Erasmus+ KA2 project ELIX

European labour mobility-led Career and Service-Learning System in Higher Education

Acronim: ELIX

Tender: KA220-HED - Cooperation partnerships in higher education - Call 2024 Round 1
Project number: 2024-1-SI01-KA220-HED-000252281

Leading partner: University of Novo mesto Faculty of Economics and Informatics (Slovenia)

Partners:
• Fachhochschule Burgenland GmbH (Austria)
• University of Economics in Bratislava (Slovakia)
• Social Innovation and Cohesion Institute Fifty-Fifty (Greece)
• Pylon One (Greece)
• Educons University (Serbia)

Total project value: 250,000.00 EUR
Funding information: Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union

Start: 1. 09. 2024
End: 31. 08. 2026
Contact person: doc. dr. Mojca Blažič, mojca.blazic@uni-nm.si, +386 7 393 00 25

Project description:

Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Austria and Slovakia are experiencing a worrying trend towards early leaving from higher education. Many students find it difficult to recognize the connection between their academic studies and their future careers, which leads to a lack of motivation and commitment to study. The ELIX project responds to this challenge by introducing innovative teaching methods and experiential learning opportunities that promote greater student engagement and increase the relevance of their educational experiences.

Rapid technological progress and globalisation have widened the gap between the skills taught by higher education institutions and those actually needed by the labour market. Employers often see a shortage of graduates with the appropriate practical skills and competencies that are crucial for success in the modern work environment. The ELIX project aims to fill this gap by integrating real-world experiences, partnerships with industry and entrepreneurship education into curricula, ensuring that students acquire the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the 21st century economy. In an age of rapid change and uncertainty, lifelong learning and adaptability are becoming crucial. Traditional models of higher education often focus on the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, rather than on the development of transferable skills such as critical thinking, communication and resilience. ELIX recognizes the urgency of equipping students with these essential skills and mindset, preparing them to successfully face complex challenges and thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Higher education institutions have a key responsibility to promote civic engagement and social responsibility among students. Traditional teaching methods, which are primarily based on lectures, often fail to effectively develop these important values. The ELIX project aims to bridge this gap by integrating Community Service Learning (CSL) into curricula, allowing students to use their knowledge and skills to solve real-world challenges in collaboration with local communities and organizations.

In an increasingly interconnected world, there is a growing awareness of the importance of internationalisation and participation in higher education. ELIX enables cross-border cooperation and networking of universities, students and socio-economic actors in Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Austria and Slovakia. By leveraging the diverse expertise and resources of partner institutions and stakeholders, ELIX improves the quality of teaching and learning, fosters cultural exchange, and prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of a globalized world.

The ELIX project is based on innovation and cooperation that bring transformation to higher education in Slovenia, Serbia, Greece, Austria and Slovakia. By focusing on closing key gaps, fostering student engagement, and equipping graduates with the key skills and mindsets necessary to succeed in today's dynamic global environment, ELIX lays the foundation for the future of education.

Objectives:

The ELIX project focuses on the areas of employability, career guidance, digital skills and competences. It brings numerous opportunities and innovations to higher education, combining state-of-the-art teaching methodologies, digital integration and fostering an entrepreneurial spirit, thus creating a comprehensive and stimulating learning environment.

Specific objectives:

• Promoting professional development and lifelong learning among participants;
• Promoting civic engagement and social responsibility with an emphasis on Community Service Learning (CSL);
• Strengthening cooperation and partnerships between educational institutions, market players and community stakeholders;
• Developing innovative tools and resources to integrate CSL practices into higher education curricula;
• Providing guidance and training for educators to better support students in their careers.

Expected outcomes:

• Increased awareness and understanding of local careers among stakeholders.
• Increasing the capacity of educators to integrate Career Learning Practices (CSL) into learning approaches.
• Improved access to virtual community service learning experiences through an innovative online platform.
• Improving the skills and knowledge of students and teachers through educational resources and training modules.
• Improved understanding and use of civic engagement, professional development

DISCLAIMER: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of Center Republike Slovenije za mobilnost in evropske programe izobraževanja in usposabljanja (CMEPIUS). Neither the European Union nor CMEPIUS can be held responsible for them.