Erasmus University Charter

Erasmus Policy Statement

VUC started working to follow up the reform and the Bologna process in 2001. One project was dedicated to the topics of degree structure and internationalization. In 2003 the project was presented to the Vestfold University College Board.

In 2005, a new plan of action for internationalization was prepared and presented to the Vestfold University College Board. Together, these documents state the goals for international work at VUC. The plan of action will be revised every year. VUC seeks to be part of the European Higher Education area and promote the European system of higher education world-wide. VUC seeks to increase mobility for the years to come.

All students are encouraged to spend between 3-12 months at a partner institution abroad, and academic staff is encouraged to participate in teacher exchange programs. Joint research between our academic staff and staff at partner institutions is also emphasised in our internationalized approach. VUC participates in the major exchange programs in Europe and we also have bilateral agreements outside Europe . To be able to receive more incoming students, resources have been allocated to begin offering more courses in English. "Internationalization at home" is an area of focus within the work of internationalization at VUC.

VUC has set the following goals

• 5 % of all our students should spend 3-12 months abroad at a partner institution
• 5 % of all students attending VUC should be international students
• 10 % of the academic staff should participate in an exchange program or have academic cooperation with international partners to increase publication in international journals.
• Increase bilateral agreements within the LLP Program and Nordplus
• Mobility and cooperation focus upon a few major partner universities and subject areas
• A minimum of three bilateral agreements per study program per degree level

The Erasmus university charter and the EPS will be published on VUC's webpage, and the charter will be placed on the wall in the Central Administration as well. The International Office will promote the LLP program within the organization.

VUC adheres to the principles of the Norwegian discrimination law which prohibits discrimination based on ethnical background, and the act relating to Universities and University Colleges § 4-3 (5): "The institution ought to, as long as it is possible and reasonable, adapt for students with distinctive needs". The regulations for admission to Universities and University Colleges demand equal processing of all applicants.