The 8th International Project (IPC) Conference, held from 19 to 22 June, brought together researchers from eight partner universities from three continents. Hosted by Karlstad University (Sweden), teacher educators from California State University Fullerton (USA), Junshin Catholic University Nagasaki and Yamaguchi University (Japan), Pedagogical University of Krakow and Adam Mickiewicz University Poznan (Poznan), Sofia University (Bulgaria), University of Granada (Spain) and the Catholic University of Eichstaett-Ingolstadt held their annual meeting after a three-year break due to the Covid pandemic. The Department of Primary Education of the KU as founder of the IPC project was represented by Prof. Dr. Klaudia Schultheis, Jun.-Prof. Dr. Barbara Lenzgeiger and Ass. Prof. Dr. Julia Zimmermann.
Teacher education experts from all over the world shared their latest findings in various fields around the conference theme "Intercultural Perspectives on Education". From digital technologies to innovative teaching methods, each session was packed with valuable information that left participants inspired and motivated.
One of the key highlights was the dynamic discussions on the preparation of upcoming project proposals on the internationalisation of teacher education. Participants engaged in thought-provoking debates, brainstorming sessions and constructive feedback exchanges. It was truly inspiring to witness the collaborative spirit and commitment of all involved.
Funding opportunities such as ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP), ERASMUS+ Teacher Academy, PAJAKO (DAAD) were reviewed, and concrete work plans were developed. Presentations and discussions on teacher training and projects by colleagues from Karlstad University, visits to preschool, primary and secondary schools with modern open architecture, as well as explorations of Swedish cultural traditions and Karlstad's cultural sights completed this year's IPC meeting.
The International Project (IPC) was developed at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt and is a unique online teaching project to promote internationalisation@home for those students who cannot afford or are not motivated to study abroad. In order to provide teacher students with international experience and global awareness as part of their teacher training curriculum, the IPC project offers the opportunity to meet online and work in international groups on topics related to education, teacher training and internationalisation. Professionals from each university coach the students, helping them to learn to use a variety of digital tools and communication skills for online collaboration. Students gain experience in organising project work, improve their competence in using Internet and media tools, and practise their skills in planning teaching projects and lessons and managing the classroom. More information is available on the IPC project website (www.ipcproject.de).
