The mission of the Department of International Studies and Public Communication is objectively determined by the unique geopolitical location of Zakarpattia Oblast, the most western region of Ukraine. Zakarpattia shares country's western border with four Central European states and plays a significant transit role, which facilitates the intensive development of economic and foreign policy activities. These conditions emphasize the crucial role of the Department in addressing both national and regional challenges and opportunities.

Educational and Methodological Work of the Department

The department is responsible for preparing highly qualified specialists in Country Studies degree programmes in line with the main criteria of higher education as outlined in the Bologna Process requirements. The process foresees the implementation of European norms and standards in education and science, alongside business measures aimed at integrating into a wider European intellectual, educational, and scientific-technical environment. To support this process, the department's professors and staff have developed their own educational and methodological materials for seminars and training sessions. They have also created methodological recommendations for year papers, diploma, and master's theses based on the Degree Regulations and Programmes of Study in Country Studies. The topics of the year papers and theses align with the professional direction or field of study and are logically related to the educational and qualification characteristics of the programme.

In accordance with their educational and professional training programmes students gain knowledge in a range of academic disciplines. They study fundamental and specialized subjects in the fields of International Law and Country Studies. They are also taught Theory and Practice of Translation, World Economics, Sociology, Political Science, Linguistics, Diplomatic and Consular Services, Diplomatic Etiquette and Protocol, Culturology, Geopolitics, Geostrategy, Democratic Governance and Culture of Peace, Issues of National and Global Security, International Organizations, as well as International Tourism. Moreover, they become proficient in at least two foreign languages and develop basic computer science and computing technology skills.

The extensive use of modern information technologies facilitates the training of experts in International Relations. These technologies enable the completion of independent assignments, year papers, and theses, as well as a test-based form of final assessment.

The faculty graduates who have received Bachelor's degrees are qualified to apply for a range of entry-level positions, including but not limited to:

• Diplomatic Agent;

• Diplomatic Courier;

• External Relations Expert Assistant;

• Assistant Political Observer;

• Inspector of Basic Domestic Activities;

• Inspector of Tourism;

• Secretary of a Diplomatic Agency;

• Assistant Consultant on External Relations Issues;

• Attaché.

Faculty graduates who have earned Specialist or Master's degrees are well-positioned to pursue a diverse range of career paths, including but not limited to:

• School Director;
• Lecturer at Higher Education Institutions; 
• Assistant; 
• Researcher (Political Science);
• Researcher (Translation Studies);
• Head of Department; 
• Teaching Methods Expert;
• Consultant on Socio-Political Issues of Countries/Regions;
• Socio-Political Issues Expert of Countries/Regions;
• Political Scientist;
• Tour Guide-Interpreter;
• Translator;
• Political Observer;
• Referent of the Main Activity;
• Foreign Tourist Tour Guide;
• Director/Manager of an International Tourism Agency.

In international organizations and diplomatic missions:

• Ambassador;
• Diplomatic Agency Secretary (Secretary at a Diplomatic Agency);
• Diplomatic Agent;
• Consular Agent;
• Diplomatic Courier;
• International Analyst;
• Expert Assistant on Foreign Economic Issues (Assistant to an Expert on Foreign Economic Issues);
• Consultant Assistant on Foreign Economic Issues (Assistant to a Consultant on Foreign Economic Issues);
• Category III Specialist.

Scientific Work

The Department of International Studies and Public Communication places significant emphasis on scientific research activities, which are supported by the university's research sector, scientific and pedagogical staff, postgraduates, and students. In addition, the Department  professors actively engages students in scientific work through two student scientific societies: "Actual Issues of Country Studies Research" and "European Club." Faculty members lead these societies, which offer students a platform to engage in scientific discourse and research.

Furthermore, the Department exposes students to a wide range of scientific events, including exhibitions, conferences, Olympiads, contests of scientific student works, and grants.

International Cooperation

The Department of International Studies and Public Communication maintains close cooperation with several foreign educational and research institutions in Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Italy, and Spain. Among them there are the Faculty of Social Sciences at Charles University, Institute of Social Sciences of the Czech Academy of Sciences (Prague, Czech Republic), Institute of Social Sciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences (Kosice, Slovakia), West University "Vasile Goldis" (Arad, Romania), University of Oradea (Romania), Scientific Museum of Satu-Mare (Romania), University of Foggia (Italy), Matej Bel University (Banska Bystrica, Slovakia), University of Warsaw (Poland), and Charles III University of Madrid (Spain).

Through these partnerships, students have the opportunity to study, participate in training, and attend joint winter and summer schools. Additionally, faculty members regularly improve their qualifications and expertise by participating in internships at leading foreign educational institutions in Slovakia, Hungary, Poland, the United States, Austria, Italy, and Spain.