A delegation from partner Universidad de Las Américas (UDLA), in Quito, Ecuador, visited Bournemouth University to explore university facilities and discuss future collaboration.
The visit, funded by the Erasmus+ Key Action 107 project, the delegation visited colleagues in the Faculty of Media and Communications and toured BU’s facilities, as well as spending time with the Language Skills Support team, and the Careers team, to exchange knowledge and best practice. The visit culminated in discussion about how the Turing Scheme can be used to further collaboration between BU and UDLA. Collaboration with UDLA began in 2014, with students undertaking projects and staff teaching on the Communication Summer Academy. BU’s current collaboration with UDLA has been funded through the Erasmus+ Key Action 107 programme and the UK Turing Scheme, which allows for mobility of staff and students between the two institutions.
BU’s activity in Ecuador focuses on large-scale media and animation projects to promote and raise awareness about indigenous languages, cultures and traditions via animation and media production. Participating students spend time with indigenous communities in collaboration with UDLA and local organisations and contribute to the recording and preservation of intangible cultural heritage.
BU students will also participate in the Communication Summer Academy organised by UDLA in collaboration with BU in Ecuador in July 2023, which focuses on media skills to increase understanding of international cooperation around knowledge sharing, and integration of indigenous languages. The Academy is open to all students from universities across the world to participate in.
Jana Kuncova, Head of International Mobility and Experience at BU said, “We are delighted to welcome UDLA colleagues to BU, providing great opportunities for our students and staff to exchange knowledge and practice. We are keen to deepen our relationship with UDLA and look forward to many more student and staff opportunities in the future.”
The delegation included Galo Andrés Semblantes Valdez, Professor of Communication, Eliana Margarita Barrios Rhor, Professor of Communication, and Alexander Díaz, Head of the Spanish Language School in the Continuing Education department. Drs Semblantes and Barrios have given guest lectures on scene directing in animation, as well as use of the After Effects Programme to BU students during their time here.
Of the visit to BU, Alexander Díaz said, “The experience of meeting BU colleagues has been very rewarding. The diversity I have seen on campus, and the overall international feel of the university has been so inspiring.”
For more information about Global experiences at BU, visit: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk/study/global-bu
