Baltic Methodist Theological Seminary (BMTS) is committed to enhancing its international collaboration, both in student and staff mobility, as part of its broader strategic goal of academic excellence and global outreach. The Seminary will be involved in international student mobility Erasmus+ program.
BMTS seeks to broaden its international partnerships, not only maintaining existing cooperation agreements with higher education institutions but also actively expanding into new partnerships. The mobility of students and staff through Erasmus+ enhances global experiences and strengthens academic competence, ensuring that BMTS remains a center for theological education and research recognized for its ecumenical and international engagement.
Student mobility is central to BMTS's commitment to providing its students with valuable international exposure. Participation in Erasmus+ will equip students with intercultural competence and academic enrichment. Earned ECTS credits from partner institutions will be recognized as part of the student’s academic program, following consultation with the BMTS Faculty of Theology to ensure curriculum compatibility.
BMTS recognizes the unique challenges faced by its students, many of whom are mature learners balancing studies with family and employment commitments. The Seminary is dedicated to offering flexible mobility options that accommodate these circumstances, ensuring that all students can benefit from international learning opportunities.
For academic staff, Erasmus+ presents opportunities for professional growth, academic exchange, and the development of innovative teaching methods. BMTS aims to foster long-term collaborations that lead to joint research, networks, and projects. The Seminary is particularly interested in hosting international experts in emerging theological fields.
Staff mobility will also include proactive engagement in Erasmus+ projects, where BMTS staff can both contribute to and benefit from the shared expertise within the wider European theological and academic community. This will further support the Seminary’s aim of increasing the international academic competence of its faculty.
BMTS places a strong emphasis on its involvement in Erasmus+ cooperation projects. These projects are integral to the Seminary’s internationalization strategy, fostering collaborative research, curriculum development, and exchange of best practices. As outlined in the Seminary’s development plan, international cooperation is a priority, and BMTS is committed to participating in innovative partnerships that align with its mission and values.
BMTS aims to be more proactive in encouraging both staff and students to engage with the Erasmus+ program. The Erasmus Coordinator and the Head of Development will actively support students in finding mobility opportunities that fit their individual needs and life situations. Likewise, academic staff are encouraged to pursue teaching and research opportunities abroad, strengthening their ties with partner institutions.
BMTS has set ambitious goals for the coming strategic period (2024-2028), with Erasmus+ playing a key role in the Seminary’s development.
Participation in Erasmus+ will enhance the academic and professional capacities of both students and staff. The international exposure provided through this program will enable BMTS to share its unique context, including the strong ecumenical cooperation in Estonia and the high level of religious freedom in a secularized society. Simultaneously, BMTS will benefit from the knowledge and expertise of its international partners.
The Erasmus+ program is vital to BMTS’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized center of theological education and research, promoting dialogue, reconciliation, and innovation across religious and cultural boundaries.