About UNIPRISE
What is UNIPRISE?
UNIPRISE is a network of universities and enterprises created and implemented by the University of Porto (U.Porto) within the framework of the Erasmus Mundus – Action 2 Programme (EMA2).
By acknowledging that social development and poverty reduction are deeply linked with the need to support employment opportunities, particularly for women, disabled people and ethnic minorities, UNIPRISE was created with the objective of promoting local and regional development through the employability of EMA2 students in third-countries.
UNIPRISE will actively work to ensure the return of the grantees and also to cooperate with third-countries local actors, national and multinational enterprises and governmental and non-governmental organizations so as to promote job offers and internship opportunities. The aim is to integrate alumni, upon their return home, not only in short-term internships at these enterprises, but also as part of the enterprise’s staff at a later stage. This platform will also contribute positively to reduce brain drain and create career opportunities.
Who integrates this network?
UNIPRISE was created in 2013, in the context of the projects coordinated by the University of Porto with Latin America and ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific). For this reason, all partner and associate Higher Education Institutions that participate in these projects may join this network.
At the present moment, about 20 enterprises in 10 different countries and in several fields (e.g. Engineering, Banking, Law, Medical Sciences, etc.) already integrate this network. Additional contacts to other companies and multinationals operating in Latin America and throughout the ACP region are being established so as to strengthen and enlarge the network.
How does it work?
The basis for the cooperation within UNIPRISE is the EMA2 Programme and the projects coordinated by U.Porto.
The European students selected to undertake a mobility period in third-countries will have the possibility to do an internship at one of the participating enterprises, thus complementing their training with practical experience, in a working environment.
The third-country students selected to undertake a mobility period or full degree training in Europe will be invited to contact the participating enterprises in their field of studies to apply for an internship at the enterprise.
This platform will be available for students, universities and enterprises to allow the identification of potential interns/trainees by the employers and the search for internships by applicants.
What are the benefits?
For students, the benefits will encompass complementing their academic and theoretical training with a professional experience. Furthermore, it will encourage their return to the home countries, where they can find good career prospects.
For enterprises, it will allow them to count with highly qualified human resources and also gain visibility. This network counts with quality Higher Education institutions, synonym of excellence, which will help participating enterprises to consolidate their position in the country and also internationally as well as adapt social responsibility features.
