Results of the Project “Joint-Region”. No. VP ŠMM-07-K Project coordinator Jurgita Mikolaityte, Šiauliai University

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX: choose Joint study programme and become more favourable to employers! STUDY IN TWO UNIVERSITIES, TWO COUNTRIES: Double your network, experience and your true potential in regular Masters time period! EXPERIENCE NEW METHODS, NEW APPROACHES: Joint innovations of content and methods of studies, virtual mobility, flexibility, openness to diversity, creative approaches to learning!

Basic information about project Aim – To create and implement international Joint master’s study program with University of Pardubice; Duration – 36 months ( ); Supported under European Social fund by implementing project JOINT-REGION Nr. VP1-2.2-ŠMM-07-K

II stages of the project Preparation for implementation International Joint master’s study program Implementation of International Joint master’s study program

I stage Activity 1: Technical and methodical base for implementation international joint master’s study program Main aim: to create environment favorable for ICT and research based learning process, which enables development of students’ research and team working competences. Results: 200 books, 2 scientific journals for 18 months, class for team work (Class 16): 11 laptops, furniture (11 tables, 11 chairs), Software: NVivo, ArcGIS, OECOWI; interactive board, 3 recorders, photo camera, multifunctional printer, video conference equipment (laptop, software, projector, sound regulators and ect.), 50 handbooks for students.

Stage I Activity 2: Development of lectures competences. The main aim: to develop specific competences, to enhance intercultural communication competence, which are necessary to ensure the quality of joint master’s study program in preparation and implementation processes. Results: 3 international internships, 9 international trainings, 3 tarining cycles in Lithuania: „ICT technologies: innovation in study process“- 24 academic hours „Case studies in providing University courses“ – 24 academic hours „Academic writing“ – 24 academic hours. 16 lectures from both universities. 16 lectures were involved from both universities.

Stage I Activity 3: Creation of Joint master’s study program Very close and fruitful cooperation with partner university; Team of 11 members were working on preparation of international Joint master’s study program; Intermediate international evaluation (2 experts); Several meeting with our partners in Pardubice and Siauliai (staff mobility); discussions on aims of the study program, outcomes, structure, study method; 25 syllabus (each for 10 copies): - Moodle environment for each subject; Website.

Stage II: Implementation of Joint Master’s study program Final evaluation of study program and accreditation; Agreement signed between University of Pardubice and Siauliai university; Study program started on 1st September, 2014; 10 students all together from Columbia, Nigeria, Georgia, Lithuania; Tuition covered for the first year; Students’ mobility: first semester, 9 weeks at University of Pardubice; Lecturers’ mobility: 3 subjects.