultural classroom." Houda Dhaoui, Virtual University of Tunisia, Tunisia.                                                                   

Your responses to our email asking you about your first impressions of the kick-off meeting were varied, but resounded with affirmation and excitement for the times to come.  It is with this sense of anticipation that we look forward to our future meetings.  Many thanks to you all!

2012.12.14 | Shaunna Joannidou | University of Cyprus