Mobility Windows are structured international mobility pathways, defined as “periods of time reserved for international student mobility that is embedded into the curriculum of a study programme.” (Ferencz et al. 2013, 12).
Arqus promotes the implementation of Mobility Windows as a tool to improve the quality of programmes and make international mobility more accessible, prioritising “Optional Windows with Highly-Prescribed Content (Op-Hip)”.
In the “Op-Hip” type, students have some flexibility in choosing how they engage with the content of the curriculum offered based on their interests, needs and learning goals. The main feature of “Op-Hip” is blending a structured curriculum (with mandated content) and flexible delivery (through optional windows), giving students more agency in deciding when and how they tackle required content, which could foster a more personalized and self-directed learning experience.
At the same time, Mobility Windows can focus on a transversal competencies curriculum, allowing the development of skills and abilities that are not confined to a specific subject area but are essential across all learning domains. These competencies are broad, transferable, and applicable to a variety of contexts in both academic and real-world situations.
Target group: Students of all cycles
Duration: 1 semester
Main objectives:
- To enhance the attractiveness of the study programmes offered by the ARQUS institutions.
- To offer students a complementary curriculum and innovative international experience.
- To create a flexible, student-centered learning environment
- To promote student autonomy, engagement and motivation.
- To equip students with important skills they need to navigate and succeed in a rapidly changing and interconnected world.
More information can be found here: https://arqus-alliance.eu/arqus-teaching-innovation/implementation-of-mobility-windows-at-arqus-universities/