International mobility in safety, thanks to the UNISAFE project

Practical tools, effective procedures, and training opportunities to ensure the safety of students and all academic staff when abroad for international mobility periods. The University of Bologna participated as a partner in the project, which was developed by UNISAFE and promoted by the Coimbra Group. The results were presented in Brussels at the conference "Internationalising Higher Education: Safety Abroad, Interculturality at Home."

For UNISAFE, the University of Bologna oversaw the creation of a massive open online course (MOOC) dedicated to both students and university staff. Thus, those who have to prepare for a period of international mobility can obtain useful information on safety protocols and tips on safe behaviour, personal safety and security. The course also includes a final evaluation test and issues a certificate of attendance.

The universities involved in the project addressed the issue of safety, security, and well-being of those participating in international mobility periods by developing standard protocols, procedures, online tools, and good practices that can be adopted by all universities.

The UNISAFE project was promoted by the Coimbra Group and it involved seven partner universities: Università di Pavia (project coordinator), Università di Bologna, Universidad de Granada, Uniwersytet Jagiellonski, University of Edinburgh, Universitatea Alexandru Ioan Cuza Din Iasi, Université de Poitiers.