On January 15, Khmelnytskyi National University hosted the event Erasmus+ Opportunities for Khmelnytskyi National University Faculty: Development and Collaboration. This gathering brought together approximately 50 faculty members known for their active involvement and commitment to expanding international cooperation. The event aimed to inform, share experiences, and inspire faculty to participate in Erasmus+ programs, which offer numerous opportunities for professional growth, building partnerships, and enhancing the university's international reputation.
The event was officially opened by Vice-Rector for Academic and Research Affairs, Kateryna Skyba, and Head of the International Relations Office, Lyudmyla Remishevska. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of integrating Khmelnytskyi National University into the European educational space. Ms. Kateryna Skyba highlighted that Erasmus+ provides faculty with unique opportunities to implement innovative ideas, gain new knowledge, and exchange best practices with European colleagues.
Lyudmyla Remishevska noted that international projects are a key area of the university's development. Such initiatives improve the quality of education, expand partnership networks, and foster intercultural dialogue.
Before the main part of the event, participants took part in an interactive survey designed to gauge their awareness of the Erasmus+ program. The results revealed that while many attendees were generally familiar with the program, some were entirely new to it. The survey served as an effective tool for engaging the audience and creating a positive atmosphere.
The main part of the event featured thematic presentations covering the key aspects of the Erasmus+ program. Lyudmyla Remishevska delivered presentations on "Erasmus+ Key Directions for Ukraine 2021-2027 (KA1, KA2)" and "Priorities for Capacity-Building Projects in Education."
She provided a detailed explanation of how the program's key directions work, discussing mobility under KA1, which focuses on academic exchange, faculty training, and student skills development. Additionally, she touched on strategic partnerships under KA2, enabling the creation of innovative educational projects involving European partners and enhancing the university's educational potential.
Particular attention was given to successful case studies of the implementation of the Erasmus+ project. Ms. Remishevska shared examples demonstrating the tangible impact of these initiatives on faculty development and educational institutions. She also offered practical advice on preparing applications, forming consortia, and setting project priorities.
Anastasiia Zarzhytska, a specialist in the International Relations Office, presented "The Potential and Prospects for Collaboration Among Seminar Participants in Erasmus+ KA1, Mechanisms for Collecting Information on Agreements and (Potential) Partners." She encouraged participants to expand international collaboration and share their experiences of working with foreign partners.
Anastasiia Zarzhytska also delved into the Jean Monnet direction, which garnered significant interest among the attendees. She explained how this direction promotes European values, supports research on European integration, and provides new opportunities for faculty. Her presentation sparked an active discussion, with participants exploring the prospects of implementing similar projects.
Evheniia Shelest, an associate professor in the Department of HR Engineering in Business Economics, shared her experience working on a Jean Monnet project. She discussed the challenges and nuances of the application process, inspiring participants to engage more actively in upcoming competitions.
The event also focused on preparing Project Concept Notes. Lyudmyla Remishevska outlined the key elements of this document, its structure, and practical tips for successful project implementation.
The event concluded with real-time feedback collection. Most participants expressed satisfaction with the event's content and a strong willingness to engage in new Erasmus+ initiatives. The collected data was presented as charts illustrating faculty interest in international collaboration.
In her closing remarks, Kateryna Skyba summarized the event's achievements, emphasizing that it marked an important step toward strengthening the university's international partnerships. She encouraged faculty to leverage Erasmus+ opportunities, share creative ideas, and participate in new initiatives aimed at fostering international collaboration. Ms. Skyba underlined that even the smallest idea could be the beginning of a significant project capable of transforming not only individual departments but the entire university. She concluded by thanking the attendees for their active participation and expressed confidence in achieving meaningful results through joint efforts within the Erasmus+ program.
The event demonstrated the university's commitment to innovative development and integration into the global educational community. It served as a strong impetus for new initiatives and partnerships that will contribute to the professional growth of faculty and enhance the international standing of Khmelnytskyi National University.