Inspired by the training on the internationalisation of higher education “Internationalisation Booster”, moderated by Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs Kateryna Skyba, and guided by the aspiration for personal self-development on the basis of intercultural communication, Professor of the Department of International Economic Relations Ilona Dumanska took part in the competitive selection and received the opportunity to participate in the academic mobility programme “International Staff Week Erasmus+” from 24.04.2023 to 28.04.2023. The foundation for these open opportunities was the signed cooperation agreement between Khmelnytskyi National University and Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas (Lithuania), thanks to the diligent work of the International Relations Department of our university.
As a result, participation in the programme “International Staff Week Erasmus+” at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas (Lithuania) was realised, becoming a framework event for expanding the spheres of internationalisation of the Department of International Economic Relations.
About 90 participants from 18 countries took part in the “International Staff Week”. Five days of intensive work, information-rich workshops, and exchange of experience with colleagues from different countries turned out to be impressive and useful for further work and the development of the international activity of our university.
The key goal of the academic mobility was the implementation of international teaching experience for students at the partner institution. Among the most important tasks were: exchange of experience in educational technologies of Ukraine and Lithuania within communicative cooperation in an interdisciplinary and expert scientific environment; improvement of soft skills regarding the development of critical thinking, personal self-improvement and the development of language competence through communication in English; enhancement of pedagogical mastery through cooperation with the global scientific community; improvement of educational and educational-scientific programmes of student training on the basis of foreign experience of programme implementation in Lithuania, exchange of experience with colleagues; raising the quality of education and scientific research through mobility and cross-border cooperation.
During the implementation of international mobility, Professor Ilona Dumanska conducted classes in commerce, logistics and market research on such topical issues as:
- information data sources in the field of logistics and commerce;
- e-commerce and m-commerce as global trends in international trade caused by the Covid-19 pandemic;
- development of methodology for market research in logistics and trade;
- integration of logistics systems of developing countries into international logistics channels (with Ukraine as an example).
Particular interest was raised by the lectures on the integration of Ukraine’s logistics system into European logistics channels based on the amendments introduced by the European Commission to the indicative maps of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), which included Ukrainian logistics routes and at the same time removed the routes of Russia and Belarus, as well as the role of the Port of Gdańsk (Poland) and Klaipėda seaways (Lithuania) in the export of Ukrainian grain.
Together with colleagues Dr Gintarė Vaznonienė and Dr Erika Besusparienė, syllabi of disciplines in logistics and customs administration within business administration programmes were discussed, and mutual consultations on scientific and professional issues were held in order to improve study programmes and curricula at the bachelor’s and master’s levels, enhance future professional competences of students, and develop further international partnerships.
Erasmus+ mentor Dr Gintarė Vaznonienė conveyed her warm greetings to Khmelnytskyi National University in her address.
Within the framework of academic mobility, participation took place in the discussion “Adding plurilingual approaches to teachers’ competencies in higher education” moderated by Professor Nemira Mačianskienė and Vice-Rector Vilma Bijeikienė, as well as in communication practices in the Lithuanian language. An interesting experience was cooperation with students within the ASIAN WEEK 2023 EVENT SCHEDULE, held in parallel with the activities of the “International Staff Week” and dedicated to Asian culture. The daily thematic events offered immersion into the world of Korean music and Chinese cinema, the aromas of the Eastern tea ceremony, and practice of Japanese calligraphy.
A relevant practice of intercultural interaction was the food fair of traditional dishes and snacks, which provided an opportunity to discover the culinary traditions of colleagues from other countries. The presentation of Ukrainian delicacies by the Ukrainian delegation was based on the concept of natural sweets from national cultures, which identify Ukraine’s agricultural heritage and play an important role in global food security.
The cultural programme was no less eventful than the academic one – a sightseeing tour of Kaunas, an acquaintance with interesting local traditions and unique culture, the historiography of Lithuania and a trip to Vilnius created an unforgettable atmosphere of intercultural interaction.
Following the successful completion of academic mobility, a solemn closing event of the “International Staff Week” took place in the historic building of the Faculty of Theology of Vytautas Magnus University, which served as the presidential residence during the period when Kaunas was the capital of Lithuania. Certificates were awarded to participants.
Head of the International Relations Department
In conclusion, all participants of the international mobility expressed gratitude for the valuable experience of academic cooperation and discussed prospects for further collaboration. Without doubt, the acquired experience of participation in the Erasmus+ programme will be used to adapt the standards of the educational process of Khmelnytskyi National University to the requirements and opportunities of higher education in the European multicultural space, as well as to expand cooperation vectors with foreign colleagues from different countries.