BAU International University Batumi Associate Professor Gulnara Abashidze visited Lithuania within the framework of the Erasmus+ academic staff mobility programme and participated in the international programme titled “Locally Engaged, Globally Connected” organised by the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. While supporting the professional development of the teaching staff, the academic mobility provided direct experience with education systems, academic practices and research approaches in different countries.

International Academic Mobility within the Scope of Erasmus+

Erasmus+ academic staff mobility stands out as an important internationalisation tool that strengthens the sharing of knowledge, experience and good practices between higher education institutions. Within the scope of the programme, academics have the opportunity to lecture, introduce their research areas and establish new academic connections at partner institutions.

Gulnara Abashidze’s visit to Lithuania has been one of the recent activities that enhance the international academic relations of BAU International University Batumi and strengthen the connection of its teaching staff with global educational environments. The programme brought together academics from different countries to create a collaborative platform for cooperation and knowledge sharing in higher education.

Lectures on Primary Health Care in Georgia

As part of the academic mobility, Gulnara Abashidze delivered lectures at the host university on the organisation of primary health care and family doctors' training programmes in Georgia. The presentations covered the core structure of health services, the organisation of family medicine training and academic experiences regarding vocational training processes.

These lectures enabled the Georgian healthcare system and medical education practices to be shared within an international academic environment. At the same time, it provided a productive working ground for comparing different approaches in the field of primary health care and mutually evaluating academic experiences.

Academic Cooperation in the Field of Family Medicine

During the visit, Gulnara Abashidze held an official meeting with Professor Leonas Valius, Director of the Department of Family Medicine at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences. During the meeting, evaluations were made on conducting joint scientific and research projects, increasing the sharing of academic experiences, and strengthening international partnerships between the institutions.

Family medicine plays a fundamental role in society's access to healthcare services and in disseminating the preventive health approach. Therefore, sharing educational models and academic experiences from different countries constitutes an important area of study that supports the development of medical education and health services.

Contribution to the Professional Development of Academic Staff

The Erasmus+ programme supports academic staff in gaining international experience, studying different teaching approaches and expanding their professional networks. The programme held in Lithuania also created space for Gulnara Abashidze to share her expertise and closely examine different academic practices.

The “Locally Engaged, Globally Connected” programme offered a framework focused on strengthening local academic experiences through global connections. Through lectures, meetings and institutional contacts, participants directly evaluated various dimensions of international cooperation in higher education.

BAU Batumi Strengthens Its Global Academic Network

BAU International University Batumi continues to support the professional development of its academic staff through Erasmus+ mobility programmes and international partnerships. The bilateral relations developed by the university with different higher education institutions contribute to strengthening joint research, academic mobility and knowledge sharing.

The visit to Lithuania stood out as a concrete action supporting the internationalisation strategy of BAU International University Batumi in higher education. The lectures and meetings held during the academic mobility facilitated the international sharing of experiences in the fields of primary health care and family medicine.

The university continues its activities integrated with the global education arena, strengthening the international experience, research connections and scientific cooperation capacity of its academic staff. While strengthening inter-institutional communication, this experience has established a sustainable foundation for future joint academic studies in medical education and health sciences.