IBU International Relations Office

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2024 to all our partners, colleagues and peers! 🎅🏼🎄🔔

ISW’23 DAY 2: Promo Presentations, Teaching Activities, and Individual Meetings 💻 🤝 👩‍🏫

The second day of the IBU Erasmus+ International Staff Week started with Promo Presentations and Videos from the participants in two panels, where representatives from Lithuania 🇱🇹, Turkiye 🇹🇷, Serbia 🇷🇸 and Bulgaria 🇧🇬 had the chance to promote their universities in front of other guests and IBU staff.
In the afternoon, parallel teaching sessions of the participants of ISW2023 were held in the field of economics💰and education 📚, while several individual meetings were held with academic staff from the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as administrative units, including the Media Center, IT Unit, and the General Secretariat.



International Balkan University (IBU)

THE 5TH INTERNATIONAL STAFF WEEK SUCCESSFULLY LAUNCHED AT THE IBU CAMPUS

On 27 November 2023, the IBU International Relations Office successfully launched the 5th International Staff Week at the IBU Campus. The Opening Ceremony was attended by 24 international guests, from 14 Erasmus+ partner universities from a total of 5 countries: Bulgaria, Lithuania, Poland, Serbia, and Türkiye.

The international academic and administrative staff were welcomed by the IBU Rector, Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, and the Vice-Rector and Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic. The opening ceremony continued with an IBU Promotional Video prepared by the Media Center and an IBU Presentation by Ms. Dukica Pavlovikj, Head of the International Relations Office.

Our guests also had the opportunity to attend a variety of social activities, including an IBU Campus Tour, Networking with International Food prepared by our Erasmus+ Incoming Students and IBU Student Mentors, and a tour of the capital city of Skopje.

We wish all participants a warm welcome and a fruitful teaching and training week at the IBU Campus!



IBU International Relations Office

ERASMUS+ STUDENT EXCHANGE – CONNECTING HORIZONS: ERASMUS IN SKOPJE, THE BALKAN BRIDGE 🇱🇻🇲🇰

In a transformative Erasmus+ study mobility semester at International Balkan University, Ričards Edijs Štibe, a student from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences in Latvia, embarked on an eye-opening exploration of Skopje, North Macedonia. Motivated by an arts lecture challenging Western perceptions of the Balkans, Štibe found himself immersed in a cultural tapestry that defied expectations.

Navigating the vibrant Macedonian lifestyle as an introvert posed challenges, but the warmth of the people, the simplicity of interactions, and the lively cultural scene left an indelible mark on his experience. Ričards also informed us that “To be an introvert in such a sunny country is certainly not an easy task. People go out for a coffee or tea at any time of the day, they value personal relationships and contacts more than tangible things, their simplicity made me stop and rethink what have I just experienced more than once”. Štibe's journey extended beyond the classroom, as he formed enduring friendships with fellow Erasmus+ students. Hiking in Vodno mountain, paragliding over Skopje, and embracing the local culture became cherished memories, highlighting the transformative power of cultural exchange.

As the semester drew to a close, Štibe reflected on the landmarks that defined his Skopje experience. Beyond the superficial Skopje2014 buildings, his Skopje was a nuanced blend of the train station's inclusivity, the cultural richness of the National Opera and Ballet, the heritage preserved at the National Gallery of Art, and the natural beauty of Vodno mountain with the Millennium Cross. Štibe's advice to future Erasmus+ seekers echoes with enthusiasm: embrace challenges, savor experiences, and let the people of Skopje weave an unforgettable chapter into your academic journey.



International Balkan University (IBU)
Ventspils Augstskola

ERASMUS SUCCESS STORY: ASST. PROF. DR. ANDRIJANA B. DANEVSKA SHARES HER ERASMUS EXPERIENCE IN SLOVENIA 🇸🇮 🇪🇺

During the spring semester of the academic year 2022/2023, Asst. Prof. Dr. Andrijana B. Danevska from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences participated in the 15th International Week that took place at the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, where more than 60 participants were present.

Prof. Danevska was part of the Blended Intensive Program in which several events took place: the 15th International Staff Week, the 7th International Scientific Conference - “Strengthening resilience by the sustainable economy and business - towards the SDGs”, International seminar "Safe and Healthy Way to the Digital World of Work", Social Events and Networking.

She expressed that “This program was a game-changer. The main purpose of the whole program was to strengthen international cooperation with partner institutions of the Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor where knowledge, good practices, and experiences were exchanged through lectures, presentations and workshops in order to increase the mobility of academic and professional staff, to promote international dimensions of education and research and to strengthen networking among participants at the international level. Thank you for allowing me to share the story about one of my greatest experiences.”

This success story shall serve as a motivation for all staff members who are hesitating whether to apply for a mobility, and we hope that Prof. Danevska’s encouragement will successfully affect IBU Academic Staff to take part in the program.




International Balkan University (IBU)

Extending the Erasmus+ Collaboration between Acibadem University and International Balkan University 🇹🇷🇲🇰

🇪🇺 In scope of the Erasmus+ Program, IBU was a host to Prof. Dr. Mesut Cimen, Head of the Healthcare Management department and Mr. Erkan Eryurek, specialist in the International Office from Acibadem University, Turkiye, who visited IBU on 25th October 2023 in order to discuss cooperation opportunities between Acibadem University and IBU.
✍️ The guests conducted several constructive meetings including: a meeting with representatives from the Vocational Medical School, the International Relations Office, as well as with the Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator. At the meetings, both parties discussed the most suitable aspects of their cooperation and extended the Erasmus+ agreement to all common departments between the universities.
✅ This collaboration is expected to serve as a base for having a closer relationship between the universities, as well as opening the doors to more mobilities in terms of student exchanges for studies and traineeships and staff exchange for teaching and training.

INFODAY FOR THE ERASMUS+ INCOMING STUDENTS ORGANIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE 🇪🇺


✔️ On the 18th of October 2023, the International Relations Office organized an InfoDay for the Erasmus+ Incoming Students that are conducting their Erasmus+ Mobility at IBU in the fall semester, academic year 2023/2024.

At the beginning of the InfoDay, the students had the honor to be welcomed by Prof. Dr. Lutfi Sunar, who wished all Erasmus+ incoming students a fulfilled experience at IBU, in terms of numerous academic achievements as well as, great campus life and cultural immersion within and beyond Skopje.

The second part of the InfoDay, consisted of a presentation by the Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic, which was presented to the students with information related to the academic calendar, grading system, exam regulations and visa procedures, as well as an introduction with the IBU Student Mentors.

In the fall semester of the academic year 2023/2024, IBU is a host to a total of 38 incoming students under the Erasmus+ Program, being the record number within 9 academic years of Erasmus generations, which originate from 10 different countries including: Belgium, Croatia, Italy, Kazakstan, Latvia, Poland, Romania Serbia, Spain and Turkiye.

🇧🇪 🇭🇷 🇮🇹 🇰🇿 🇱🇻 🇵🇱 🇷🇴 🇷🇸 🇪🇸 🇹🇷

We wish the students good luck and an amazing experience during their semester in Skopje! 🇲🇰



International Balkan University (IBU)

The second day of the continued with a Quiz on EU Values organized in collaboration with ESN Skopje 🇪🇺
Our students demonstrated very good knowledge about EU values, principles and institutions. 🏆
At the end of the quiz, the winners were awarded with promotion materials and chocolates, in light of the theme of the panel as well as promoting local businesses! 📍🇲🇰 🍫

Outdoor Activity: IRO Info Desk for Potential Outgoing Students 🇪🇺



International Balkan University (IBU)

Opening of the Celebration Event! 🇪🇺

🌎 The two-day event of organized by IBU International Relations Office was officially launched on Thursday, 12th October 2023 at the IBU Campus following the simultaneous organization of 9️⃣2️⃣7️⃣1️⃣ other such events around the globe celebrating the Erasmus Days. The idea behind the title of the event “Erasmus+ - The passage from IBU to Europe” symbolizes the “window” through which IBU students and staff can realize their mobility and have an extraordinary experience in their desired European destination.
The panel consisted of a Welcome speech by the Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator, Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic, who welcomed the audience, and 3 main speakers – professors who have conducted Staff Mobility for Teaching and Training, who focused on sharing their success stories with the public:
🇸🇻 Asst. Prof. Dr. Mare Ushkovska – Staff Mobility for Teaching at Universidad de Oriente, El Salvador
🇵🇹 Asst. Prof. Dr. Jordan Bojadziev – Staff Mobility for Training at Politechnic Institute of Coimbra, Portugal
🇸🇮 Asst. Prof. Dr. Andrijana Bojadzievska Danevska – Staff Mobility for Teaching at University of Maribor, Slovenia
🧑‍💻📝💁‍♀️ will continue with an Info Desk for the potential outgoing students, as well as other activities which aim to celebrate the success of the Erasmus+ Program.



International Balkan University (IBU)

One of the activities during the celebration of will be a Quiz on European Values! 🇪🇺
Want to show us your knowledge? 👩‍💻🧑‍💻
✍️ REGISTER HERE:
https://forms.gle/h1s1BhihzudgW16h7

🏆Surprise for the winners! 🍫

IBU 🇪🇺

The International Relations Office organizes the 2-day celebration event for the Erasmus+ Program entitled: “ERASMUS+ - The passage from IBU to Europe!”

This year's event is organized in the following format:

Day 1 👩‍🏫/ℹ️
- Panel dedicated to the prospective staff members who want to participate in the Erasmus+ program
- Info desk for prospective outgoing students
Day 2 🇪🇺/🏀
- Quiz on EU values - suprise for winners
- Basketball match - IBU students vs. Erasmus incoming students

We look forward to seeing you there!

Cordially,
IRO Team 🌍

OPEN CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ERASMUS+ MOBILITY FOR STUDIES, SPRING SEMESTER 2023/2024 🇪🇺

👉 The Erasmus+ Internal Call for Applications for Student Mobility for studies, spring semester 2023/2024, is now open!

‼️ Important information:

👨‍💻 Application: through your Hello! Modules ➡️ Main Dashboard ➡️ Open Calls: International Relations Office
📍 Destinations: List of Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreements is available on: https://iro.ibu.edu.mk/erasmus-agreements/
🗓️ Deadline: 30 October 2023 (Monday)
‼️ Check Social Inclusion Categories defined by the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility of the Republic of North Macedonia, annexed to the Internal Call.
📧 Additional Information: visit us at the International Relations Office (Rectorate building, ground floor) or write an e-mail on [email protected]

⭐️ Looking forward to receiving your applications!

Cordially,
IRO Team

BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME (BIP) PARTICIPANTS VISITED THE FUND FOR INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

During the last day of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP), students and academic staff of the participating universities visited the Fund for Innovations and Technology Development.

A presentation on the portfolio and policies of FITD in the field of green and circular economy was delivered by Mr. Visar Ramadani, Head of Sector for Program Activities. The event continued with presentations of success stories of the companies AG Futura', 'GreenAgro' and 'Plant Engineering' which have implemented green projects in North Macedonia.

IBU Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator and Adviser to the Rector, Prof. Dr. Snezana Bilic addressed the audience and shared her experience and impressions from the implementation of the first BIP in North Macedonia.

The day ended with a wrap-up meeting of the BIP participants, with information on the upcoming activities under the BIP, as well as a sightseeing tour at the Canyon of Matka in Skopje.

🇲🇰🇩🇪🇪🇪🇵🇹🇪🇺

International Balkan University (IBU)

THE 4TH DAY OF THE BLENDED INTENSIVE PROGRAMME (BIP) CONTINUED WITH STUDY VISITS IN TETOVO AND OHRID

The fourth day of the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) entitled “Sustainability and Climate Change – International Perspective”, organized by International Balkan University in partnership with Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen from Germany, TTK University of Applied Sciences from Estonia and Polytechnical Institute of Coimbra from Portugal started with a study visit at “Veze Sharri” in Tetovo, which included a company presentation delivered by CEO Mr. Abdylazez Dogani and a visit to the farm of the company which works on a closed system for sustainability and producing of biogas.

The next stop was the city of Ohrid, which included both educational and social activities. The group attended a lecture on the topic "Environmental Protection of Ohrid at UNESCO" held at the Incubator and Accelerator Center ‘Kasarna Hub’ which was delivered by Ms. Katerina Vasileska from the Civil Initiative Ohrid SOS. Later during the day, a guided sightseeing tour was organized, and participants had the chance to visit the main spots of the city and learn more about the cultural heritage of Ohrid. 🇲🇰

Call for Applications for the BIP Course is still open!

Let's host students from Germany 🇩🇪, Estonia 🇪🇪 and Portugal 🇵🇹 at the IBU Campus!

Looking forward to receiving your applications.
More info on: [email protected]

Regards,
IBU International Relations Office

Have you decided about your Erasmus destination yet? What about the Canary Islands? 🌴🍍
🦷🥼 From now on, students from Dental Medicine and Nursing departments will have the opportunity to spend a semester abroad at the Fernando Pessoa University Canarias (UFP-C), in Las Palmas on the Canary Islands!
🇪🇺✍️ IBU and UFP-C have signed an Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreement that allows funded exchange for both staff and students for the newest departments that IBU now offers.
🌍 The International Relations Office is very proud from this development, and strives to open the doors for its students and staff to as many wonderful destinations as possible!

‼️ Different Erasmus mobility opportunities for students!
Take a look at something new - the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) 🇪🇺

Let's host students from Germany 🇩🇪, Estonia 🇪🇪 and Portugal 🇵🇹 and work together on one of the most important global issues - sustainability and climate change.

🌍 What? - BIP Course on “Sustainability and Climate Change
– International Perspective” with 3 ECTS for completion
📅 When? - 2-6 October 2023 (physical component) / 9 October - 10 November 2023 (virtual component)
📍 Where? - IBU Campus, Skopje, North Macedonia 🇲🇰
👉 Who? - YOU!

Apply now by sending us your motivational video on [email protected]! ⤵️

3 DAYS LEFT FOR APPLICATIONS FOR ERASMUS+ MOBILITY FOR STUDIES, FALL SEMESTER 2023/2024 🇪🇺

👉 The Erasmus+ Internal Call for Applications for Student Mobility for studies, fall semester 2023/2024, is still open and the deadline is approaching!

‼️ Important information:

👨‍💻 Application: through your Hello! Modules ➡️ Main Dashboard ➡️ Open Calls: International Relations Office
📍 Destinations: List of Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreements is available on: https://iro.ibu.edu.mk/erasmus-agreements/
🗓️ Deadline: 21 May 2023 (Sunday)
‼️ Check Social Inclusion Categories defined by the National Agency for European Educational Programmes and Mobility of the Republic of North Macedonia, annexed to the Internal Call.
📧 Additional Information: visit us at the International Relations Office (Rectorate building, ground floor) or write an e-mail on [email protected]

⭐️ Looking forward to receiving your applications!

Cordially,
IRO Team

ESN is back in North Macedonia! 🇪🇺

📍 During this year’s General Assembly in Braga, Portugal, , which began as IBU’s Erasmus+ Student Club, was accepted as the 44th full member of ESN International!

👉 The team of 6 students who put all of their efforts to make this dream come true was represented by the founder and the president of ESN Skopje, Ms. Arbnora Etemi and the Communication’s Manager Ms. Erona Imeri.

💙 Through the principle of “Students helping students” which is at the core of ESN, all incoming Erasmus+ students in North Macedonia will be able to participate in many activities that will integrate them with the local community, allowing them to be active citizens and of course to have fun while at it.

🥳 We wish them many more successes in their mission to represent in North Macedonia.

IBU AS PART OF THE FIRST ERASMUS+ YOUTH PROJECT ‘DEMOCRATIZATION BY DIGITALIZATION’ IN PARNU, ESTONIA 🇪🇪

📚 IBU students participated at its first KA152 Youth Project ‘Democratization by Digitalization’, an event which was held in Panoke Youth Center in Paikuse/Parnu between 30th of April - 7th of May. The students were selected from each project partner including: International Balkan University 🇲🇰, Istanbul Medipol University 🇹🇷, Noored Uhiskonna Heaks 🇪🇪 and UNIQUE Projects 🇱🇹 and joined the event which involved a variety of sessions and activities, such as: group tasks, workshops, debates and presentations. Participants were actively involved in sharing their ideas and cooperating to finalize the duties during the activities. They were aimed to show their socializing, problem-solving, brainstorming and practical-thinking skills. Upon the completion of the event, Youth Pass certificates were delivered to the gparticipants. 🔖

🏫 Asst. Omer Cem Ulutas from the Political Sciences department mentored the students during the activities. IBU students Adelisa Kurbardovikj, Aleksandar Todov, Besiana Mustafa, Blerta Jonuzi, Edin Gjutovikj, Gjorgji Ristov and Kadrie Sulejmani participated at the event and have successfully represented the university from a variety of perspectives, including the political, legal, economic, engineering and communication aspects. 👨‍💼⚖️💰💻 🗣️



International Balkan University (IBU)

INTERNAL CALL: ERASMUS+ MOBILITY FOR STUDIES, FALL SEMESTER 2023/2024 🇪🇺

👉 The Erasmus+ Internal Call for Applications for Student Mobility for studies, fall semester 2023/2024, is now open!

‼️ Important information:

👨‍💻 Application: through your Hello! Modules ➡️ Main Dashboard ➡️ Open Calls: International Relations Office
📍 Destinations: List of Erasmus+ Inter-Institutional Agreements is available on: https://iro.ibu.edu.mk/erasmus-agreements/
🗓️ Deadline: 21 May 2023 (Sunday)
📧 Additional Information: visit us at the International Relations Office (Rectorate building, ground floor) or write an e-mail on [email protected]

⭐️ Looking forward to receiving your applications!

Cordially,
IRO Team

Every year on May 9th, Europe Day recognizes the diversity of the world’s 2nd smallest continent. It’s also a day that the European Union (EU) celebrates peace and unity in Europe.

Thanks to the EU, we have so many opportunities for our students, cherish the European values and provide the highest level of gratitude for each and every opportunity!

🇲🇰💙🇪🇺

KDU Global Immersion Program (KGIP) organized by Kyungdong University Global (KDU Global), South Korea! 🇰🇷

🏫 Kyungdong University Global (KDU Global) from South Korea is hosting KDU Global Immersion Program (KGIP) – an exceptionally unique and fully funded event in South Korea – commencing from July 10, 2023, at which qualified students from International Balkan University are invited to apply!

🌍 KGIP is intended to bring hundreds of international and Korean students together for an opportunity to build international networks, experience various cultures and values, and enhance language, interpersonal, and career-tailored professional skills through customized courses, exciting events, trips, and activities in the most popular touristic area of South Korea!

This year’s KGIP offers two sessions for international students:

1️⃣ Session I: Global Networking and Korea
· Will last from July 10 to August 11, 2023 (4 weeks)
· Provides an exciting environment for international and Korean students to establish networks, build friendships, and exchange cultures!
· Exposes the participants to engaging and fun activities and sessions on contemporary vogues of South Korea including Korean language, culture, and history, K-Beauty, K-Pop, K-Cuisine, and K-Sports!
· Offers tours and trips to the most popular industrial and cultural sites around Korea!

2️⃣ Session II: Global Student Mobility - Academic Semester
· Commences on August 28, 2023, and ends on December 15, 2023 (Fall 2023 Academic Semester)
· Allows the international students to enroll to credit-yielding academic courses at KDU Global Campus
· Offers competitive specializations in the fields of Business, Computer Science, Korean Studies, and Hotel and Tourism Management
· Embodies exciting field trips throughout Korea
· Provides internship and community service opportunities

Students can apply to any one session or both sessions.

💰 All successful applicants will be granted “KDU Global Scholarship” that covers the full tuitions, on-campus dormitory fee as well as the organizational and transportation costs of field trips, tours, and activities for the entire period of the program.

❗️The scholarship seats are limited, and the applications are accepted until May 21, 2023. Please refer to the program website for more information: KDU Global Immersion Program (KGIP) Individual applications can be submitted online.

❗️ Due to a highly competitive nature of the program and large number of applications, we also offer ‘fast-track’ institutional application process if Institutions/Universities. Therefore, all students who are willing to participate in the program via the 'fast-track' method, should contact Ms. Cansu Telak on [email protected] and submit the following documents:
- Valid Passport
- Student Certificate signed from SAO

‼️ The deadline for submission of documents is 12 May 2023. Students shall be aware that they will need to issue a D-2-8 Student Visa prior to the event as part of the eligibility criteria, as well as cover the expenses for their visa process.

ℹ️ For more information related to the program, you can also contact
Dr. Aisena Ivanova, Assistant Professor, Department of International Business Administration, Kyungdong University Global on [email protected].

Огромна благодарност до Национална агенција за европски образовни програми и мобилност за постојаната поддршка во имплементацијата на Еразмус+ програмата во високото образование. 🇪🇺