The IAMONET-RU project

IAMONET-RU - International Academic MObility NETwork with RUssia

Starting still under the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window program in year 2007, the IAMONET-RU project was selected four times - 2007, 2008 (EMECW) and 2009, 2010 under the Erasmus Mundus partnerships program (2009-2013). In 2011 the first project under SGA 2007-1235 has been successfully finalized, in 2012 and 2013 the successful projects under SGA 2008-1957 and SGA 2009-1681 were completed.

The 5th and last partnership project for exchange provided funded mobility opportunities for 239 participants, even 4 participants more than planned, mainly from Russia to the EU. Out of these, seven scholarships were awarded to TG3 candidates, representing minorities in vulnerable situations. A wide variety of subjects was covered by the mobile grantees, with a focus on rural development, agricultural economics, bioeconomics and environmental protection.

Due to the two-step-application process including personal interviews of EU-RU selection teams have not only been the best applicants selected, but also the exchange about educational standards and expectations between EU and RU HEIs was fostered. Through mobility several new agreements were initiated, combined research goals developed and projects started, as well as joint papers published. Graduates with international experience through participation in IAMONET-RU have excellent career opportunities in research and business.

Besides study and research stays, several academic staff mobility periods dedicated to training on curriculum development were conducted to support the overall implementation of the Bologna principles. This included the areas of course and exam design, as well as introducing sensible practical trainings into study programs.

A public conference in Moscow concerning the topics employability and HEI-business relation titled "Building Bridges for Success" provided direct contact between curriculum developing HEIs and companies to exchange views, developments and necessities for an education with high employability of graduates in mind.

Through several meetings and intensive exchange between the partner institutions, the project provided a perfect way for future cooperation and ensured a mutual understanding of educational provisions and conditions. The meeting and networking opportunities also provided the Russian institutions with the chance to build or intensify a national network, which is very important in the current competitive environment of higher education institutions in the agricultural sector.