On the 13th of July 2011, Professor Nicolae Păun conducted a visit to the University of Cergy-Pontoise, in light of the partnership between the latter and Babeș-Bolyai University, which relies on best practice exchanges and joint studies at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels. The purpose of the abovementioned visit was not only to broaden the horizons of future common teaching and research endeavours, but also to gather representatives from the two Universities at a roundtable, for an insightful discussion on a series of concrete topics.
Hence, the Faculty of European Studies from Babeș-Bolyai University was represented by Professor Păun, along with members of the teaching and research staffs of this institution, as well as a number of twelve students from the European Affairs and Project Management master’s programme. The latter had been selected by means of a thorough evaluation based on specific competences and language abilities, within the framework of the Jacques Delors project (an internship programme developed by the Faculty of European Studies with the financial support of the European Commission), in which all candidates had participated.
The delegation of the University of Cergy-Pontoise was led by Professor Werner Zettelmeier, master studies coordinator, who spoke on behalf of the University’s leadership. The discussions, which lasted between 12 and 2 pm, were focused on:
– institutional aspects, such as the current liaisons between the two Universities and opportunities for an enhanced partnership;
– academic topics, pertaining to the importance of European Studies within the two Universities and the need to further develop coherent master programmes germane to European Project Management;
– students’ opinions on the need to conduct international exchange sessions on topics related to the European agenda, projects and research opportunities.
The results of this debate were greatly appreciated by both parties, all the more because it was agreed that virtual communication channels would henceforth be used on a regular basis among the participants, in order to establish a permanent information flow on research subjects that are of common interest. It is thus beyond a doubt that this visit to the University of Cergy-Pontoise succeeded in furthering the valuable partnership between this institution and Babeș-Bolyai University, as it was pointed out in the final speeches delivered by Professors Păun and Zettelmeier, while providing students with the opportunity to establish contacts and exchange relevant information for their general studies and personal research endeavours.