From May 4 to May 8, 2026, Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko, Associate Professor of the Department of Interior and Furniture Design, PhD, Associate Professor, participated in the Erasmus+ KA171 Staff Mobility for Training programme within the 7th International Staff Week, held at Uşak University (Uşak, Türkiye).
More than 60 representatives of higher education institutions from different countries around the world took part in this international event. The programme was intensive and combined academic, professional, cultural, and networking activities.
On the first day, the official opening ceremony took place with the participation of the Rector of the University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Demir, the university administration, and the International Relations Office team. After the formal opening, guests were introduced to the university campus and participated in an interactive networking programme.
The second day was dedicated to presentations by participating universities and familiarization with the educational infrastructure of Uşak University. Participants visited the library, academic buildings, and design laboratories, where they explored modern technologies used in practical student training, including printing on textiles, ceramics, and other materials.
During the Cultural Exchange Coffee Break, Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko presented Ukrainian culture by showcasing Ukrainian sweets, snacks, traditional souvenirs, and examples of student works from the Department of Interior and Furniture Design. The KNUTD stand attracted significant interest from students, lecturers, and participants from other countries.
The third day became the key professional highlight of the programme. Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko visited the Faculty of Architecture and Design, where she delivered a lecture entitled “Designing Social Public Spaces: Approaches and Experience from Ukraine”. During the lecture, contemporary approaches to designing social public spaces, research findings, and examples of student projects from KNUTD were presented. Particular interest among colleagues and students was drawn to the Ukrainian experience of designing spaces under wartime and post-war reconstruction conditions, especially concepts related to the revitalization of damaged buildings, adaptive reuse of historical architecture, and the creation of inclusive, trauma-informed spaces.
After the lecture, a meeting was held with the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. İdris Kabalcı, the Erasmus+ coordinator, Dr. Ezgi Nizamoglu, lecturers, and professors, during which prospects for future cooperation were discussed. Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko also presented Ukrainian souvenirs to the faculty and donated several examples of chair concept models created by second-year students during practical training. In addition, she attended an urban planning class.
The fourth day was dedicated to a cultural and historical programme: participants visited the archaeological museum, natural locations near Uşak, and historical sites of the region.
At the end of the day, a farewell gala dinner was held, during which all participants received certificates of participation. After the ceremony, Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko presented commemorative gifts with Ukrainian souvenirs to the Rector and Vice-Rectors of the university, as well as official letters of appreciation from KNUTD for their cooperation.
Participation in the Erasmus+ programme became an extremely valuable professional and personal experience. The mobility made it possible to represent KNUTD at the international level, establish new professional contacts, exchange experience with colleagues from different countries, and open new perspectives for international cooperation.
According to Oleksandra Shmelova-Nesterenko:
“This was an extremely valuable experience of international academic mobility. Such programmes not only broaden professional horizons but also create new ideas, partnerships, and visions for the future development of education. It was especially important for me to present the Ukrainian experience, our resilience, and contemporary design approaches shaped by today’s realities”.
20.05.2026
