Audit of Internationalisation at UPJŠ
Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice takes part in the project “Audit of the level of internationalization and implementation of the projects of internationalization of higher education institutions and research institutions” the main objective of which is to assess and improve the level of internationalization of the University. The project includes the elaboration of the Self-Evaluation Survey, a visit of a panel of experts, the development of the Action Plan, and subsequent phase of implementation of the objectives set out in the Action Plan.
The Action Plan includes, inter alia, activities aimed at promoting the active participation of the University in the activities of the AURORA Alliance, promoting international cooperation and project schemes, and creating an intercultural, tolerant and inclusive environment at UPJŠ.
Project activities
The activities within the project are divided into two main sub-projects:
Sub-Project 1
Elaboration of the Self-Evaluation Survey by the Beneficiary
In cooperation with the rectorate, faculties, and other departments, the Self-Evaluation Survey was prepared and subsequently submitted to the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic on 31 August 2024.
Self-Evaluation Survey provides a comprehensive overview of the current level of internationalisation, including, inter alia, information on internationalisation initiatives and efforts both in education and in research, on partnerships and contracts with institutions abroad, participation in international projects, study programmes taught in a foreign language and statistics on ingoing/outgoing mobility of students and staff.
The results of the SWOT analysis are presented in the final part of the Self-Evaluation Survey.
Visit of the panel of experts
On 14th and 15th November 2024, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice hosted a panel of independent experts composed of Dimitris Kokkalis – Chief Coordinator, Veronika Kupriyanova, and Karla Zimanová.
During their visit, the panel of experts met with the university management, faculty leaders, representatives of university departments and units and Slovak and international students, with more than 80 people from the University participating in the meetings.
The aim of the visit of the panel of experts was to assess the level of internationalisation of UPJŠ based on the discussions and prepare an evaluation report containing recommendations aimed at systemic improvements.
Commenting on the Panel of Experts’ Evaluation Report
After reviewing the Self-Evaluation Survey, the supporting strategic documents and based on the findings of the visit that took place in November 2024, the panel of experts prepared a draft Evaluation Report. With the participation and cooperation of the panel of experts, the findings and recommendations were presented and discussed during the workshop in December 2024, taking into account the comments made by UPJŠ on the Evaluation Report.
The Evaluation Report contains an analysis of the internationalisation efforts of the University and proposes a number of short- and medium-term measures and recommendations to strengthen internationalisation and improve strategic planning and management processes in this area.
Development of the Action Plan based on the recommendations of the Evaluation Report
The Action Plan was prepared in close cooperation with the management of individual faculties and other university units. The Action Plan reflects the recommendations of the panel of experts and comprehensively covers all areas of internationalisation.
It consists of 26 short-term objectives to be implemented by October 2025 and 7 medium-term objectives to be implemented within the period of 1 to 3 years. All the objectives of the Action Plan are complementary to each other and are in line with the University’s objectives set out in the Internationalisation Strategy of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice for the 2023-2027 period.
The approved Action Plan and the Evaluation Report of the panel of experts to be delivered by the Beneficiary to the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic
On 16 January 2025 the panel of experts approved the Action Plan which together with the Evaluation Report was delivered to the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic. By doing so, implementation of Sub-Project 1 was successfully completed.
Workshop “Audit of Internationalisation at UPJŠ”
On 5 March 2025, a workshop in a hybrid format will be held, during which the Action Plan for Internationalization of UPJŠ will be presented in the presence of auditors and representatives of the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic.
Contact Persons
International Relations and Internationalisation Office
doc. Ing. Silvia Ručinská, PhD.
Vice-Rector for Internationalisation
+421 917 686 691
silvia.rucinska@upjs.sk
Mgr. Mária Vasiľová, PhD.
Head of the International Relations and Internationalisation Office
+421 55 234 1159
maria.vasilova@upjs.sk
Bc. Oľga Gállová
International Relations and Internationalisation Officer
+421 55 234 1164
olga.gallova@upjs.sk
