Description
In line with the objectives of the present call for proposals, the main output of the project will be a feasibility study to examine the possibility of creating a mobility scheme for Moldovan IT students. The project builds on pilot activities of the IT Association Slovakia and the Digital Coalition, which, in cooperation with the Kharkiv Simon Kuznec National University of Economics and the University of Economics and Management of Public Administration created a joint study programme for Ukrainian IT students. The programme is supported by Slovak businesses, who offer scholarships and internships to students and later on two-year employment contracts. This mobility scheme thus uses an innovative system of knowledge transfer involving completion of a master study programme, a period of mentored internship and employment with established companies and finally a return home. This approach is in line with the principles of circular migration, which is regarded as an effective means of promoting development, as it facilitates transfer of resources from core to peripheral areas. If the results of the negotiations in Moldova and the conclusions of the feasibility study support the extension of the scheme to Moldova, ITAS will start work on creating a similar mobility scheme based on joint study programs of Moldovan and Slovak universities and the subsequent employment of their graduates in Slovak companies. This way, the participating Moldovan students would, in addition to a quality study, also gain experience in established businesses, thus acquiring hard and soft skills that would help them in their career development following their return to Moldova.