Oslo exchange programme strengthens international co-operation
International Physiotherapy study programme lecturers Carin Rensen and Remco Kuipers recently travelled to Nye Høyskole Oslo as part of a staff exchange. This exchange forms part of a 25-year collaboration between the two institutions. During their stay, they taught classes, coordinated course content and assessment with Norwegian counterparts, and strengthened ties with the international field. They look back on an inspiring experience and emphasise the importance of international co-operation for both students and lecturers.
Why was the choice made for an exchange programme with Oslo Nye Høyskole?
We chose Oslo for this staff exchange because of the strong and long-standing collaboration between Oslo Nye Høyskole and Saxion, which has now been in place for 25 years. Over the years, this collaboration has developed into a valuable and ongoing exchange that enables us to share knowledge and experiences every year. It gives us the opportunity to maintain and further strengthen ties between the two institutions both on an educational level as well as within the international network.
What was the aim of the staff exchange, and what activities did you take part in during your stay?
The aim of the staff exchange was to introduce students and fellow lecturers to the content and teaching methods of the International Physiotherapy study programme at Saxion. This is particularly relevant for prospective Norwegian students who will be doing part of their study in Enschede. Another key objective was to maintain links with the international professional field, particularly with organisations where our students do internships.
To put this into context: every year, around 40 Norwegian students come to Enschede to study physiotherapy. They spend their first academic year in Norway before completing the following three academic years at Saxion.
During our stay, we took part in a variety of activities, including teaching, practical lessons and sharing innovations. We also agreed course content and assessment methods with our Norwegian colleagues, to ensure the quality and relevance of the education provided. We also visited our internship partners to strengthen our co-operation with the professional field, maintain our links and exchange knowledge.
How did you find interacting with Norwegian students, and what will you take back with you to Saxion?
The interaction with Norwegian students was very positive. They are proactive, contribute enthusiastically to lessons and show a great deal of curiosity. This creates a pleasant and dynamic learning environment.
The collaboration with our Norwegian colleagues is also always constructive and enjoyable, which contributes to a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences. We’ll take this energy and these insights back to Saxion, where we can use them to enhance our education.
What have you specifically gained from the exchange, both personally and professionally?
The staff exchange has been highly rewarding, both personally and professionally. It helps to strengthen intercultural co-operation and leads to greater job satisfaction.
Furthermore, there are major benefits in maintaining active links with the international professional field, where our students do their internships. Normally, this only happens to a limited extent, for example online. Being there in-person provides the unique opportunity to strengthen these relationships, share knowledge and further deepen our collaboration.
Why would you recommend colleagues to take part in an Erasmus+ KA131 staff exchange, and what do you think they could gain from it?
A KA131 staff exchange is incredibly inspiring and motivating. It offers you the chance to broaden your horizons, gain new insights and look at your own teaching and professional practice from a different perspective.
It also helps make work more enjoyable: you recharge your batteries, make valuable international contacts and return with fresh ideas. We always find that, after an experience like this, we return to work in Enschede full of renewed energy and inspiration.
| Project Code: | 2025-1-NL01-KA131-HED-000307400 |
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| Action Type: | KA131-HED – Mobility of Higher Education students and staff supported by external policy funds | |
| Agency: NL01 - Nationaal Agentschap Erasmus+ Onderwijs Training | ||
