In the framework of WP4 activities University of Macerata and, specifically, the Department of Education Science, Cultural Heritage and Tourism is hosting 6 Armenian students from ASPU and ASUE for a one week study visit. The visit will start on 17 October and will involve different actors: administrative officers involved in quality assurance procedures at different levels, faculties and students. The simulations that will take place will be supported and guided by David Scott (SPARQS) and the team of University of Macerata in a very collaborative approach in order to make Armenian students able to fully experience the peculiarities of the Italian context. A number of Italian students has been selected to act as "buddies" and accompany Armenian students in their experience.
On 17-20 October 2016 a study visit, organized by the University of Macerata management staff, took place within WP4 activities as set by the work plan.
Three students from ASPU and 2 students from ASUE participated in the event.
The overall rationale of the study visit was to make Armenian students approach from both a theoretical and practical perspective the meaning of Quality Assurance system within an Italian university and, specifically, the designated offices which manage different aspects of the quality processes and procedure.
The study visit described and showed: Artifacts (e.g. the app “MyUniMC” design and development of the app); Services (e.g. the management of the student’s complaints format); Committees (e.g. the student-teacher commission).
All the above mentioned levels were addressed focussing on the student participation.
One of the strength of the organization of the study visit was the choice made by the UNIMC staff to select, before the event, a number of Italian students who should play the role of “buddies” for the hosted Armenian students.
The buddies were selected among interested ones according to their English proficiency and their previous participation in quality related initiatives.
This was a very productive resource for the whole study visit since Italian buddies were able to support the Armenian colleagues, socialize with them, exchange their views as young adults experiencing the student life cycle.
