Explore Campus 360°
The programme began with an institutional welcome and presentations introducing SEEU's academic profile, strategic priorities, internationalization efforts, and research activities. Prof. Dr. Besa Arifi, Advisor for Community and International Relations, and Prof. Dr. Florije Ismaili, Advisor for Academic Planning and Digitalization, welcomed the delegation and highlighted opportunities for further cooperation between the two universities.
Prof. Dr. Veli Kreci, Director of the Max van der Stoel Institute and Vice President of the SEEU University Board, placed particular emphasis on the importance of research collaboration and strengthening partnerships within ChallengeEU during the institutional discussions. He also highlighted the role and importance of the Impact Lab within ChallengeEU Work Package 4 (WP4), followed by a presentation of the Impact Lab concept and its platform by Hamit Kamberi, Software Engineer at the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI) and developer of the platform.
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The visit also provided an opportunity for a series of thematic meetings between academic and administrative staff, including counterparts from different ChallengeEU work packages. Discussions focused on ongoing initiatives and priorities across the Alliance, covering potential cooperation in economics and management, challenge-based learning, environmental sciences, foreign-language education, research development, and institutional project management.
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As part of the administrative exchange, Hakan Rexhepi, a software engineer at the Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI), presented a newly developed project management tool designed to improve project coordination, streamline management processes, and facilitate collaboration across various projects.
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On 7 October, a dedicated Internal Communication Training session was led by Marta Śliwa, leader of ChallengeEU Work Package 6 (WP6) from UWM. The training brought together ChallengeEU staff, representatives of the visiting delegation, student ambassadors, and the Checkmate team, focusing on strengthening internal communication and coordination within the Alliance.
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As part of the session, SEEU ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Ela Ismaili and Luisa Residi delivered a presentation highlighting their role within the Alliance, their engagement activities, and their strategy for strengthening student participation, communication, and the visibility of ChallengeEU among students.
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A training session on intercultural communication parameters was also delivered by Dr. Czesław Kiński, researcher at UWM’s Institute of Linguistics and member of ChallengeEU Work Package 3 (WP3). The session highlighted the importance of intercultural understanding, effective communication, and collaboration in international academic environments.
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Beyond the formal meetings and training sessions, the programme included networking activities, a campus tour, and opportunities for the UWM delegation to engage with SEEU students and explore the city of Tetovo. The visit highlighted the importance of direct institutional exchange in building stronger connections between ChallengeEU partner universities and translating the Alliance's shared objectives into concrete academic, research, and institutional cooperation.
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Special thanks go to SEEU ChallengeEU Student Ambassadors Ela Ismaili, Luisa Residi, and Muhhamed Ademi and student council member Tina Adili for their valuable support throughout the visit. Their active involvement in welcoming and accompanying the UWM delegation contributed to the smooth coordination and overall success of the visit.
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Through its active participation in ChallengeEU, SEEU continues to strengthen its European partnerships and contribute to the development of a more connected, collaborative, and innovative European higher education environment.