Abstract:

In the process of envisaging International Cooperation involving a group of students as well as coaching teachers from Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in the same mobility action there are a number of well-known possibilities mainly within the Erasmus+ KA2 framework. These mobility options have, however, to obey in duration, outline, contents and functioning to the high quality standards as well as strict criteria set by the European Commission’s Erasmus+ to be accepted for recognition and funding. It may not be easy for a HEI to involve a reasonable number of students studying and working together within these actions, due to constraints of students to be abroad for longer periods of time, financial constraints or unsuccessful applications.

A new experience in International Cooperation was launched by Fontys Hogeschool ICT, Netherlands in the form of an Interdisciplinary ICT and Business International Project, involving Bachelor 3rd year students and teachers from several HEI partners. The project, held annually and currently in its 3rd edition, involves six HEI partners, each of them participating with an exchange of a group of 10 students that are combined with 60 students from Fontys Hogeschool ICT. Work teams are set with 5 students, where two or three students are from each partner. Participating students may have a ICT and/or Business/Management background to allow for interdisciplinary project teams.

The main project objectives are International cooperation and awareness, demonstrating entrepreneurship behavior and an interdisciplinary vision. Generically, the project will aim to apply new trends or developments in the area of IT in a business and develop entrepreneurial skills and cooperative work in multidisciplinary and international student teams.

Central kick-off with students from all cooperating partners is held in Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Eindhoven. During the first two days, student teams in cooperation with lecturers from partner institutions define the project plan to be developed (objectives and scope, responsibilities, deliverables, scheduling, methodology, resources and tools, etc.); the 3rd day is reserved for cultural activities. Each team then works remotely (online) for the development of the project; it is estimated at least half a day of work per week for 8 weeks, totaling 5 full work days per student. The closing of the project will involve 2 working days, including the final presentation and will be done at the location of the 2nd partner HEI; a 3rd day for cultural activities is also considered.

This paper describes the ongoing Interdisciplinary ICT and Business International project, supervised by the authors, where the initial kick-off was made in Fontys ICT and the 2nd HEI partner is Portucalense University, aiming to develop innovative Business IT solutions under the central topic “Obesity & healthy lifestyle”. The work of the five project student teams will be described, the methodology and outcomes assessed and lessons learnt will be highlighted.

Keywords:

International cooperation, International project, entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary, ICT and Business.