The University of Bergamo was founded in 1968 with the Faculty of Foreign Languages and Literature. In time its natural propensity towards internationalisation has strengthened. Its experience in the framework of the EU mobility programmes has fostered internalisation, which is now part of many degree programmes offered by the University of Bergamo such us integrated study curricula, thematic networks and centres of excellence at an international level. In particular, the objectives and priorities of the university, specifically for the period 2007-2013, are:

• to reinforce the role and enhance the quality of student and staff mobility in the framework of the different actions in the new LifeLong Learning Programme in order to achieve an intercultural perspective which is highly praised in the academic and professional worlds. In particular, the experience gained through the Leonardo mobility projects will provide and define future quality-based agreements with local and foreign work organisations abroad
• to promote a wider involvement of both incoming and outgoing mobility, increasing the number of subject areas and countries involved in order to attain a higher degree of diffusion and representativeness
• to enhance and facilitate a broader opening towards the cultural and university contexts both at European and world level, by strengthening activities such as new thematic networks, as well as reinforcing the existing structures and various projects already underway in our University
• to strengthen and promote joint development of study curricula and degrees
• to strengthen its role as partner in the Erasmus Mundus Masters Programme entitled "Crossways in European Humanities".

All actions under the new LifeLong Learning Programme will be promoted. In particular, student activities will be advertised through both general and specific information sessions, individual interviews and printed advertisements.

Further visibility will be ensured to international activities through advertisements and campaigns in local newspapers and university web pages, while Teaching Staff activities will be advertised at individual, faculty and university levels. In particular, visibility of the objectives and priorities of the Programme, the Erasmus Policy Statement and the Erasmus University Charter will be guaranteed through the university's homepage and other means, as mentioned above.

As part of its institutional strategy and policy, the University of Bergamo actively promotes gender equality, supports and facilitates the integration of disabled students and staff, enhances social and economic cohesion and fights xenophobia and racism through specific and concrete actions meant to arouse awareness and participation.

Quality evaluation and control are central to the University Mission Statement. With regard to mobility, they are guaranteed by adopting an accurate selection procedure, constant monitoring of all activities and evaluative questionnaires and final reports. The International Committee of the University, with the support of the International Committees of each faculty, supervises all activities and ensures quality of mobility, in particular regarding:

• the procedure necessary to define the study plan abroad, the recognition of the period abroad and number of credits assigned previously approved by the faculty coordinators for the outgoing students, and by the home universities for incoming students. To this effect, orientation sessions, including tutoring with the exchange coordinators of the faculties, are organised
• the ECTS Guide, constantly updated and available in print and online (dynamic and static versions) on the University website for easy access by exchange students. It is based on a standard model commonly used at an international level
• the orientation and mentoring service for incoming students, including meetings with ex-Erasmus students from the University in order to favour their integration into the local academic, social and cultural life
• specifically-designed courses offered to outgoing students, who can also benefit from those provided by the local Language Centre. To incoming students the university offers an intensive Italian language course before the beginning of each semester and Italian language courses at different levels during each semester. A specially designed e-learning Italian course introducing the academic and social life in Bergamo is also available to incoming students before arrival in Bergamo
• University facilities and services are available to incoming students; the Accommodation Service can be accessed online and is meant to help students find housing
• support, preparation and recognition of staff mobility.

The University of Bergamo implements high quality student placements abroad through well established networks and thanks to the experience acquired in the framework of the Leonardo da Vinci Programme. It guarantees quality by carefully regulating every aspect of the work placement. Beneficiaries are selected on the basis of clearly defined and transparent criteria, including language competence. The Host organization that best meets the student's study curriculum is selected from the network of partners abroad; a preparatory visit may be organised and a letter of support is requested. Once the placement has been agreed upon, the Home University signs a partnership placement agreement with the host organisation and draws up the placement contract to be signed by all parties concerned. A Partnership Quality Commitment is also signed and attached to the Contract. Before the placement, the student's CV and cover letter are sent to the host organisation, which in turn prepares the work programme with the beneficiary and sends the written programme to the Home University. A tutor is identified to monitor the beneficiary's training progress. Also, practical support is provided to help the student find adequate accommodation.

Before departure, the beneficiaries attend a course on the practical, professional and cultural life of the host country.

Students receive a grant and insurance coverage from the home university. After departure, the coordinator constantly keeps in touch with the student and the tutor, and monitors the placement through weekly reports sent by the student. The beneficiary complies with all arrangements negotiated for his/her placement and abides by the rules and regulations of the host organisation. At the end of the work period, the employer and the student both submit final reports for evaluation. The work placement is fully recognised and credits are assigned in relation to the student's study curriculum. The Europass certificate is also issued.