V. Anandkumar, IND

The ERASMUS+ teaching mobility serves as a valuable platform for universities in partner countries to explore innovative collaboration formats, often spanning across disciplines and continents. During the Winter Semester of 2023-2024, RheinAhrCampus Remagen was delighted to host Prof. Dr. Victor Anandkumar from Pondicherry University, India. Victor significantly enhanced our curriculum by delivering the following classes:

• B05 International Marketing - MA
• Module B 25.05: Asia -  Southeast Asian Culture - BA
• Module B25.04: Working Internationally - Embracing Cultural Diveristy - 3 day intesnive weeked seminar - BA

This is what Victor shared at the end of his stay:

Experience report on Teaching mobility @ RheinAhrCampus during Nov 1 – Dec 22
By Dr. S. Victor Anandkumar, Professor, Pondicherry University, India

1. Pre-arrival

The invitation for a teaching mobility was shared about 3 months prior to the start of the mobility and it had all the details – dates, courses, weekly timetable, required documentation and so on. This gave a lot of clarity so that I could plan my work at my home university and at the same time, prepare for this teaching mobility in terms of teaching as well as documentation procedures. The support from the Head (Languages and International Affairs) and staff in-charge of Incoming faculty was timely and it addressed my needs related to both work (e.g. support of a course assistant) and non-work (e.g. search for an accommodation). Such a planned hand-holding and onboarding helped me to focus on my preparation without being worried or uncertain about my requirements.

2. In-station at Remagen and on-campus at RheinAhrCampus

Upon arrival, practical support and guidance was available to quickly settle down in the new place and get down to my job. The brief orientation, handing over of keys, cafeteria card, a go-through of the facilities I could use, arrangement of a classroom with video conferencing facility and introduction to the right people (e.g. module coordinator) helped me settle quickly into a rhythm at work. I had taught two courses and participated in an intense 3-day workshop during my mobility. The courses had different student profiles and hence required different orientations. Such surprises are bound to happen and I had to quickly adapt my approach and re-work my courseware and the assessment criteria.

3. Key takeaways

1. Interaction with the Module Coordinator and the Dean of the Faculty helped to discuss potential opportunities to expand the partnership.
2. Observation of the functioning of Languages and International Affairs helped to identify several best practices in hosting international students and faculty. I want to implement some of those practices in my home university.
3. I had absolute freedom right from developing the course description to deciding on the assessment criteria. I felt empowered by this freedom to try different ideas and not remain rigid. This creative freedom is important.
4. There is more to teaching mobility than just teaching a couple of courses. It is an opportunity for cultural immersion and I had ample opportunities to observe, listen, experience and learn about the German culture.
5. As a handicapped person, I had several apprehensions about coping up in a new place and in very alien weather conditions. But I was well guided and supported throughout my stay in Remagen.
6. Now I return to India… wiser, smarter, more embracing of diversity & very satisfied.