From May 26 to May 30, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting Mr. Oussama Rida from Cadi Ayyad University from Marrakesh. Mr. Rida participated in an Erasmus+ International Staff Week. This short but impactful experience offered a rich blend of academic exchange, cultural immersion, and professional development.
A Welcoming Academic Environment
The International Staff Week revolved around the theme of Innovative Teaching Methods, and it brought together faculty and professionals from across Europe and beyond. Mr. Rida shared his first impressions: “From the moment I arrived in Maribor, I was warmly welcomed by the organizing team at Academia. The atmosphere was vibrant, inclusive, and well-structured.“
During his session for Academia students, Mr. Rida had the opportunity to deliver a lecture titled “Reimagining Business Mathematics and Statistics in the Age of AI and Digital Tools.” The interaction with students and fellow lecturers was dynamic and intellectually stimulating. For Mr. Rida, it was particularly rewarding to see how students and colleagues responded to practical examples involving real-world business Mathematics use cases using AI.
Intercultural and Professional Exchange
One of the highlights of the week was the Erasmus+ Career Cocktail, where participants introduced their institutions and connected directly with local students. This created a space for discussion not only about academic opportunities but also about career paths in fields like Art, AI, and Digital Media.
Throughout the week, Mr. Rida attended several workshops and presentations from colleagues working on diverse topics, from gamification in teaching to the integration of sustainability into vocational curricula. These encounters sparked ideas for future collaborations and co-teaching modules across institutions.
Personal and Institutional Impact
Mr. Rida shares how this experience expanded his perspective on vocational education systems and the innovative role short-cycle institutions can play in bridging skills gaps. Professionally, he gained first-hand knowledge about new methodologies and teaching tools that he plans to integrate into his courses back home at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakesh.
For his home institution, this mobility opened doors for deeper Erasmus+ partnerships, potential joint modules, and student exchange opportunities. He has already initiated conversations to formalize such collaborations in areas like data science for development and business training.
Reflections and Takeaways
The city of Maribor itself added great value to this journey. For participants of the International Staff Week, it was a peaceful and inspiring environment to reflect and connect. The cultural evening and informal meetups with international colleagues allowed for bonding and learning from each other’s educational systems.
In conclusion, Mr. Rida shares: “This Erasmus+ mobility was far more than a teaching trip. It was a human and professional journey that reinforced the values of cooperation, innovation, and lifelong learning. I highly recommend such experiences to any educator seeking growth beyond the classroom.”
Erasmus+ partnerships
Erasmus+ student exchange
Erasmus+ short-term mobility
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Academia
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