Students enrolled in the 2025-2026 edition of the University Classrooms of Experience (AUNEX), an intiative promoted by the Vice Rectorate for Culture, Equality and Diversity, in conjunction with the Vice Rectorate for Internationalization and Cooperation at the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (UMH), have just completed the inaugural mobility for this new modality of the Erasmus+ program. This enabled them to enjoy a stay lasting five days at the University of Beira Interior (UBI), located in Covilhã City, Portugal.

During their stay, these students visited the UBI Library and the facilities at the Seniors Academy of Covilhã City, attended a seminar on university programs for senior citizens wherein they exchanged concepts and reflected on educational models, and they also took guided tours to learn better about the cultural and historical heritage of the nearby city of Belmonte and the coastal city of Oporto.

This new Erasmus+ initiative facilitates access to educational and social opportunities for seniors, thereby improving their integration and communication. By providing greater digital education, their autonomy and participation in today’s society improves, promoting cultural exchanges and quality of life through social inclusion.

This group of exchange students are members of SABIEX, a UMH program that promotes active and healthy aging. On their trip to Portugal, they were accompanied by SABIEX director, Esther Sitges, and in addition to the aforementioned activities, they also undertook other activities to enhance intercultural, social, academic, and social skills.

Next month, in November, a second group of SABIEX travelers over the age of 55 is going on an Erasmus+ adventure. But unlike the initial group of pioneers, the second group is travelling to southwest France and the University of Pau and the Pays de l’Adour (UPPA).

The University Classrooms of Experience (AUNEX) is one of the pillars of SABIEX, the comprehensive program at the UMH for active and healthy aging for people over 55. This initiative, in addition to aiming to improve the well-being of these seniors, also focuses on improving English language skills and digital skills to foster active aging.