Strengthening European Collaboration: A Short-Term Exchange between UVigo and the University of Orléans
This week, ATHENA European University proudly supports an innovative short-term exchange between two of its member institutions: the University of Vigo (UVigo) in Spain and the University of Orléans in France. As part of ATHENA’s commitment to fostering cross-border academic collaboration, 15 students from Orléans have embarked on a week-long immersive learning experience in Vigo, deepening their understanding of the Spanish Golden Age lexicon.
A New Model of Mobility in Erasmus+
This exchange is made possible through a new hybrid mobility model within the Erasmus+ program, designed to facilitate short-term bilateral exchanges between European universities. The initiative is spearheaded by Professor Samuel Fasquel (University of Orléans) and Professor Manuel Ángel Candelas Colodrón (UVigo), who have been collaborating for the past three years on research related to the works of Francisco de Quevedo. Their joint efforts have led to the creation of shared courses, enabling students from both institutions to engage in meaningful academic exchange. Thanks to ATHENA’s framework, these collaborations continue to grow, reinforcing the alliance’s mission of promoting European higher education integration.
Bridging Language and Culture through Innovation
During their stay at UVigo’s Faculty of Philology and Translation, the students from Orléans are participating in intensive courses on 16th- and 17th-century Spanish lexicon. Their work contributes to LexicOro, a collaborative digital glossary project that aims to provide specialists in Spanish literature and culture with a valuable tool for text comprehension. This initiative exemplifies ATHENA’s emphasis on digital innovation and multilingual education, enhancing the academic experience of its students beyond traditional classroom settings.
Exploring Spanish Heritage and Future Academic Opportunities
Beyond coursework, the exchange includes cultural activities such as a visit to Santiago de Compostela, where students will explore historical texts from the 16th and 17th centuries at the General Library of the University of Santiago de Compostela. Such experiences not only enrich their academic journey but also deepen their appreciation for European heritage.
Looking ahead, this collaboration could pave the way for the development of a joint degree between the two institutions within the ATHENA framework. This step would further strengthen student mobility and academic cooperation across Europe, making high-quality education and research more accessible to a broader community.
ATHENA: Shaping the Future of European Higher Education
At ATHENA European University, initiatives like these exemplify our commitment to building a dynamic, interconnected academic network that fosters innovation, cultural exchange, and research collaboration. By enabling students and faculty to engage in transformative educational experiences, ATHENA continues to shape the future of European higher education.
Stay connected with ATHENA to discover more about our collaborative programs and mobility opportunities!
