The third season of the video podcast Educast is underway. In the season premiere, How to build an international career while working full-time? (YouTube), USN's Hilde Johnsen joins podcast host and EDUC Ambassador Asfia Salsabil from the University of Pécs (PTE) for a conversation about lifelong learning, international collaboration and the opportunities created through the EDUC Alliance.
The episode was recently recorded as part of Hilde's two-month secondment with our Hungarian partner through the EDUC Staff Secondment Programme.
On a daily basis, she works at campus Vestfold as Coordinator and Compant Contact for Lifelong Learning (LLL) at the Faculty of Technology, Natural Sciences, and Maritime Studies (TNM).
Her conversation with Ashfia ranges from lifelong learning and international career opportunities to student exchange, research collaboration and why European universities must think new to meet the needs of today's students and employees.
Watch the Episode Featuring Hilde Here:
Flexible Learning for a New Era
A central theme in the episode is how universities can make education more accessible for people who are already in work.
"Many want to develop their competence throughout their careers but do not have the opportunity to move or study full-time. Then we must offer more flexible solutions," says Hilde.
She points out that digital and online courses make it possible to combine studies with work, family and other commitments, while students gain access to international expertise and academic environments.
"Easier for people to find each other"
During her stay at PTE, Hilde has been working closely with the various parts of PTE’s International Office, where the EDUC Office is also organised.
Her goal is to strengthen cooperation between USN and PTE and make it easier for students, researchers and administrative staff to find relevant partners for collaboration.
"I hope the stay can contribute to more student and staff mobility, closer research collaboration and stronger contact between our universities. Much is about building relationships and making it easier for people to find each other," she says.
EDUC opens new doors
In the episode, Hilde highlights one of the greatest strengths of the EDUC alliance: the opportunity to pool resources, expertise and course offerings from eight European universities.
"EDUC makes each university bigger. When we collaborate across national borders, students gain access to far more courses and learning opportunities than any one university can offer alone. The same applies to researchers and employees," she says.
Hilde believes the alliance plays an important role in making international experiences more accessible, both physically and digitally.
An international student city in growth
The conversation is not only about education and collaboration. Hilde also shares impressions of everyday life in Pécs, a city that continues to attract more international students, not least from Norway.
From the green hills of the Mecsek Mountains to the Hungarian thermal baths and the vibrant student life, she describes a city that combines history, culture and international diversity.
We also learn why Hilde has developed a special fondness for Hungarian pumpkin seed cake and why she prefers to get around on foot when exploring the city.
Watch the episode
How can universities contribute to lifelong learning? What opportunities does EDUC provide for students and employees? And what does it really take to build stronger ties between universities in different parts of Europe?
Watch the season premiere of Educast and get better acquainted with Hilde, her work with PTE and the opportunities offered by European university cooperation.
Educast season 3, episode 1: How to build an INTERNATIONAL CAREER while working FULL-TIME?