Linking Communities: Students of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management of the University of Montenegro Visit the University of Genoa
The visit was organised as part of Ulysseus activities promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Community Engagement, providing students with an opportunity to exchange experiences, strengthen intercultural understanding, and explore inclusive approaches to higher education and tourism.
From 27 to 30 May 2026, thirteen students from the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management Kotor, University of Montenegro, along with two teachers, participated in an international study visit to the University of Genoa within the framework of the Ulysseus European University Alliance.
During their stay, the students were welcomed by representatives of the University of Genoa and the Ulysseus team, including Prof. Angela Celeste Taramasso, Rector’s Delegate for Equal Opportunities and Inclusion and Ulysseus Work Package 6 representative for Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement; Dr Cristina Chiaiso, researcher, Dissemination Officer of the Ulysseus Alliance and Project Manager of the Innovation Hub for Tourism and Heritage; and Dr Rita Bencivenga, an expert in equality, diversity and inclusion with a particular focus on gender equality.
The participants were also received by the Rector of the University of Genoa, who emphasised the importance of international cooperation, student mobility and European university alliances in creating inclusive and innovative academic environments.
A central part of the programme was dedicated to a workshop on Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, where students discussed the importance of accessible education, equal opportunities, gender equality, and socially responsible universities. Through interactive discussions and the exchange of experiences, participants explored how higher education institutions can strengthen their relationships with local communities while promoting diversity and inclusion.
The academic programme also included a visit to the Department of Economics, where students learned about educational programmes, research activities and international cooperation opportunities within the Ulysseus Alliance.
Beyond the university, participants visited the Galata Maritime Museum and the Aquarium of Genoa, exploring innovative approaches to heritage interpretation, visitor engagement, accessibility and sustainable tourism. These experiences demonstrated how cultural and scientific institutions contribute to community development and create inclusive experiences for diverse audiences.
The study visit provided students with valuable international experience, strengthened cooperation between the University of Montenegro and the University of Genoa, and encouraged the exchange of ideas, cultures and perspectives among European students. By combining academic learning, cultural exploration and community engagement, the programme reflected the core values of the Ulysseus Alliance and reinforced the importance of building a more inclusive, connected and socially responsible European Higher Education Area.
The implementation of this mobility was made possible through the generous grant of the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation and support of the Municipality of Kotor, whose contribution enabled students to actively participate in international academic activities and further strengthen cooperation with European partner universities.
We sincerely thank wonderful colleagues at the University of Genoa for their warm hospitality and inspiring programme, and look forward to continuing our collaboration through future Ulysseus initiatives!
About Ulysseus
Ulysseus is one of the 73 European Universities alliances selected by the European Commission under its flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. These alliances, co-funded by the European Commission, bring together almost 650 higher education institutions of all types from across Europe.
Led by the University of Seville, the Ulysseus European University Alliance encompasses seven other partner universities: the Université Côte d’Azur (France), University of Genoa (Italy), the Technical University of Košice (Slovakia), MCI | The Entrepreneurial School® (Austria), Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences (Finland), the University of Münster (Germany), and the University of Montenegro (Montenegro).