“We’re currently in the middle of a 3-year pilot programme,” explains employment mobility coordinator Tamara Aroustamova, “this year, we’ve had six colleagues from FHML, MUO and FSE go abroad and another three will go in the autumn.” While international mobility is inherent in academic jobs, ways of exchanging operational knowledge and expanding one’s network is a lot less straightforward for university support staff, even though the benefits are obvious. 

“You get to learn from people who are facing very similar problems but who might approach them in a very different way or in a similar way but better,” says Tamara, “seeing how things can be done differently and looking beyond established patterns and routines can be incredibly valuable.” Tamara herself went to a staff week with the grant to visit UM’s YUFE partner Bremen. “The topic was diversity and inclusivity, with a focus on invisible disabilities. It was really eye opening and a great experience. I really recommend it.”

While requiring a bit of effort and initiative, the process is relatively straightforward: staff weeks, an overview of which can be found here, tend to have their own application process. It should be noted that paid conferences and language courses are not covered. For job shadowing, employees identify a host, either through their own professional network, UM’s institutional network, or by pursuing a specific question and finding a suitable host from the Erasmus network. Then they contact that university’s Erasmus coordinator to ask approval and apply for the grant. “You fill in the application form stating clearly how you can benefit from this opportunity, what your intended learning outcomes are and what motivates you.” 

Candidates also need to attach a budget projection and a letter of approval by the host institution. After that, the application goes to a committee and people will receive feedback inside a fortnight of the application deadline. While all the costs incurred need to be declared with receipts, successful candidates can get the funds in advance based on their budget projection. 

So far, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. “I was really moved by the enthusiasm for the programme. While everyone had very different experiences, everyone came back with a light in their eyes. They all seemed motivated and full of energy. Experiencing a new context and new approaches recharges you and allows you to see things with new eyes.” 

Text: Florian Raith