Our Health Management students, Dušan Lazić, Jana Milošević and Anđela Stajić, together with their lecturers, had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ mobility at the University of “Ismail Qemali” in Vlora, Albania, from 1 June to 5 June 2026. Through professional lectures and the opportunity to become familiar with different educational practices, they gained valuable professional and personal experience.
The mobility participants were warmly welcomed by the host higher education institution. During their stay, the students had the opportunity to learn more about the teaching process and working conditions at the University of “Ismail Qemali”, while ICEPS associates presented their areas of expertise to the host institution’s colleagues and students.
From the students’ perspective, the Erasmus+ mobility in Vlora was a valuable experience that enabled them to broaden their knowledge through lectures in the field of Health Management and various health-related topics, as well as to gain insight into the work of a partner higher education institution. During their stay, they had the opportunity to visit modernly equipped teaching rooms with training mannequins and equipment for practical exercises, and to compare the organisation of teaching and practical training in Vlora with the experience they gain at ICEPS.
They particularly emphasised the advantage of ICEPS in involving students in working with real patients at an early stage of their studies, which they consider extremely important for developing confidence, professional skills and independence in their future work. The students pointed out that they felt welcome from the very first day, that the program was interesting and useful, and that they would have liked the mobility to have lasted longer. Their stay in Albania enabled them, through direct contact with students, professors and the local community, to overcome certain prejudices and gain a positive, authentic and valuable international experience.
Lecturer Zlatko Ćirić, Master of Health Care Organisation, and Vesna Imbronjev, Professional Master Nurse, delivered lectures in the fields of the epidemiology of mental disorders and public health, which attracted great interest among the audience. Speaking about his experience of working with students and colleagues in Vlora, lecturer Zlatko Ćirić stated:
“The lectures were well attended and well received. Students and professors showed great interest in the topics, and the discussions that followed were of exceptionally high quality.”
The mobility participants also had the unique opportunity to attend a lecture by Prof. Dr William E. Hills, Professor of Psychology at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina, United States of America, whose research work focuses on gerontology. His lecture on mental disorders, as well as challenges in nursing, left a strong impression on all participants.
The preparation for the mobility was further enriched by cooperation with Prof. Dr Enkeleint Aggelos Mechili, Vice-Rector of the University of “Ismail Qemali” in Vlora, Albania, and Associate Professor at the Department of Health Care. Prof. Mechili was also a guest lecturer at ICEPS within the ICEPS International Day event, and on this occasion he welcomed and hosted our students.
During their stay in Vlora, lecturer Zlatko Ćirić and professional practice associate Vesna Imbronjev had the opportunity to meet again and exchange experiences with colleagues from the University of “Ismail Qemali” who had previously been guest lecturers at ICEPS. These included Erlini Kokala, Master of Public Health and PhD candidate at Sapienza University of Rome, who participated in the first ICEPS international symposium “Healthcare for the Future”, as well as Dr Jerina Jaho, Assistant Lecturer at the Scientific Research Centre for Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of “Ismail Qemali” in Vlora, who delivered a lecture in Belgrade within the ICEPS International Day event. The meeting in Albania represents another confirmation of successful international cooperation and the continuous exchange of knowledge between the two institutions.
The students particularly highlighted the importance of new acquaintances, joint work and the exchange of experiences with peers from another country. In addition to academic activities, the mobility enabled the participants to become familiar with the local culture, everyday life and the hospitality of the people of Albania.
The mobility in Vlora demonstrated how significantly international experiences contribute to professional development, personal empowerment and the broadening of horizons. ICEPS will continue to encourage students, lecturers and associates to make use of the opportunities provided by the Erasmus+ program and, through international cooperation, to build new knowledge, contacts and perspectives.