Annual Meeting for International Relations Coordinators 2024

Moderated by Oana Balan-Budoiu, National Academy of Music in Cluj Napoca, IRC wg member

The 2024 survey on BIPs launched by the IRC working group showed how IRCs of higher music education institutions share common challenges when it comes to the implementation of such programmes. In fact, many of the issues listed by AEC members are not mentioned in the official EU documentation: the need to come up with sectorial guidelines –  defined by those who already experienced challenges and opportuties as leaders or partners –  has become evident. By sharing insights and working together, we, as a community, can overcome common obstacles and create a successful model for implementation.

During this 3-hours workshop, experienced and less experienced IRCs will explore together key topics such as funding strategies, selecting relevant BIP subjects, organizing networking activities, utilizing effective tech tools, creating a comprehensive event calendar, and finding partners.

Experienced IRCs from Rome (Carla Conti), Hamburg (Christiane Brück), Ghent (Frauke Velghe), The Hague (Elsa Ferreira) and Helsinki ( Leena Veijonsuo and others TBC) will contribute with their experience to facilitate group discussion and to develop guidelines that will enhance the effectiveness of BIPs in conservatoires.

Workshop Agenda:

1. Introduction – 15 minutes
   • Introduction of the Facilitators
   • Objectives of the Session
   • General Presentation of the BIP Rules (for those who are not familiar)
   • Structure of the Workshop
2. Session 1 – 45 minutes
   • Participants will be split into a maximum of 7 tables (approximately 10 participants per table)
   • Each table will have 1 facilitator who will lead the discussion
   • During this session, participants are asked to share their challenges regarding the following topics:
     1. Funding and Financial Management
        • Identify and discuss challenges such as accommodation issues
        • Develop and agree upon a cost-sharing model among institutions
        • Explore external sources of funding, particularly for student accommodations
        • Negotiate with local businesses for discounts on accommodations and meals
     2. Curriculum and Subject Selection
        • Identify appropriate subjects for a BIP
        • Ensure subjects align with the needs and interests of the students and institutions involved
     3. Additional Enriching Activities
        • Propose activities that could improve the effectiveness and enrich the experience of the BIP
        • Suggest cultural, educational, and social activities that enhance the overall program
     4. Feedback and Continuous Improvement
        • Establish a mechanism to collect feedback after each BIP to continuously improve the program
        • Discuss methods for gathering, analyzing, and acting on feedback from participants and partners
     5. Technological Tools and Communication
        • Discuss and select the best technological tools and platforms to ensure communication among partners
        • Explore tools for project management, communication, and collaboration
     6. Planning and Networking
        • Propose networking activities at the onset of BIPs to foster introductions among participants, build team cohesion, and enhance interpersonal interactions
     7. Dedicated Staff and Workload Distribution (if needed)
        • Encourage each partner institution to nominate a dedicated staff member for BIP implementation
        • Discuss how this helps distribute the workload more evenly across participating institutions
   • The results will be written on flipchart paper

1. Intermediate “Plenary Session” – approx. 35 minutes
   • Groups will be asked to present their outputs briefly (5 minutes per table)

Coffee Break – 15 minutes

1. Session 2 – 40-60 minutes
   • World Café Method (progressive round-table conversation, at the end of each round, participants move to a new table)
   • 6/7 tables (depending on the final number of attendees), each focusing on one specific area from Session 1’s discussions (this time on finding solutions to the listed challenges)
   • Participants are asked to choose a table where they think they can provide solutions
   • Every 10 minutes, a bell will ring, signaling that participants must choose another table
   • Each table will be hosted by a facilitator who will continuously collect feedback from the participants

1. Final Session – Plenary
   • Facilitators will provide feedback and open discussions for any additional comments

Presentation and moderation by Gretchen Amussen, PRIhME Project

What impact do power relations and hierarchies of power have on IRCs, on international students or students and/or teachers participating in exchanges? How might understanding power relations and hierarchies of power empower us to be better supported and to better support the international student experience?  What tools might we use to address the challenges we face in this regard? We all have examples of international students receiving less attention or opportunities, or of others suffering from a lack of language skills… and in our own professional hierarchies, we may feel our voices are not valued as they should be.

This highly interactive session, focused on the specific nature of international relations and inspired by the recently completed PRIhME (Power Relations in Higher Music Education) Project, seeks to help participants recognize and understand different types of power to better cope with challenges as they arise. We will explore the specific power-related challenges and imbalances faced within international relations offices. Ultimately, the session aims for each participant to define several concrete actions to improve power relations in his/her international relations environment.

with Payam Gul Susanni (Vietmus Project), Kirsty McCahon (Australia), Stephanie Tan (student from Singapore), moderated by Wei Boon Tan

Music students as developing citizen artists are encouraged to engage with the world through their art and service by fostering exchange, bridging cultural gaps and enriching communities through diverse artistic experiences. In this session, we discuss the importance for students to have an experience of living in a foreign country and share ways we can seek support to facilitate global exchanges. The session also shares an update of “Vietmus”, a two-year project funded by the European Union involving 10 universities in Europe and Vietnam which aims to promote digital transformation and to create a new digital capacity in teaching and performing in the Vietnamese Higher Music Education landscape.

By Kim Fallen Bailey, Jessica Harris and Maria Prodromou (IncluMusic), Aine O’Sullivan (RIAM) and Margit Dirnberger (Erasmus+ Higher Education Agency Austria)

In the pursuit of educational equity and cultural exchange, the Erasmus+ programme strives to offer transformative experiences to all students. However, students with Special Education Needs (SEN) often encounter unique challenges that can hinder their participation in these opportunities. The session aims to identify these challenges and facilitate discussion to explore strategies for a more inclusive Erasmus+ experience for all students.

Participants will first explore the specific barriers faced by students with SEN in the context of Erasmus+ mobility (such as wheelchair access, visual and hearing impairments, and neurodivergent needs). They will share their experiences and insights about the common obstacles at their institutions, both for outgoing and incoming students. This collaborative discussion will help in understanding the real needs and concerns that must be addressed. Participants will also learn about existing resources and best practices, including mindfulness techniques, one of the modules included in the training course developed within the scope of the IncluMusic project (2022-2025), which is gathering a full range of materials and considerations that can enhance the support provided to students with SEN.

Moreover, a slot will be dedicated to highlight personal stories and practical solutions to the challenges faced by students with SEN. Participants will engage in table discussions and will explore how to implement inclusive strategies, which will foster a rich exchange of ideas and potential solutions that have been tried and tested in real-world scenarios. By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the inclusion challenges, and will gain insights into the specific needs and barriers faced by these students which could apply to their own institutions.

Anna Lardi (Cellissimo Festival) and the AEC Goes Green group, moderated by Dimitrios Marinos

Musicians, as citizen artists, are encouraged to use their talents to engage with and positively impact their communities. By actively addressing the climate crisis, they can play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental threats through meaningful actions. These efforts contribute to a greener transition in the music sector and promote a more sustainable and resilient society.

This session will explore sustainable music practices and how environmental responsibility can be integrated into both performance and education. It emphasizes the importance of aligning higher music education institutions with the EU Green Deal’s broader objectives and its guidelines for a green transition.

Building on prior work mapping environmentally friendly practices, the AEC Goes Green Working Group of the ARTEMIS project has developed specific “green” recommendations for the music education sector. The presentation will showcase these recommendations, offering practical steps for reducing institutions’ carbon footprints, promoting sustainable travel, and organizing eco-friendly events. Additionally, the presentation will address the challenges faced in implementing sustainable practices.

An inspirational contribution will be provided by Anna Lardi, CEO of Music for Galway and creator of the Songs of Travel concept, who will share her experiences in spotlighting environmental sustainability in music events.

One artist’s conviction around travel, and the example he set, planted a first seed out of which the Creative Europe Cooperation Project Songs of Travel grew. This project is not only about being sustainable, but about using the presentation of music to bring about behavioural change in all stakeholders involved with regard to sustainability. Music for Galway made this an integral strand of the first in-person edition of Cellissimo – a nine day cello festival on the edge of Europe.

www.cellissimo.ie

www.songsoftravel.eu

a session on power relations and hierarchies of power in international offices by Gretchen Amussen, PRIhME Project

This session will introduce the concepts of power relations and hierarchies of power as defined in the recently completed PRIhME Project, focusing on their impact on IRCs, international students and/or teachers participating in exchanges. We will explore specific power related challenges and imbalances faced in international offices and suggest how understanding these dynamics can in turn empower IRCs and better support the international student/teacher experience.

Payam Gul Susanni (Vietmus Project), Kirsty McCahon (Australia), Stephanie Tan (student from Singapore), moderated by Wei Boon Tan

Music students as developing citizen artists are encouraged to engage with the world through their art and service by fostering exchange, bridging cultural gaps and enriching communities through diverse artistic experiences. In this session, we discuss the importance for students to have an experience of living in a foreign country and share ways we can seek support to facilitate global exchanges. The session also shares an update of “Vietmus”, a two-year project funded by the European Union involving 10 universities in Europe and Vietnam which aims to promote digital transformation and to create a new digital capacity in teaching and performing in the Vietnamese Higher Music Education landscape.

By Kim Fallen Bailey, Jessica Harris and Maria Prodromou (IncluMusic), Aine O’Sullivan (RIAM) and Margit Dirnberger (Erasmus+ Higher Education Agency Austria)

In the pursuit of educational equity and cultural exchange, the Erasmus+ programme strives to offer transformative experiences to all students. However, students with Special Education Needs (SEN) often encounter unique challenges that can hinder their participation in these opportunities. The session aims to identify these challenges and facilitate discussion to explore strategies for a more inclusive Erasmus+ experience for all students.

Participants will first explore the specific barriers faced by students with SEN in the context of Erasmus+ mobility (such as wheelchair access, visual and hearing impairments, and neurodivergent needs). They will share their experiences and insights about the common obstacles at their institutions, both for outgoing and incoming students. This collaborative discussion will help in understanding the real needs and concerns that must be addressed. Participants will also learn about existing resources and best practices, including mindfulness techniques, one of the modules included in the training course developed within the scope of the IncluMusic project (2022-2025), which is gathering a full range of materials and considerations that can enhance the support provided to students with SEN.

Moreover, a slot will be dedicated to highlight personal stories and practical solutions to the challenges faced by students with SEN. Participants will engage in table discussions and will explore how to implement inclusive strategies, which will foster a rich exchange of ideas and potential solutions that have been tried and tested in real-world scenarios. By the end of this session, participants will have a deeper understanding of the inclusion challenges, and will gain insights into the specific needs and barriers faced by these students which could apply to their own institutions.

Anna Lardi (Cellissimo Festival) and the AEC Goes Green group, moderated by Dimitrios Marinos

Musicians, as citizen artists, are encouraged to use their talents to engage with and positively impact their communities. By actively addressing the climate crisis, they can play a pivotal role in mitigating environmental threats through meaningful actions. These efforts contribute to a greener transition in the music sector and promote a more sustainable and resilient society.

This session will explore sustainable music practices and how environmental responsibility can be integrated into both performance and education. It emphasizes the importance of aligning higher music education institutions with the EU Green Deal’s broader objectives and its guidelines for a green transition.

Building on prior work mapping environmentally friendly practices, the AEC Goes Green Working Group of the ARTEMIS project has developed specific “green” recommendations for the music education sector. The presentation will showcase these recommendations, offering practical steps for reducing institutions’ carbon footprints, promoting sustainable travel, and organizing eco-friendly events. Additionally, the presentation will address the challenges faced in implementing sustainable practices.

An inspirational contribution will be provided by Anna Lardi, CEO of Music for Galway and creator of the Songs of Travel concept, who will share her experiences in spotlighting environmental sustainability in music events.

One artist’s conviction around travel, and the example he set, planted a first seed out of which the Creative Europe Cooperation Project Songs of Travel grew. This project is not only about being sustainable, but about using the presentation of music to bring about behavioural change in all stakeholders involved with regard to sustainability. Music for Galway made this an integral strand of the first in-person edition of Cellissimo – a nine day cello festival on the edge of Europe.

www.cellissimo.ie

www.songsoftravel.eu

a session on power relations and hierarchies of power in international offices by Gretchen Amussen, PRIhME Project

This session will introduce the concepts of power relations and hierarchies of power as defined in the recently completed PRIhME Project, focusing on their impact on IRCs, international students and/or teachers participating in exchanges. We will explore specific power related challenges and imbalances faced in international offices and suggest how understanding these dynamics can in turn empower IRCs and better support the international student/teacher experience.

moderated by Frauke Velghe and Dimitrios Marinos

This session is designed to help IRCs find partners for projects or mobilities, giving them also an insight in establishing and managing project partnerships. Together we will explore methods for finding partners and best practices for collaboration, as well as discuss administrative essentials such as creating and negotiating partnership agreements. Interactive elements include open discussions to tackle challenges and brainstorm solutions for finding project partners, and a case study analysis of a successful Creative Europe project (Self-Curating Musician). During this session IRCs will be empowered with the skills and confidence to create meaningful and sustainable project partnerships, facilitating the search for future partners.

by Elke de Roos, The Hague, and Virginia Kerr, RIAM Dublin

This guided discussion on the wellbeing of international students will focus on the challenges they face while studying abroad. We will talk about the cultural differences, languages barriers, homesickness, (social) isolation and other obstacles. Most importantly, we will discuss what supports and resources are available to international students to help them adapt and thrive in their new environment. Finally, we will exchange ideas on how higher educational institutions and communities can better support their international students and improve their wellbeing.

Speakers and affiliations:

Virginia Kerr

Professor of Voice  (Royal Irish Academy of Music)

MSc. Integrative and Humanistic Psychotherapy

Performance Psychology Module Co-ordinator and Lecturer (RIAM)

Associate of Guildhall School of Music and Drama

www.virginiakerr.ie

Elke de Roos

Student counsellor  Royal Conservatoire The Hague 2019 -present

Student Counsellor  Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences 2010- 2019

Master’s degree  in American Studies.

Professional  Coach (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – ACT).

Format:

Introduction and presentations by speakers.

Group members introduce themselves

Questions using mentimeter

Break into pairs to discuss

Present to large group for discussion

To close, what might each person like to take away with them to use in their university

by Sara Belfiore, CNSMD Paris, Institutional Alliance Manager IN.TUNE

Moderated by Melissa Mercadal and Oana Balan- Budoiu

This session will address the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI) and its transformative impact on Higher Music Education Institutions (HMEIs). The ESCI aims to streamline student mobility and access to services across Europe through a unified digital identity, enhancing the overall student experience.

We will explore the multifaceted process of implementing the ESCI in HMEIs, addressing technical, administrative, and financial challenges. Key topics will include the impact of the implementation on administrative services, advantages and disadvantages of the initiative. A special focus will be placed on the Paris Conservatoire’s experience, detailing the strategies and challenges in adopting the European Student Card. This case study will provide valuable insights and good practices for other institutions.

The session format will start with a presentation, followed by a Q&A segment to enable attendees to ask questions, share their experiences, and discuss potential solutions for their institutions.

moderated by Iveri Kekenadze Gustaffson

This discussion group will engage into a discussion on challenges and opportunities of Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM) KA7171 with third countries. Both newcomers and experienced institutions to share their insights and experiences, best practices, and specific concerns such as confusion over top-ups and approaches to National Agencies in these cases.Finally, the group will brainstormo on how the Association of European Conservatories (AEC) can support efforts to enhance cooperation between programme/associated and non-associated country Higher Music Education Institutions (HMEIs). This session is an excellent opportunity to learn from peers, share successful strategies, and seek advice on overcoming common hurdles in ICM projects.

Presentation by Maria Salzano, Italian Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE, moderated by Jan-Gerd Krüger

The Erasmus+ programme offers numerous opportunities to assess students’ experience and compare the differences between home and host institutions. The Participants’ Report analysis can help the institution in monitoring quality and impact of mobilities. Through the study of the various Participant Reports’ sections an HMEI could apply the necessary changes to the management of mobilities. You can get to know how inclusive was your strategy, how green were your mobilities, which were the motivations, some best practices, which were the outcomes of mobilities as for example the improvement of languages skills, how important was the traineeship for improving students’ skills and if they have received some benefits during the mobility from the enterprise. But before, we need to prepare the students on the Survey and on the recognition process.
In this discussion group, we aim at sharing best practices on leveraging these evaluations to enhance the educational experience at your institution and improve the organization of exchange programs within your department. The debate starts from the Italian surveys analysis to stimulate reflections and the brainstorming. The discussion will be kicked off by a presentation by the Italian Erasmus+ National Agency INDIRE

by Sara Primiterra, AEC and Jose Luis Fernandez, Conservatorio Superior de Música de Vigo (Spain)

After a short demostration on how to use an online multisignature tool that can facilitate the digital signature of documents concerning mobilities such as staff trainings, the group will focus on the use of EASY MO for externals: the workflow will be explained and the improvements and changes for externals for the new academic year will be shown