On June 22, 2015 we had the pleasure of welcoming the representatives of the University of the Balearic Islands, Palma Mallorca, Spain (UIB), namely the head of the UIB’s Doctoral School, Dr Jeroni Morey and the head deputy Dr José I. Prieto-Arranz who met with representative of UKF´s faculties, especially the vice deans for international cooperation and members of international education and research teams at UKF. The University of the Balearic Islands is one of the Top 5 Spanish universities in terms of research and innovation. This is backed by prestigious research groups, which in turn stand behind the success and international recognition of some of UIB’s PhD programmes. Following the aim to foster internationalisation of PhD programmes, encouraged by the long-standing cooperation between our universities in the field of English Studies, the main purpose of the visit was to advance cooperation further and consider new ways to strengthen the links between UKF and UIB, particularly with a view to PhD and MA programmes. Dr Jeroni Morey and Dr José I. Prieto-Arranz introduced their university, explained the main objectives and provided additional information related to the full list of official postgraduate programmes of study, including both Master’s and PhD Programmes (see the attachment). They also informed us about the current accreditation process in Spain and reflected that two more PhD programmes shall soon be added to the list: (1) Psychology and (2) Philology and Philosophy (which would include English Studies).  Another topic which raised interest on both parts was the concept of combined study programmes where Slovak and Spanish students can take some parts of their studies at their partner university.  Following this aim a general cooperation agreement is currently being prepared and other options are being examined. At this truly productive and inspiring meeting participants discussed different options as regards mutual cooperation in the field of internationalisation of our study programmes. In addition to Erasmus+, which is indeed an option, there were also other forms suggested, such as co-tutelle agreements or even double degrees. Questions of funding including potential bursaries, and other managerial aspects were presented too.

• Promotional video of UIB at: http://imagina.uib.eu/.