European Policy Statement
CSMC's mission statement defines the generation and transfer of knowledge and skills on an academic level as its central task. The internationalization strategy also intends to foster a critical contribution through the systematic promotion of international alliances in learning and research. In the area of learning, in particular, the goal is to provide high international standards and content in the courses delivered in conformity with the Bologna requirements. Another goal is to give students the key qualifications that are important in an international labour market defined by globalization and internationalization. This includes: intercultural skills, knowledge of European and international connections, an understanding for other cultures and ways of working, expertise in and knowledge of foreign languages and the expansion of each individual’s horizons. Ultimately, employers and thus the Canary Islands will benefit from the skills of their staff.
The internationalization strategy of CSMC is based on the internationalization as a process that integrates an international dimension or perspective into the major functions of an institution. Consequently, CSMC has not only defined programme strategies but also all the organizational strategies that are necessary for reaching the defined targets. In addition to the internationalization strategy a detailed action plan has been developed. This action plan consists of very precise, relevant measures with explicit objectives and targets. Systematic monitoring and evaluation ensure that areas of strength are maintained, areas of weakness are improved and that the defined internationalization objectives are met. The main programme strategies are: Mobility activities for students, lecturers and staff, Internationally oriented curricula, International projects.The internationalization strategy also defines the frame for cooperation with EU and non-EU partner institutions. In regards to cooperation agreements, CSMC has set the target of cooperating with 70 partner institutions and is defined as a bridge between Europe and Latinoamerican countries (Argentina, Cuba, Mexico,…) and a reference in the African-Macaronessian culture. A detailed process has been defined for selecting and evaluating partner institutions. This process ensures that the academic and organizational compatibility between partner universities is guaranteed. The criteria for the academic and organizational compatibility include all the necessary points needed for realizing highquality mobility activities with partner universities. These criteria also consider the number of partner universities and geographical areas. How do we choose our partners? Focus on the universities in which reference-teachers works. We don’t select by country or institution first, but by teachers. Art education requires to select teachers with technical characteristics similar to those needed by the student. Then we study the characteristics of the center, the curriculum and the Country’s level of life. In what geographic areas? In EU-area we tend to favor mobility to Institutions or regions less known by our students to broaden their views and knowledge of Europe (Bratislava, Ljubljana, Poznan, ...)The most important objectives and target groups for the CSMC’s mobility activities are: Full-time bachelor’s degree students: CSMC´s internationalization strategy defines that at least 10 % of all full-time students study abroad for one semester. This goal has already been met in each of the full-time bachelor’s degree programmes, and it is therefore the strategic aim to maintain and to improve those mobility activities. Additionally, students are encouraged and supported to do internships abroad, and Intensive Programmes are offered. All students not studying abroad attend courses with incoming guest students for one semester that are taught in English. Staff and lecturer mobility: In regards to staff and lecturer mobility, the internationalization strategy defines an annual target of offering up to 5 % of the administrative staff and 10 % of the lecturers the opportunity to be mobile as a masterclass teacher.Double degrees: CSMC also has the strategic target to develop double Degree Programmes with partner institutions. Our first step is to collaborate in a Comun Project (http://proyectocosi.wordpress.com and http://proyectointerartescanarias.wordpress.com)