Collaborating for Visibility: Promoting Erasmus Mundus Programmes Together

Centrale Nantes coordinates five Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Programmes, working with dozens of partner universities across continents. Cécilia Provost, European Project Manager at Centrale Nantes, shares insights into the strategies, successes, and challenges of joint promotional activities that increase programme visibility and strengthen international partnerships.

Developing Strategic Approaches to Visibility

Effective joint promotion begins with clear strategy. Cécilia's team works closely with consortium partners to identify strengths and focus resources where they can have the most impact. "Brainstorming with the consortium is crucial," she explains. "We use tools like SWOT analysis to pinpoint our strengths and focus on specific regions where visibility efforts can have the most impact."

Global promotion can be overwhelming, so targeting specific regions and audiences helps consortia use their resources efficiently. The approach works: when promoting in Latin America, the consortium partnered with a local associated institution, providing them with promotional materials and access to their networks. "Having a contact in one country creates a window to the entire region," Cécilia notes. This proved more effective than broad, untargeted campaigns.

The Impact of Well-Executed Events

One standout example comes from 2016, when a consortium coordinated by Centrale Nantes organized a large-scale event in Genoa, Italy. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and industry partners in a historic university setting near the sea.

"It was a turning point," Cécilia recalls. "Not only did it boost the visibility of our Erasmus Mundus programme, but it also led to a surge in enrolments at the University of Genoa." The local impact extended well beyond the event itself, demonstrating how well-executed joint promotional activities can bring lasting benefits to both Erasmus Mundus and partner institutions alike.

Managing Communication Across Consortia

Coordinating multiple international partners requires structured communication. At Centrale Nantes, Cécilia and her team use a three-tiered approach:

Formal communication through email ensures all official updates are documented and accessible to all partners.

Quick follow-ups via WhatsApp address urgent matters. "We send an email first and then follow up with a WhatsApp message saying, 'Please check your inbox.' This ensures nothing is overlooked," Cécilia explains.

In-person consortium meetings twice a year allow partners to realign goals, address challenges, and strengthen collaboration. "These meetings allow us to reflect on progress and adjust strategies where necessary."

Addressing Challenges in Joint Promotion

Despite their benefits, joint promotional activities present challenges. Cécilia identifies the lack of full commitment from some partners as a key risk. "If one partner doesn't fully participate in dissemination activities, it can hinder the programme's visibility in certain regions," she notes.

Addressing this requires clear communication and bilateral meetings to identify and resolve issues, whether they stem from resource limitations or logistical hurdles. "Motivation and positivity are essential," Cécilia adds. "When everyone is aligned and dedicated, solutions can always be found."

Delegating responsibilities to local partners also helps navigate cultural and logistical differences. "When we organised an event in Japan, our partners there handled the planning, ensuring smooth execution while respecting local customs," Cécilia notes. This approach minimizes risk and builds trust among consortium members. 

Advice for Other Consortia

For other Erasmus Mundus consortia looking to improve their joint promotion efforts, Cécilia emphasizes the importance of teamwork and innovation. "Keep a positive spirit and maintain strong communication between partners," she advises. "Diverse promotion tools and consistent collaboration are the pillars of success."

Her advice also extends to university leaders: "These programmes change lives for students, staff, and faculty alike. The cultural and professional exchanges fostered by Erasmus Mundus are invaluable." 

Conclusion

The experiences at Centrale Nantes demonstrate that joint promotional efforts serve multiple purposes: they increase programme visibility, strengthen consortium relationships, and create lasting impacts at partner institutions. With clear strategies, well-executed events, and committed partners, these collaborative efforts continue to support the growth and success of Erasmus Mundus programmes. As Cécilia puts it, these programmes are "gold," transforming lives and advancing international education.

 
For more on Erasmus Mundus programmes at Centrale Nantes, visit Centrale Nantes EMJM page. 

See the full video of Cécilia Provost below: