In line with the main aim of MU international policy for the year 1999, the International Office strove to strengthen the University’s engagement in international activities and events. The main stress was put on:

1. greater mobility of students and teachers
2. establishing of new contacts and contractual co-operation between MU and universities in the USA and Canada in particular, active participation in university networks
3. increased amount of teaching in foreign languages
4. closer contacts between Czechs and foreign students, their involvement in various MU activities
5. providing all information about the contents of MU study programmes for those interested
6. offering courses in Czech for foreign students
7. maintaining and deepening of bilateral and multilateral contacts established in the past
8. qualification improvement of the International Office staff

SOCRATES – ERASMUS

Mobility of students:

Of 115 study stays originally planned for students, 103 students were able to travel abroad (for a total of 405 months). The grants received amounted to EUR 17,895; EUR 54,109 was paid by the PHARE programme. MU provided its students with financial support in the form of an extra study grant.

The original plan of receiving 92 students from 13 European countries was reduced to 17 students from 5 countries (Austria, Germany, Great Britain, Spain, the Netherlands).

Mobility of teachers:

Of 64 visits originally planned, only 26 teachers participated in scholar’s stays abroad. Of four ”preparatory” visits, only one (Great Britain) was implemented.

Other activities:

Among other activities implemented at MU (intensive programmes, ECTS introduction, issuing of new curricula, European modules, etc.), it is necessary to highlight the participation of the Faculty of Medicine in an intensive programme co-ordinated by Utrecht University.

Beside grants for mobility of students (sending 165 students abroad and receiving 132 in Brno) and teachers (47), MU received grants for the introduction of ECTS, participation in the curriculum projects ”Trade-teaching, Reactivating (Progressive Education), Ac

companying, Developing, Evaluating” and ”European Masters in Language and Speech”.

In comparison with recent years, it is obvious that the mobility of students has grown. The number of bilateral agreements signed with EU universities increased to 73. On the other hand, the mobility of teachers has decreased (to 47). The European Committee has reduced funding necessary for these purposes, and teachers’ grants have been awarded for teaching activities only.

Masaryk University is satisfied with the growing number of international students (in comparison with the academic year 1998/99); in the autumn semester, 14 students from Germany, Portugal, Great Britain, Finland and Norway studied at Masaryk University (in the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme).

LEONARDO

As part of the LEONARDO programme, a project titled ”MUNI Partnership” was processed, which was sent for evaluation and possible approval to Brussels. This project, in which Masaryk University, the Academic Information Centre and partner business companies based in Brno participate, strives to establish closer relations between MU students, the academic community and the commercial sphere.

Mobility of students and teachers based on international agreements concluded by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport of the Czech Republic

In the framework of international cultural agreements, the Ministry allocates every year a certain number of study stays and research fellowships: in 1999, nine teachers and 28 students took part in this type of study stay.

Contacts with non-European universities

In January, Mr. Adrian Sherman, Head of the Office for International Programmes at Ithaca College, USA, visited Masaryk University for the first time. Mr. Sherman met representatives of MU and its faculties, discussed the organization of study exchanges for students and teachers, and signed an agreement on mutual co-operation. The next visit took place in September, and focused on the preparation of a summer school of Central European music held by JAMU and Vienna University.

The State University of New York (Oswego) is another contractual partner of Masaryk University. The representatives of the State University visited Brno in April 1999, and agreed on exchanges of students and teachers. Based on this co-operation, American students are able to participate in CESP and TESOL TE programmes.

MU has also signed an agreement with the University of New Orleans, which provides a basis for the exchange of students and teachers.

Masaryk University hosted Dr. Mould of Ohio University, who presented to MU representatives a proposal to create a specialized course for Czech and American students in economics, which would provide students with contacts to the economic sphere.

The Head of the European Centre of the University of Georgia told representatives of the Faculty of Economics and Administration about the preparation of a conference focusing on bank privatization in East European countries. He also met representatives of the Faculty of Law and the High Court of the Czech Republic, and discussed the participation of their students and employees in a course for lawyers from Central and Eastern Europe which would enable judges and court administrators to take part in study visits to the USA, thus familiarizing themselves with the American legal system. All representatives contacted expressed an interest in the proposed projects.

Contacts between MU and the Centre for Russian and East European Studies of the University of Toronto (Canada) were also established. The Centre is one of the most significant institutes in this field in Canada.

In March, Masaryk University received a visit from the international affairs co-ordinator from Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin. On this occasion, an agreement on mutual co-operation and student exchange was extended for another five years. Four MU students who had studied at the Edgewood College participated in the meeting. So far, two students from Edgewood College have studied at MU; the female student participating in MU courses in the winter semester took an active part in the activities of the International Department of the MU Rector’s Office.

In 1999, MU was visited by a representative of the Institute for International Education based in New York. He held a lecture on the institutionalized TOEFL exam (an exam in English which serves as a test for the selection of applicants for study stays in countries with English as a teaching language).

In the framework of the so called ”American programme”, we have also established contacts with universities in South America. We have signed an

agreement with Pontificia Universidade Catolica in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The contract focuses on co-operation in the humanities, social studies and natural sciences; the main stress, however, is put on the improvement of Portugese Studies at MU.

Masaryk University has also made initial contact with the University of Natal in the South African Republic; a contractual relationship is under consideration.

Stephan Bathory Collegium university network

Based on the initiative of the Rector of the University of Vilnius (Latvia), a constituent assembly of representatives of Charles University (Prague), Masaryk University (Brno), Comenius University (Bratislava), Eotvose Lorand University (Budapest), Jagellons University (Krakow), Kaliningrad State University, Vilnius University, the Warsaw School of Economics and Warsaw University was held at Masaryk University on September 22 1999. The representatives signed a declaration on the founding of a new university network called the Stephan Bathory Collegium. The main aim of its activities is further development of close contacts between universities in the Central and Eastern Europe, facilitating the exchange of information and experience and the implementation of international activities and events.

The offering of an insufficient range of courses in foreign languages is the most problematic aspect in the acquisition of international students for short or long-term study stays at MU.

In the last academic year, the university (in co-operation with its faculties) managed to open the following short-term (one semester) educational programmes, mainly in English:

The project was created for university students from Great Britain, the USA and the MU Faculties of Arts and Education. It is aimed for those who want to obtain the TOEFL certificate (teaching of English as a foreign language). The project enables international students to study in the Czech Republic, obtain a basic knowledge of Czech and familiarize themselves with Czech culture and everyday life. For Czech students, the TESOL TE course brings the possibility of obtaining a prestigious certificate and establishing contacts with very experienced English teachers and their native language. The programme has accreditation from Cambridge University, allowing the awarding of the internationally recognised CELTA certificate for the teaching of English. Pilot courses will start in the spring semester of the year 2000.

In co-operation with the University of Rennes and supported by the French Embassy in Prague, this course was opened for students of all MU faculties who have completed the third study year and have a good knowledge of French. On completion of the course, participants receive a bilingual certificate. The main aim of this programme is to educate future employees in the public sector: focusing on the entry of the Czech Republic into the European Union.

The preparation of such educational programmes is very time-consuming and financially demanding as it requires ongoing intensive publicity (provided by foreign partners, publicity in various journals and on the Internet) in order to inform a wide international public and all those potentially interested.

Thanks to the mobility of students in the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme, the number of international students at MU has gradually increased. In order to make it easier for them to settle in Brno, the university arranges a whole range of activities: introductory guidetours through Brno which familiarize students with the history and present life of the city, plus an introduction to the structure of Masaryk University and its institutions, study opportunities and cultural and sport facilities. The programme also comprises trips and excursions in the surroundings of the city and film screenings and lectures focusing on social, political and cultural issues.

Participants in the 1999 course highly appreciated the two-week introductory programme, and expressed their satisfaction with the intensive Czech course. They missed, however, closer contact with Czech students who might have introduced them to the social and student life in Brno.

At the end of the academic year, MU organized an informal get-together of representatives of the university and its faculties with international students. The meeting contributed to better understanding and the possible solving of some of their problems (eg., by the opening of internet study rooms at halls of residence).

International presentation

The university regularly updates Internet pages providing all information on the TESOL TE and CESP programmes. These are also available in print in the form of a brochure.

International students interested in studying at MU (not only in the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme) can also read the www pages of the MU International Office written in English, which provide them with all the basic and topical information they need on study conditions, accommodation and other services (incl. matters connected to university and city life).

In March, Masaryk University, together with Palacký University, Olomouc, took part in an international fair of post-secondary education in Vienna. Various forms of Czech courses, humanities study programmes, PGS studies of foreign languages and student mobility in the framework of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme were presented to visitors of the event.

In May, Masaryk University participated in the 51st international NAFSA conference (the Association of International Educators), which was held in Denver, USA. In co-operation with the Fulbright Committee, Prague, and the Jan Hus Foundation, a presentation on the Czech Republic and its university education called ”View of the Czech Republic” was held in the Central and East European section (accompanied by a reception sponsored by the Pilsen Brewery).

In December, the university participated in the EAIE (the European Association for International Education) conference held in Maastricht. All negotiations focused on regional co-operation between educational institutions. MU representatives gave a brief presentation on the university accompanied by a reception.

One of the main aims of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme is the enabling of international students to study the language of the country they study in. This service is provided by the Department of Czech for Foreigners, which holds a two-week intensive Czech course (at various levels) before the beginning of each semester. This course is provided free-of-charge, and paid for from the programme’s budget. After the completion of this course, students interested in learning Czech language can continue their studies.

A basic Czech course is also a part of the CESP one-semester teaching programme.

Bilateral agreements between MU and partner universities abroad create the basis for the mobility of students and teachers; its extent is determined by negotiated quotas. Based on such agreements, this type of study exchange was implemented between MU and universities in Szeged, Regensburg, Greifswald, Vienna, Wratislaw, Poznan and Katowice: MU was in a position to welcome 25 foreign students and academics, while 27 Czechs were able to travel abroad.

On top of the above-stated quotas, the following universities provided MU students with grants for specialized events:

Greifswald University (Germany) - one study grant for a summer semester 1999 for a student of the Faculty of Arts

Utrecht University (Netherlands) – five grants for a summer course on Dutch Culture and Society

Viadrina European University – three grants for the academic year 1999/2000 for two students of the Faculty of Law, one student of the Faculty of Economics and Administration, one grant for a summer semester 2000 for one student of the Faculty of Law

Regensburg University (Germany) – four grants for a summer course in German for students of the Faculties of Arts and Education

A student-for-student group exchange was arranged between ten MU students of Polish Studies and Students of Slavonic Studies from Wroclaw University (Poland).

In October, the Compostela Group of Universities held a one-week intensive course in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) on the history of pilgrimages and pilgrimage sites. MU received two grants, which covered all costs connected with participation in this course.

In April, the Utrecht University network held its annual general meeting at Ljubljana University (Slovenia).

The employees of the office participated in regular gatherings of employees of international offices of Czech schools of higher education and seminars organized by national offices of the SOCRATES-ERASMUS and TEMPUS programmes.

The TEMPUS JEP-12187-97 programme has continued into its second year. This programme, which is co-ordinated by Glasgow University (Great Britain), focuses on familiarization with and introduction of new organization methods at international offices at schools of higher education in Moravia. In September, Mainz University - a new participant in this programme – held a one-week workshop consisting of lectures and seminars on various activities of international departments. Lecturers were employees of Mainz University, other German schools of higher education and Glasgow University.

Following this project, a brief co-ordination meeting of representatives of Moravian schools of higher education and the project’s co-ordinators was held in Brno. Participants in the meeting discussed the organization of an international conference under the working title ”The International University”, which will be held in the first half of the year 2000, and will become a main event of the entire project.

The employees of the MU International Office took part in a one-week course organized for first-year students by the Viadrina European University in Frankfurt an der Oder (Germany). The university has been revitalized, and in spite of the fact that it is a rather small university, it holds a very important place among German universities. A glowing example of the international co-operation between Germany and Poland is the establishing of Collegium Pollonicum, a research centre formed by the joint efforts of Viadrina University and Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznan, Poland, and with financial support of the governments of both countries.

At the end of 1998, the Salzburg Seminar, an American educational and advisory centre based in Austria, started a project of advisory visits to universities in Central and Eastern Europe. The main aim of these visits is the support of universities’ management, and development of new management methods. In May 1999, Masaryk University was one of the first universities, which were – on the Rector’s invitation - visited by a group of advisors. In co-operation with the International Office, MU organized a very rich programme, which included meetings with representatives of MU management and individual faculties, teachers and administrative workers. Advisory activities focused on the following issues: international affairs, accreditation, financing, study integration, credit system. The members of the advisory team were: Andris Barblan, General Secretary of the Association of European Universities; Jochen Fried, Head of the above-mentioned Salzburg Seminar; Neil Grabois, President, Colgate University, New York; Peter Margrath, President, National Association of State Universities, Washington. Based on knowledge acquired, the team issued an evaluation report on the current state of Masaryk University, including proposals for the optimization of work in the above-stated spheres. The academic public had the opportunity to familiarize itself with this report.

The year 1999 was a time of celebration surrounding the founding of Masaryk University and other schools of higher education in Brno. The Technical University (VUT), the oldest of them, celebrated the 100^th anniversary of its founding, and MYLU and Masaryk University their 80^th anniversary. On this occasion, MU, together with the Brno Council Office implemented a project called ”Brno – University City”, which was co-ordinated by the SNIP & CO advertising company, and in which all schools of higher education based in Brno participated. This project will be continued in the years 2000 and 2001, and should result in an international conference, which - as a follow-up to ”Crossroads of European Culture” (held in 1998) - will discuss the phenomenon of university cities and their impact on regional cultural development. The organizers of the event have issued a calendar of all the events planned on the occasion of these significant anniversaries.

On January 29 1999 - the 80^th anniversary of the founding of MU - university celebrations were opened by a festive gathering of the academic community. MU welcomed representatives of the Ministry of Education, the Council Office of the City of Brno, schools of higher education from home and abroad and other important institutions. In co-operation with the MU Archives, the university published a speech by the first MU Rector Arne Novák made on the occasion of the opening for the Procházka‘s ”Fire of Prometheus” painting on December 16 1938 (the painting is the dominant feature of the MU Grand Hall). A passage of the speech was delivered to the public by Ladislav Lakomý, a Brno actor. The gathering was held under the auspices of the MU Rector, and JAMU organized a concert performed by its teachers and students.

The programme of the MU celebrations comprised more than 20 international and national conferences held under the auspices of the MU Rector (and financially supported by the Rector’s Office).

On Brno’s main square of Brno, MU students presented an afternoon entertainment programme for the general public, which included sport, dance and music. Sport competitions between students of MU and VUT were held throughout the day by the Departments of Sport of both schools of higher education at the VUT campus.

The 3rd Garden Party in the Botanical Garden of the Faculty of Science was attended by many leading figures in Brno’s academic community. The event was accompanied by the opening of an exhibition of glass by Prof. Jaroslav Svoboda, and the launching of his book about glass and its history.

The joint project of all schools of higher education ”Brno – University City” culminated at the New Hall on September 30 with a ceremonial gathering of Brno academics, important visitors from home and abroad and representatives of the Brno Council Office.

Between October 1- 3, a unique exhibition of insignias, records and documents of all schools of higher education in Brno was opened for the general public in the cloisters of the New Town Hall.

In line with tradition at the end of the year, leading MU representatives and figures from Brno’s public, cultural and business life discussed the results of their co-operation in the last year at an informal meeting. The meeting was accompanied by a Christmas concert performed by the GAUDEAMUS University Choir conducted by Alexander Vacek.