Virtual student internship mobility - building of inclusive and international professional higher education in the countries of the balkan region

Abstract

Here, we present results of student inernship mobility gained through implementation of web-based digital internship model suitable for the professional higher education studies (DIMPS). This model was developed and tested as a part of cooperative work between several professional higher education institutions from three countries of the Balkan region: Serbia, Bulgaria and Greece. Our model of digital internship enables students to gain real-world experience and skills in a remote online setting. Internship methodology integrated into DIMPS platform permits achievement of both disciplinary and technical learning outcomes, as well as the academic-related generic outcomes. We successfully applied this digital platform in the context of international virtual student exchange between Balkan countries, demonstrating its flexibility and suitability for inclusive professional higher education. Importantly, DIMPS platform may contribute to the promotion of the attractiveness of the study programs, thus growing the internationalization of the higher education in Balkans.