Within the framework of implementing its internationalization strategy and developing international cooperation, a representative of the International Relations Office of Khmelnytskyi National University, Oleksandra Fishchuk, undertook an official mission to the Republic of Poland, the Republic of North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to participate in an international spring school organized by Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
The purpose of the mission was to expand the university’s international contacts, study European best practices in the development of international activities at higher education institutions, explore opportunities for new cooperation in international educational and research projects, and represent Khmelnytskyi National University at the international level.
Within the program, the representative of KhNU participated in a series of educational, practical, and international events dedicated to current trends in international education development, intercultural communication, higher education internationalization, and the implementation of international educational programs within the European Higher Education Area.
One of the key elements of the program was participation in the international conference “Beyond Languages”, where a collective research study prepared in cooperation with representatives of Ukrainian higher education institutions was presented. The conference addressed current issues of intercultural communication, modern education, and international academic cooperation.
During the mission, special attention was paid to establishing and expanding professional contacts with representatives of foreign higher education institutions, international organizations, and educational initiatives. The representative of KhNU presented the university’s educational programs, international projects, and key areas of international activity, as well as explored opportunities for further cooperation within the frameworks of Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and other international initiatives.
An important component of the program was the Via Egnatia Expedition — an international format of educational and research activities covering countries of the Balkan region. Participants had the opportunity to become familiar with approaches to organizing international cooperation, educational programs, and intercultural interaction in different European countries, as well as to discuss current challenges and prospects for the development of international education.
In addition to its educational and professional dimensions, the program also had an important international and diplomatic aspect. During their stay in Albania, participants met with the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Ukraine to the Republic of Albania, Volodymyr Shkurov. The meeting focused on issues of educational diplomacy, support for Ukrainian students and researchers abroad, and the development of international cooperation among Ukrainian universities.
As part of the program, the representative of KhNU also visited the University of Tirana, one of the leading higher education institutions in Albania. During the visit, participants became acquainted with the organization of the educational process, international programs, university infrastructure, and research directions.
As a result of the mission, new professional contacts were established, informational and analytical materials on European best practices in the development of international university activities were collected, and proposals for further development of international cooperation at Khmelnytskyi National University were elaborated.
Participation of KhNU representatives in international professional events contributes to strengthening the university’s international presence, developing partnership networks, and creating new opportunities for implementing international educational and research initiatives.