The international activity of the Kyiv National University of Technology and Design is one of the priority areas of the university's development, the main goal of which is to comprehensively promote the internationalization of the university's educational and scientific activities, establish and develop international and interuniversity ties, and develop the university as a full-fledged participant in the international educational space.

This year, the eventful and extremely fruitful 6th International Staff Week at Usak University (Turkey) started on May 12 and lasted until May 16, 2025. Under the Erasmus+ KA 171 academic mobility program from KNUTD, Nataliia Ostapenko, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, and Tetiana Lutsker, Associate Professor of the Department of Fashion and Style, participated in the event. This large-scale event brought together representatives of 31 universities from 20 countries around the world, including: Albania, Italy, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Morocco, Brazil, Slovakia, Tunisia, Moldova, Kosovo, Poland, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, creating a platform for exchanging experience, establishing partnerships, and developing innovative educational approaches.

The 6th International Staff Week began on the campus of Uşak University with a welcoming speech by Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savas. The Rector recalled the history of the university since its foundation in 2006, spoke about the activities and unique structure of the institution, its high positions in international rankings, and emphasized the importance of ensuring high standards of education and innovation.

The solemn congratulations were continued by the Chief Coordinator of the International Relations Department, Tolga Kargın, who spoke about the opportunities for international academic mobility and partnerships. The day continued with an excursion to the Center for Leather, Textile and Ceramics Design, which impressed with its scale, thorough creative developments and professional staff.

An equally exciting and inspiring event on the first day was the concert of Turkish dance groups, which became the embodiment of cultural dialogue.

The events of the first day continued with a bright and original international student event. The original presentation of cultural values of all participating countries was impressive. The final and unforgettable was the campus tour. The sightseeing tour to the scientific and technical library, the sports complex and around the lake was memorable.

On the second day, an important event took place - a challenge presentation of participants from international academic communities. On behalf of the university's rector Ivan Gryshchenko, Tetiana Lutsker delivered welcoming remarks, thanking the leadership of Ushak University for the opportunity to participate in the academic mobility program within the framework of the Erasmus+ project. She presented KNUTD as one of the unique technological and artistic universities of Ukraine with high ratings and implementation of sustainable development policies and principles.

The next meeting place for the participants was a motivating challenge - a cultural exchange within the framework of a roundtable discussion, which united those present.

The second day's events continued with a cultural presentation by the team of their educational institution using promotional materials, business cards, and creative ideas - they presented guests with national souvenirs, treated them to delicacies, demonstrated their unique features, and constructively communicated with colleagues. This format contributed to lively networking and getting to know the participants, stimulating discussions of possible joint projects and exchanges.

The program of the third day planned to deepen international professional cooperation, exchange of experience, discussion of directions and joint projects, professional communication at the Faculty of Fine Arts. Ukrainian participants from KNUTD were warmly welcomed by Ozlem Kaya and hospitably escorted to the Department of Design. Colleagues from Uşak University introduced the guests to the features of teaching creative disciplines.

Representatives of the KNUTD spoke about the structure, directions, and results of the Faculty of Arts and Fashion, met with talented colleagues who are in love with their work, were inspired by the beauty of ceramic and textile products, and took part in an ornamental master class.

It was pleasant to communicate with students and colleagues who asked interesting and open questions about the situation in Ukraine, the life and learning conditions of Ukrainian students during the war. 

The participants of the academic mobility were inspired by new acquaintances, the sincerity of communication and support, the ideas expressed, the experience gained, and the warmth of open human hearts. The excursions to clothing and accessory workshops, traditional Turkish art classrooms, etc. were meaningful and rich.

The penultimate day began with a visit to the Usak Museum, a historical and educational tour that helped us enjoy the exhibition to the fullest.

Also, excursions to the most ancient architectural monuments of Blaundos and the picturesque Ulubey Canyon left unsurpassed vivid impressions as part of the program to popularize the historical and cultural values of Usak. The events of the fourth day continued with an excursion to university dormitories with many modern educational buildings, a conference hall, dining rooms, etc. The day ended with a ceremonial presentation of certificates to the participants of the event.

The fifth and last day was remembered by a visit to the unique natural object of Pamukkale, the exclusivity of which lies in the presence of geothermal springs.

Throughout the entire period of international mobility, various rich and meaningful events were held at Uşak University, including challenges, round tables, discussions, events and other activities aimed at discussing the results of academic mobility of scientific and pedagogical staff, etc.

The events held contributed to the strengthening of international cooperation, cultural exchange and educational innovations, academic partnership between higher education institutions, expanding contacts, opening up new opportunities in the educational and scientific spheres, exchanging methodological approaches and laying the foundation for future joint educational and research projects.

We are sincerely grateful to the organizers of the Erasmus+ program and Uşak University for the unique opportunity to participate in this powerful event, for the warm welcome, openness to interaction and exchange of experience. We are confident that the 6th International Staff Week at Uşak University will be the beginning of a long-term and productive partnership between Ukrainian and Turkish universities!

28.05.2025