The first stage of the Winter School on Internationalization of Higher Education has started at UzhNU

On February 12, the first stage of the Winter School “Internationalization of Higher Education: Tools, Case Studies, University Support, and Best Practices” took place in the small hall of the Academic Council of Uzhhorod National University. The event will last from February 12 to 14 in an in-person format. After a three-day intensive course, participants will work on mini-projects for three months, and based on the results of their defense, they will receive appropriate certificates.

The event was organized by the All-Ukrainian public organization “Innovative University.” This is already the 11th advanced training school (five summer and six winter), but for the first time it is being held at UzhNU.

The event moderator, Professor Teodozia Yatsyshyn (Ivano-Frankivsk National University of Oil and Gas), opened the event: "The most valuable resource right now is our time. We are very glad that you managed to get here despite all the external challenges. Our school has already traveled to various geographical locations, and now we are in Uzhhorod.“

Next, the floor was given to the rector of UzhNU, Professor Volodymyr Smolanka: ”We are very pleased that the first offline stage of the school is taking place in Uzhhorod. Our university will become a platform for exchanging ideas and improving qualifications in process management and internationalization. Thank you to the organizers and everyone who came. I wish you fruitful discussions and a good time in our city."

The chair of the NGO “Innovative University,” Professor Olesia Vashchuk (National University “Odessa Law Academy”), also joined in the opening remarks. She emphasized the strategic dimension of internationalization: "We have gathered not just for an educational event — we have gathered where decisions are made. Internationalization is not just about mobility or projects, it is about trust in our universities and openness to the world. No strategy works without people, without trust and responsibility."

President of the International Foundation for Educational Policy Research, Professor Taras Finikov (University of Warsaw) outlined the broader context of changes in higher education: "The world has changed radically, and the higher education system cannot remain the same as before. If everything in universities continues ‘as usual’, this is a problem. We are in the midst of a profound transformation process, particularly due to the development of artificial intelligence. Many methods are already becoming anachronistic. Schools like this are an environment where the answer to these challenges can be found."

As explained by Hanna Melehanych, Associate Professor of the Department of International Studies and Public Communications and Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, the choice of UzhNU to host the school was determined by a number of factors: "Previously, such events were more often held at recreation centers or complexes, but this year our university was chosen. First of all, given the theme of internationalization of higher education, because we work in a border region and have significant experience in implementing international projects, internships for teachers and students, and various forms of international cooperation. In addition, UzhNU has graduates of the “Innovative University” project and a representative office of the organization in Zakarpattia, which was also an important factor in choosing to hold the school here.”

UzhNU often participates in such events and is happy to provide a platform for the development of professional competencies and the exchange of experience.

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