Over 50 International Guests attend International Staff Days

Over 50 international employees at collaborative universities all over the world attend staff days at the University of Iceland this week.  Participants come from 22 countries, including Australia, Canada, and China.

Representatives of the Aurora network met at a pre-conference meeting prior to the formal programme. Aurora is a community of European universities united by a shared commitment to advancing social good and helping solve global challenges. The network is comprised of nine European universities; one of which is the University of Iceland and staff from the other eight were especially invited to the UI staff days.

The formal opening session included an address by Jón Atli Benediktsson, Rector of the University of Iceland followed by talks from Friðrika Harðardóttir, Director of the International Office, and Jón Örn Guðbjartsson, Director of the Division of Marketing and Public Relations. Guðmundur Hálfdánarson, Dean of the School of Humanities then joined the group and went over the history of Iceland in a nutshell. After his briefing the group went over to Veröld - Vigdís' House for a tour of the house and the exhibition showcasing the life and work of Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland.

The programme is for three days and consists of various activities; such as lectures, workshops, a guided tour around campus, a reception etc.  This year's theme is "Quality of Mobility" with emphasis on collaboration between universities, how it is measured and how they can be improved even further. There will be a special focus on the process for students studying abroad, both as exchange and trainee ship students.
The programme ends with a guided excursion to Krýsuvík Geothermal area, Strandakirkja and Hellisheiðarvikrjun Geothermal Power Plant on Friday.

The International Office organises the international staff days and the programme is designed for university employees working within the field of international mobility.