Global Partnerships in Action: From 19th–23rd May 2025, our University took a bold stride in its internationalisation agenda through a high-impact staff exchange visit to the University of Ostrava, Czech Republic, under the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme. Represented by the Dean, School of Computing and IT (SCIT) and the Director of International Affairs and Partnership, the UoK delegation engaged in a week of strategic collaboration, cultural exchange, and academic innovation.
The team was welcomed by the Vice-Dean for Development and Internationalization. This was followed by a comprehensive campus tour led by the International Student Services Specialist for Exchange, offering insights into the University of Ostrava’s infrastructure and internationalisation strategy.
Subsequent meetings included:
- A brief encounter with the Erasmus + Institutional Coordinator.
- A roundtable with the VIA Programme Head and other International Cooperation Officers; where possibilities for reciprocal student mobility was explored.
- Participation in the Workshop on European University Alliances, which highlighted innovative models for expanding multilateral academic partnerships.
Highlights of the Visit:
- Laid groundwork for reciprocal student and staff mobility between UoK and the University of Ostrava.
- Possibility of PhD scholarships in emerging trends for SCIT faculty.
- Initiated talks on the possibility of collaborating on curriculum development
- Initiated the launch of a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme, hosted by UoK’s Centre for Modern Languages, promoting global virtual classrooms aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- Reflected on the transformational experience of UoK students currently on exchange in Ostrava—highlighting personal growth, academic enrichment, and global exposure.
Cultural bonds were deepened through a meaningful exchange of gifts and a heritage tour guided by the Vice-Dean for Development and Internationalization and UoK Director of international Affairs and partnership, symbolising mutual respect and a shared vision for long-term cooperation.
What’s Next?
The outcomes of this exchange go far beyond networking; they are already shaping tangible future actions:
- Strategic engagement with the VIA Programme to support sustained exchanges.
- Official rollout of the COIL programme in Q1 2026.
- Post-exchange evaluations to refine and scale impact across future mobility programmes.
Global Partnerships in Action
At the University of Kigali, global engagement is more than a goal—it’s a practice. This partnership with the University of Ostrava underscores how strategic collaboration transforms not only institutions, but also the students and faculty who lead the change.
