Staff exchange – Karolinska Institutet

Staff member: Michelle Lau, Clinical Supervisor. Department of Dental Medicine

In September, I had the opportunity to travel together with my colleagues from the Dental Hygiene programme to the University of Lisbon for a two-day Erasmus+ staff training focused on job shadowing as a form of professional development. The Dental Hygiene program at our university has a long-standing partnership with the University of Lisbon, making this collaboration especially meaningful. The visit was both interesting and enriching, as it allowed us to network and experience the environment where our students spend their exchange semesters.

During my stay, I met with faculty members responsible for the program and spent time at the student clinic, which spans three floors with different departments. I gained valuable insights into how the University of Lisbon organizes its clinical training and supervises students. Our programs are similar in size and length, making comparing approaches easy. By participating in job shadowing, I was able to exchange experiences, discuss supervision practices with colleagues, and strengthen professional ties with teachers at the University of Lisbon. These exchanges not only support the development of our educational program but also promote an international perspective and open doors for future mobility opportunities for students and staff.

The campus itself is beautiful, historic, and peaceful, with many new student apartments being built in the surrounding area.

I was particularly inspired to see how the University of Lisbon integrates the core Erasmus+ values into its work, such as inclusion and diversity, environmental sustainability, and digital education.

Overall, these two days provided a valuable opportunity to connect on a deeper level and to strengthen both professional and personal bonds. I highly recommend staff mobility to broaden perspectives, share knowledge, and build lasting collaborations.

Erasmus+ continues to support mobility for students, teachers, and administrative staff, enriching professional and educational practices across Europe. It offers an excellent way to gain knowledge and learn from best practices abroad.