ERASMUS+ Stories – For Tiara, one of the most valuable lessons she brought home from Portugal was not found in a meeting room or partnership discussion. It was confidence.
As the Coordinating Chief of Global Reputation at Airlangga Global Engagement (AGE), Universitas Airlangga, Tiara Kusumaningtiyas regularly works with students, academics, and international partners. Yet participating in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility Program at the Polytechnic Institute of Cávado and Ave (IPCA), Portugal, offered something different: an opportunity to step outside her familiar environment, engage with colleagues from around the world, and see internationalization from a new perspective.
What began as a professional opportunity soon became a transformative personal experience.
“I first learned about the iWeek program through AGE, and my supervisor encouraged me to join,” she recalled. “At the same time, I was personally motivated to take part as a way to develop myself and connect with international colleagues.”
Her participation in IPCA’s International Week (iWeek) from 11 to 15 May 2026 reflected Universitas Airlangga’s commitment to strengthening global engagement while encouraging its academic community to actively participate in international mobility programs.
Throughout the week, Tiara engaged with the IPCA International Office and explored opportunities for future collaboration. Representing UNAIR’s Vocational Studies Faculty, she initiated discussions with several academic programs, opening conversations that may lead to future institutional partnerships.
While those discussions were important, one experience stood out above the rest.
A public speaking workshop became one of the most impactful moments of her mobility.
Designed to strengthen participants’ confidence and communication skills in international settings, the workshop challenged attendees to think carefully about how they present ideas to diverse audiences.
“As someone whose profession requires frequent interaction with people from different backgrounds, this training was incredibly valuable,” she said. “It helped me improve how I communicate, especially in international forums.”
The impact extended beyond the mobility program itself.
The experience strengthened her confidence in speaking before multicultural audiences and provided practical techniques she has already begun applying in her teaching activities. Looking ahead, she hopes to use these skills in international conferences, guest lectures, and collaborative academic programs.
“It was not only about improving professional skills,” she reflected. “It also changed the way I communicate and present ideas.”
Outside the workshops and institutional meetings, Tiara found another source of inspiration in the people around her.
She spoke warmly about the hospitality of the host institution, noting how carefully the IPCA team supported participants throughout the program.
“Everything was very well organized, from accommodation to daily needs,” she said. “The staff were extremely welcoming and helpful, which made the experience even more enjoyable.”
The International Week also created opportunities for dialogue among participants from different countries and institutions. Through formal sessions and informal conversations, ideas were exchanged, experiences were shared, and potential collaborations began to take shape.
For Tiara, these interactions highlighted an important truth about internationalization: meaningful partnerships are often built through personal connections long before they become formal agreements.
Beyond the university setting, she discovered the charm of Barcelos, a historic Portuguese town known for its rich cultural heritage and relaxed atmosphere. Its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and welcoming environment left a lasting impression.
She was particularly fascinated by the Galo de Barcelos, or Barcelos Rooster, one of Portugal’s most recognizable cultural symbols and a representation of justice, faith, and good fortune.
Her journey also took her to nearby cities including Braga and Porto, where she visited landmarks such as the iconic Luís I Bridge. Along the way, she was struck by the friendliness of the Portuguese people and how easily conversations flowed despite differences in nationality and background.
“There were no significant challenges during the process,” she said. “Everything went very well.” Yet the experience offered something deeper than a smooth mobility program.
It reinforced her desire to serve as a bridge between Universitas Airlangga and international partners, particularly in supporting the Vocational Studies Faculty and the D4 Archival and Digital Information Program. She hopes the connections established during the program will contribute to sustainable partnerships that create long-term opportunities for the university community.
Reflecting on her experience, Tiara believes Erasmus+ mobility is about much more than traveling abroad. It is about gaining new perspectives, developing professional confidence, and building relationships that can grow into meaningful collaborations.
For colleagues considering similar opportunities, her advice is simple. “If you have the chance to join Erasmus programs, don’t hesitate,” she said. “The experience offers so many benefits, from professional development to expanding global connections.”
Looking back, what Tiara found in Portugal was not only a network of international colleagues or new ideas for collaboration.
She found a stronger voice, greater confidence, and a renewed understanding that meaningful global engagement begins with the courage to connect.
