R. Bela, AL

The teaching mobility program I participated in was funded through the Erasmus Plus program, which covered all the associated fees. I was one of 3 international lecturers from around the world (Australia, India, Albania) during winter semester 01.11.2023-19.01.2024 and my assignment was a teaching mobility at the RheinAhrCampus, with 70% of the scholarship payment disbursed less than two weeks after arrival and the remaining 30% upon completion of the program. RheinAhrCampus is located in the beautiful region of Rhineland-Palatinate, in the city of Remagen. I was fortunate to stay in an apartment close to campus whose landlords were very respectful, helpful and hospitable. This was my first visit to RheinAhrCampus, and upon my arrival I participated also in the very international workshop Embracing Cultural Diversity workshop, hosted by the Sprachen/Internationales team where I held a presentation with the title ‘’Role of translation in learning about cultures through proverbs.’’

As a guest lecturer at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, RheinAhrCampus in the city of Remagen. my stay was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I set foot on campus, I was greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by the team of Languages / International Affairs, the Business and Social Sciences faculty and by the students.

During my stay, I had the opportunity to engage with students from various nationalities, sharing my knowledge, experience and insights in a way that captivated their attention and sparked their curiosity. My lectures were not only informative but also thought-provoking, encouraging students to think critically and to explore new ideas and their active participation made the classes more interactive and my time was over too fast for me.

I had the privilege of teaching three courses, Intercultural Communication (two groups) and International Studies in the faculty of Business and Social Sciences.

I noticed that in Languages /International Affairs at RheinAhrCampus, the teaching approach is highly interactive, where the skills shared with students are applied immediately through case studies during classes to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the concepts. Moreover, in the communication subjects at RheinAhrCampus the grading system places less emphasis on final exams and more on portfolios, assignments and graded projects throughout the semester (“continuous assessment”). One of the most rewarding challenges during this exchange program was co-teaching with Dr. Borgmann at RheinAhrCampus. Collaborating with another lecturer during classes allowed for a broader perspective and increased discussions among students. Witnessing different perspectives being presented and debated controversially by the two lecturers was beneficial to the students' critical thinking skills.

Although every new experience presents different challenges, I believe I managed to adapt quickly to the German system, particularly concerning the teaching aspect.

Beyond the classroom, I made an effort to connect with students on a personal level, taking the time to listen to their aspirations and offering guidance and mentorship for student exchange with my home university, University of Tirana.

I will remember my time at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences as a period of intellectual growth. I experienced significant professional growth. The opportunities and experiences I encountered during my time at the university contributed to my development in several key areas:

1. Expanded knowledge and expertise: Interacting with faculty members and engaging in academic discussions allowed me to deepen my didactic knowledge and expand my expertise in my field of teaching. The exchange of ideas and exposure to different perspectives broadened my understanding and enhanced my intellectual growth.
2. Enhanced teaching skills: My experience as a guest lecturer at Koblenz University provided me with the opportunity to refine my teaching skills. Engaging with students from diverse international backgrounds and adapting my teaching methods to meet their needs helped me develop a more versatile and effective teaching style.
3. Cross-cultural communication: Working in an international academic environment exposed me to different cultural norms and academic communication styles. Interacting with students and faculty members from various cultural backgrounds enhanced my cross-cultural communication skills and increased my ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
4. Research collaborations: Collaborating with faculty members and engaging in joint research projects at Koblenz University allowed me to develop my research skills and expand my professional network. The exchange of ideas and the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers contributed to my growth as a scholar.
5. Professional connections: My time at Koblenz University provided me with the opportunity to establish valuable professional connections. Networking with faculty members, administrators, and fellow academics enabled me to build a strong network of colleagues who can support and collaborate with me in future endeavors.
6. Increased confidence: Successfully delivering lectures, engaging in academic discussions, and receiving positive feedback from students and faculty members helped boost my confidence in my abilities as an educator and researcher. This increased confidence will continue to benefit me in future professional activities.
7. Adaptability and flexibility: Working in a new academic environment required me to be adaptable and flexible. Navigating different teaching methods, administrative processes, and cultural norms challenged me to develop a flexible mindset and the ability to adapt to new situations.

The Christmas period is amazing in Germany! During my stay, outside of my academic responsibilities, I immersed myself in the vibrant culture of cities like Koblenz, Cologne, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Dortmund and some very typical German villages exploring some historical landmarks, indulging in culinary delights, and embracing the local traditions. My willingness to embrace new experiences and immerse myself in the local community further enriched my experience and deeper understanding of German culture.

The owners of the apartment I rented during my stay in Remagen were exceptional hosts: very caring, respectful and hospitable. I felt like home.

And I was more than lucky that during the last two weeks of my stay, it snowed a lot. We even took some beautiful pictures with colleagues and students in the snow.

Overall, my stay at Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, RheinAhrCampus provided me with a platform for professional growth and development. The experiences and opportunities I encountered during my time at the university contributed to a further expanded knowledge, enhanced teaching skills, cross-cultural communication abilities, research collaborations, professional connections, increased confidence, and adaptability. This professional growth will continue to shape and benefit my career in the future.