From 13 to 17 October 2025, the International School for Social and Business Studies (ISSBS) hosted a joint study visit of the UPSCALE and FOSTER projects in Slovenia.
The five-day programme brought together representatives from partner universities and institutions across Europe and Africa, with the aim of sharing good practices, fostering collaboration, and exploring synergies between higher education and the business sector.

The UPSCALE project (Upskilling University–Industry Collaboration for Dual Career Pathways) promotes the development of dual career pathways in higher education, enhances university–industry collaboration, and supports systems for monitoring graduate employability.

Participants from Botswana and Eswatini visited several key Slovenian institutions, including:

• NAKVIS (Slovenian Quality Assurance Agency)
• Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Vocational Education and Training (CPI)
• Center Rog, Ljubljana
• ISSBS (Celje)
• Regional Study Center, Celje
• Savinjska Region Incubator
• University of Primorska and EMUNI University (Piran)
• Vocational College for Catering, Wellness and Tourism Bled

The programme featured workshops, presentations, and field visits focused on developing practical tools and strategies to strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and businesses, while enhancing students’ career guidance and employability.

Participants praised the visit’s excellent organisation, insightful exchanges, and opportunities for collaboration, highlighting Slovenia’s dynamic ecosystem connecting education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.

The UPSCALE project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union