Volda University College awarded prestigious prize for internationalization

Erasmus+ is the EU’s program for education, training, youth, and sports. It is the largest education program in the world, with a budget of €26.5 billion for the period 2021–2027.

For Volda University College (VUC), the Erasmus+ program means that students get extra funding for an exchange semester abroad and that international students can come to Volda to study with us. Erasmus+ grants are also available to staff and faculty, who can receive funding for stays abroad. VUC also runs research and development projects in collaboration with foreign institutions, supported by Erasmus+.

A role model and source of inspiration for others

The award of Erasmus+ Institution of the Year 2025, announced in Bergen by the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills (HK-dir), is proof that VUC is of the best higher education institutions in Norway to take advantage of the possibilities within the Erasmus+ program.

“Volda University College’s systematic approach to Erasmus+, particularly its focus on sending students to countries both within and outside Europe, has made the institution a role model and source of inspiration for others. The college’s ability to warmly welcome incoming students is crucial and has also contributed to strengthening integration and internationalization on campus,” said the official jury statement announced at a gala dinner during the seminar in Bergen.

Did you know? Students in Volda can choose from more than 120 universities in over 40 countries worldwide when going on exchange.

A touching story

Accepting the award on behalf of VUC were Director of Studies Jan Terje Eidset, and Iulia Beleuta and Kari Sømme, both staff members at the International Office. “On behalf of Volda University College, I want to say that we are very proud and happy to receive this award,” said Eidset.

From the stage, he shared a recent story that illustrates the importance of exchange and internationalization: “In mid-August this year, we were visited by a group of 15 former students celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Erasmus exchange in Volda. It was both moving and motivating to hear how much that semester in Volda meant to them and how the experience shaped their future studies and career choices.

Meeting these students clearly showed us the value of student mobility in terms of personal growth, cultural learning and reflection, as well as international friendship and solidarity. And best of all, the students unanimously agreed on one thing: that the college’s slogan is 100 percent true: ‘Volda is the place you’ll never forget,’” said the Director of Studies.

More activity than size would suggest

Eidset emphasized that the award reflects solid, long-term work – actually spanning several decades. Those who work daily with internationalization at VUC include Beleuta and Sømme, as well as Arne Humberset, head of the International Office. Each of the four faculties at VUC also has an International Coordinator contributing to this effort, along with the Student Welfare Organization in Volda (SiVolda).

Together, they ensure that many Volda students go on exchange every year and that around 200 international students are always in Volda on exchange.

Humberset was, fittingly, on a work trip to Germany when the award was presented in Bergen – working to make VUC’s international offerings even better. He is delighted with the recognition: “The International Office is proud and happy to receive this acknowledgment from HK-dir. For a long time, the college has had more international activity than our size would suggest, and this award is in many ways confirmation that we’ve done a good job,” said Humberset.

Exceptional Service

Did you know that new international students arriving in Volda are picked up at the airport? This personal service is something few other institutions can boast of – either in Norway or elsewhere in the world.

HK-dir also highlighted this in its reasoning: “Volda University College has created an inclusive environment for both outgoing and incoming students and has established systems for close and personal follow-up.

An important part of this work is the college’s commitment to Pangaia – a home away from home and an international meeting point on campus, offering guidance, activities, and social gatherings. For many years, Pangaia has been crucial for ensuring well-being and integration for incoming students and contributes to a vibrant international environment at Volda University College.”

Pangaia is located in the heart of the Berte Kanutte building on campus and serves as a meeting place for international and Norwegian students. Dedicated student assistants work for Pangaia, following up with international students from the moment they arrive at the airport until they leave after completing their stay.

“So much thanks to Pangaia and the work done there, incoming students are very satisfied with their exchange experience in Volda,” explained Eidset.

Arne Humberset agrees and adds: “This is important work happening at Pangaia. We want to share the honor for this award with them, our colleagues at VUC and SiVolda, and not least the wonderful and talented students—all of whom help create the inclusive study environment we are so proud of!”