February 27 marked the official launch of the Academic Exchange for Progress (AEP) Project, which is designed to support the development of the ICT sectors in Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. As an AEP Implementing Partner, Crimson will facilitate internship placement for selected exchange students with local businesses.

Through the project, undergraduate and graduate students attending ICT-related programs in one of the partner universities in the Balkans will take part in a one-semester study abroad program at the Gjovik University College (GUC) in Norway. The students will also undertake an internship with a Norwegian ICT company and with a ICT company in their home country upon their return.

In addition, academic staff from partner universities in the Balkans will take part in PhD studies at GUC. Upon completion of the PhD program, the academic staff, in collaboration with GUC, will work to improve and update the ICT related curricula in their higher education institution, and will develop collaborative research activities in Norway or their home country.

During the project about 60 students in total, and 5 academic staff from each country will take part in the study abroad program.

AEP is financed by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.