13th International Staff Week at TSU (Tbilisi, Georgia)

Beyond Mobility: Innovation, Sustainability, and Human-Centred Internationalisation

The International Relations Department at Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University is pleased to announce its 13th International Staff Week, which will take place in person on October 26–30, 2026, in Tbilisi, Georgia.

This year’s theme, “Beyond Mobility: Innovation, Sustainability, and Human-Centred Internationalisation,” highlights the evolving role of universities as drivers of innovation, sustainable development, and meaningful global engagement. It underscores the importance of building partnerships that go beyond physical mobility by fostering inclusive academic cooperation, intercultural understanding, and human-centred approaches to internationalisation in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.

The Staff Week will bring together international relations professionals, academic coordinators, researchers, and higher education practitioners to exchange ideas, share institutional experiences, and explore innovative and human-centred approaches to internationalisation in higher education.

Through interactive discussions, workshops, and networking activities, participants will examine how universities can move beyond traditional mobility frameworks to build sustainable partnerships, foster inclusive international environments, and respond to the evolving challenges and opportunities facing global higher education.

Particular attention will be given to innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, and the human dimension of international cooperation, while promoting shared European and global values such as diversity, inclusion, accessibility, solidarity, and intercultural dialogue.

Key topics of discussion and workshops will include:

• Beyond Traditional Mobility: Exploring innovative, blended, hybrid, and short-term mobility models that expand participation and accessibility.
• Human-Centred Internationalisation: Strengthening wellbeing, inclusion, intercultural communication, and support systems for international students and staff.
• Sustainable International Cooperation: Integrating environmentally and socially sustainable practices into internationalisation strategies and mobility programmes.
• Building Strategic and Resilient Partnerships: Developing long-term, mutually beneficial collaborations aligned with institutional missions and global challenges.
• Internationalisation at Home: Creating globally engaged learning environments through curriculum internationalisation, virtual exchange, and intercultural campus initiatives.
• Innovation in University Management and International Offices: Sharing best practices in modernising administrative processes and enhancing institutional adaptability.
• Measuring the Impact of Internationalisation: Assessing the academic, social, and institutional outcomes of global engagement through quality assurance and data-informed approaches.

Participants are encouraged to share institutional experiences, present case studies, and showcase innovative solutions to challenges encountered in internationalization efforts. 

Who is it for?

The 13th ISW is open to:

a) administrative staff working in international offices, governance structures, or other departments responsible for global engagement.

b) academic staff, those eligible for Erasmus+ ICM K171 staff teaching mobility (academic staff will have opportunities to engage in teaching up to 4 hours in addition to participating in the the staff week related events, if funded through Erasmus+ ICM K171 teaching mobility/STA)

Priority will be given to representatives from institutions that already have established partnerships with TSU or are interested in developing such cooperation in the future.

Program

The five-day event will include:

• Plenary sessions, panel discussions, and working groups
• Institutional presentations and case studies
• Networking and matchmaking activities
• Cultural program introducing participants to Georgia’s heritage and cuisine A detailed program will be shared with selected participants.

Funding

TSU does not offer financial support for participation. Interested candidates should consult their home institutions for possible Erasmus+ KA171/KA131 funding.

Please note that an Inter-Institutional Agreement (IIA) must be in place for Erasmus+ funding to be utilized. Participants from institutions without an existing IIA are welcome to initiate discussions toward establishing one.

Registration & Fees

Registration Deadline: 5pm Tbilisi time on September 30th, 2026

Application Form: https://forms.gle/47Wuycqv9Etf3jGx5

Participation Fee: €150 (paid exclusively in cash on Monday, October 26th during the registration and welcome session), covering materials, select meals, and social program

Working Language: English (minimum B2 level required)

Please do not make any travel arrangements before receiving the invitation letter from the organizers.

Certificate

A Certificate of Attendance will be awarded to participants completing the full program. We expect all participants to follow the program in its entirety from Monday through Friday; therefore, this event is not suitable for those planning to combine it with visits to other partner universities in Georgia

Group Size: Max. 60 participants (up to 3 per institution)