Professor from the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol Teaches at the University of Ghana

In July, Prof. (FH) Mag. Monika Kohlhofer had the opportunity to lead a two-day seminar on Venue Management – Risks and Future as part of a faculty exchange. "The University of Ghana is impressive not just because of its size and infrastructure," Kohlhofer enthuses. "The University educates 24,000 students in various fields of study."

The FH Kufstein Tirol promotes the mobility of university staff. The program allows educators to gain international teaching experience as well as personal exchanges with colleagues from other countries. By expanding international contacts, student exchanges and collaborations beyond Europe are supported.

Knowledge transfer

The two seminar days were primarily focused on subject-matter-specific discussions. Apart from students from the Sports Management field, the lectures were also attended by interested representatives of the city administration, journalists, and organizers of the African Games 2024. "The seminar focused on topics like the long-term use of sports facilities, technical equipment, and digitalized support for operators and accessibility," Kohlhofer reports. "Special attention was given to risk management during major events and their sustainable planning."

The highlight of the lecture was the discussion about urban development measures in Accra related to the African Games and their short and long-term impacts on the city's residents. "It became clear that these changes brought not only positive aspects," says Kohlhofer. "There were disagreements and controversial views on how sustainable development should be shaped. These debates were extremely enlightening and broadened the perspective of all participants."

Ghana's culture

A fascinating mix of tradition and modernity characterizes the culture in Accra. Accra is an emerging metropolis, rapidly developing with modern shopping centers, bustling markets, and an open-minded urban lifestyle. The hospitality and warmth of the locals shape the culture, as does the deeply rooted importance of community and family.

"Accra is a melting pot of cultures and religions, which is reflected in the variety of culinary delights and religious practices," says degree program director Kohlhofer. "This combination of tradition and progress makes the culture in Accra a unique and fascinating experience. It was impressive to see how open and hospitable people were there. These encounters not only expanded my professional network but also enabled new collaborations."

The exchange of international guest professors is highly encouraged at the FH Kufstein Tirol and was promoted within the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Project framework. Just in May of this year, Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu was a guest at the FH Kufstein and taught the Entrepreneurship course in the International Program. Dr. Bella Bello Bitugu is the Director of Sports at the partner university, the University of Ghana, and spent five days at the FH Kufstein Tirol during the faculty mobility.

Links:

• Staff Mobility for Teaching: From Ghana to Kufstein - Newsroom (fh-kufstein.ac.at)
• Opportunities under Erasmus+ | Erasmus+ (europa.eu) [YU1] 
• To the Partner University – The University of Ghana