The Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) is a unique initiative that promotes academic mobility, cooperation, and exchange in Central and Eastern Europe. It offers a wide range of opportunities for students, academics, and universities to engage in joint programs and projects, as well as to share knowledge and expertise in various fields of study.
One of the latest developments in this regard is the CEEPUS III Agreement, which represents a new phase in the implementation of the program. This agreement, which came into force in 2020, aims to further enhance the cooperation between the participating countries and institutions, as well as to provide more flexibility and opportunities for mobility and exchange.
Under the CEEPUS III Agreement, the participating countries are divided into two groups: the CEEPUS I group, which consists of the countries that have been part of the program since its inception in 1995, and the CEEPUS III group, which includes the new members that have joined in recent years. The countries in these groups have different obligations and benefits, depending on their level of participation and contribution.
One of the key features of the CEEPUS III Agreement is the new funding model, which is designed to provide more support for mobility and exchange activities. Under this model, each country contributes to a common pool of funds, which are then used to finance the mobility grants for students and academics. The amount of funding available for each country depends on various factors, such as the number of incoming and outgoing students and the level of cooperation with other countries.
Another important aspect of the CEEPUS III Agreement is the emphasis on digitalization and virtual mobility. With the COVID-19 pandemic causing disruptions in traditional mobility and exchange activities, the program has shifted its focus to online cooperation and virtual mobility. This includes the development of new digital tools and platforms for communication, collaboration, and learning, as well as the promotion of virtual mobility opportunities for students and academics.
Overall, the CEEPUS III Agreement represents a significant step forward in the evolution of the CEEPUS program. It provides a solid framework for enhancing academic cooperation and exchange in Central and Eastern Europe, while also adapting to the changing needs and challenges of the modern world. As such, it offers a valuable opportunity for students, academics, and universities to engage in cross-border collaboration and to develop new skills and perspectives.