The representatives of Daugavpils University (DU) – Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa, Diāna Ozola, Irīna Presņakova and Eridiana Oļehnoviča (29.09.-05.10.2026) – took part in an Erasmus+ professional development mobility at Università per Stranieri di Perugia (The University for Foreigners of Perugia) in Italy from 29 September to 2 October. The aim of the visit was to expand professional knowledge, learn about the university’s experience in international cooperation and the implementation of European projects, and strengthen cooperation in the fields of education, scientific research and multilingual education.

The mobility programme was intensive and provided an opportunity to learn about several departments and units of The University for Foreigners of Perugia as well as to meet colleagues working in the fields of international cooperation, project management, language training, humanities and social sciences.

During the visit, the DU representatives met with colleagues from the International and National Projects Office and learned about the university’s experience in preparing, managing and implementing international and European projects. Particular attention was paid to the organisation of Erasmus+ mobility programmes, the development of international partnerships and the coordination of the university’s international activities.

An important part of the visit was the meeting with Letizia Cinganotto and Sara Ferretti, which provided an opportunity to discuss Italian language learning and further opportunities for cooperation between Daugavpils University and Università per Stranieri di Perugia.

The participants also learned about the work of the Department of Italian Language, Literature and Arts in the World (LILAIM). Discussions focused on studies in Italian language, literature and arts, international academic cooperation, multilingual education and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. The meeting with representatives of the Department of International Human and Social Sciences (SUSI) provided an opportunity to learn more about study and research areas in the humanities and social sciences and to discuss opportunities for developing joint research projects and academic staff and student mobility.

The professional programme was complemented by a cultural visit to the city of Perugia, which provided an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context of Italy and added an important intercultural dimension to the mobility experience.

The visit was valuable not only for professional development but also for strengthening existing cooperation. New opportunities were identified for developing joint international projects, research activities, student and staff mobility, and further exchange of experience between the two universities.

Special thanks go to Filippo Capruzzi from the Erasmus and International Mobility Office for carefully preparing and professionally coordinating the visit programme. Thanks to his support and commitment, the DU representatives had the opportunity to learn about different university departments and meet a wide range of professionals. In addition, the possibility of signing a Cooperation Agreement and developing cooperation within the framework of the Erasmus+ mobility programme and other joint projects was discussed during the meeting.

Warm thanks also go to Rosanna Laguardia, Silvio Pietro Cerri, Bridget Clare Collins, Loredana Fabbri, Letizia Cinganotto, Sara Ferretti, Simona Farinelli and Gennaro Lauritano for their time, openness, professional expertise and interest in developing future cooperation.

The Erasmus+ mobility at Università per Stranieri di Perugia demonstrated the value of international exchange for professional development and provided new ideas for strengthening Daugavpils University’s international cooperation, research and educational activities.

The Erasmus+ mobility programme is an opportunity to learn, share experience and establish new connections between universities.

Additional information:
Dr. Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa
Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Senior Researcher, Head of the “Education and Pedagogy” Study Field
marite.kravale@du.lv