CyberMACS 2025 Cultural Orientation and Joint Integration Weeks Strengthen Erasmus Mundus Collaboration

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, the CyberMACS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s programme successfully delivered its Cultural Orientation Week (COW) 2025 and Joint Integration Week (JIW) 2025 in Istanbul between 01 and 12 September 2025.

Organized in close cooperation among CyberMACS partner institutions, the two-week programme welcomed the new student cohort and provided a comprehensive introduction to the academic, administrative, and intercultural dimensions of an Erasmus Mundus joint degree. Students were introduced to curriculum structures, mobility pathways, academic regulations, and student support mechanisms while actively engaging in intercultural dialogue and collaborative learning.

The programme featured keynote lectures on emerging cybersecurity topics, interdisciplinary working groups, academic skills training, and cultural activities highlighting the host city of Istanbul. In parallel, key governance meetings—including the Executive Board, Master Management Committee, and Industrial Advisory Board—were held to ensure continued academic excellence and stakeholder engagement.

COW and JIW 2025 exemplify the core values of the Erasmus Mundus framework by promoting academic quality, international cooperation, cultural diversity, and innovation in higher education.