1. Could you briefly introduce yourself and describe your role at the University of Salerno?
I work at the University of Salerno within the administrative offices, specifically in the Teaching, Academic Bodies, Advanced Training and Student Careers Office of the Department of Business Sciences – Management & Innovation Systems (DISA-MIS), where I serve as Head of Office.
2. What were the main motivations that led you to take part in a mobility period at a university within the NEOLAiA Alliance?
My main motivation was the opportunity to engage with academic institutions that share the same vision as our university. Taking part in a mobility programme with a NEOLAiA Alliance partner allowed me to explore synergies that go beyond the traditional Erasmus exchange, fostering long-term, structured cooperation.
3. What activities did you carry out during your mobility, at which Alliance university, and which aspects of the experience did you find most interesting or useful for your work?
I completed my mobility at the University of Tours in France. During my stay, I participated in job shadowing activities within the International Relations Office, where I observed their procedures for managing incoming mobility and their strategies for welcoming international students. I also spent time with some staff members of the Teaching and Student Careers Offices, which work closely with students on a daily basis.
The most valuable aspect of the experience was the opportunity to discuss common challenges directly with colleagues. Seeing how a foreign university manages its administrative processes provided me with practical ideas for improving and streamlining our own internal workflows.
4. How has this experience contributed to your professional and personal growth? Do you believe it has also had an impact on your daily work at the University of Salerno?
Professionally, the experience strengthened my ability to work in multicultural environments. On a personal level, it reinforced my sense of belonging to the European Higher Education Area and gave me a broader, less sector-specific perspective on my work. It also helped me improve my language skills, enabling me to provide better support to the incoming international students at our university.
5. Would you recommend this experience to your colleagues? If so, why?
I would definitely recommend this experience to my colleagues. Administrative work can sometimes become repetitive, and stepping outside one’s usual working environment offers many benefits. It allows you to:
- Bring innovative ideas back to your institution.
- Improve your language skills through real-life professional interactions.
- Play an active role in building the European University of the future.
The NEOLAiA Alliance provides a welcoming environment and a shared vision that make this exchange an extremely rewarding and valuable experience.
