Visit to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone, Ireland, as part of the Erasmus+ INSPIRE Project focusing on refugee entrepreneurship in tourism.

From December 10 to 17, 2023, the Rector of Khmelnytskyi National University, Serhii Matiukh, and Vice-Rector Kateryna Skyba undertook an official visit to the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) in Athlone, Ireland, as part of the Erasmus+ INSPIRE Project focusing on refugee entrepreneurship in tourism.

The primary purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration among partners from Ireland, Turkey, Croatia, and Belgium. Constructive discussions unfolded, paving the way for a detailed plan to execute project work packages successfully.

The Erasmus+ INSPIRE Project is dedicated to supporting refugee entrepreneurship in tourism, emphasizing collective efforts to integrate refugees into society.

Objectives include creating valuable resources for refugee support, like a guide with best practices, educational materials, a website, and a mobile app.

A comprehensive database will also be established to provide support for refugee entrepreneurs in tourism over the next two years.

A noteworthy moment was the formal signing of a memorandum of understanding between Rector Serhii Matiukh and TUS, solidifying commitments and outlining possibilities for joint projects. Meetings with TUS President Prof. Vincent Cunnane highlighted the strategic importance of this partnership for knowledge exchange and innovation in higher education.

Both universities share common interests, paving the way for exciting future collaborations that promise significant achievements in science and education, enriching the experiences of students and researchers alike!

We are confident that this collaboration will lead to significant achievements in the field of science and education, fostering the development of both universities and enriching the experience of students and researchers.

Additional information:

The Technological University of the Shannon (TUS) is a university with six campuses located in the Midwest of Ireland and the Midlands region. The main campuses of the university are located in Limerick and Athlone. The Technological University of Shannon combines the traditions of education in the region with the quality of innovation worldwide. As the third technological university established in Ireland, it opened its doors in October 2021. Today, 15,000 students attend hundreds of courses across four counties each year.