Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine met with the leadership and students of Uzhhorod University
On Friday, 6 November, a meeting was held at Uzhhorod University between Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Oleksandr Mishchenko and Acting Rector Volodymyr Smolanka. The meeting was also attended by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Slovak Republic Myroslav Kastran, representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine in Uzhhorod Ishtvan Baloh, and Acting Vice-Rector Myroslava Lendiel.
During the conversation, they discussed the development of the university after its merger with Mukachevo State University, its educational and international potential, as well as the training of specialists for work in the field of international relations. They also spoke separately about the foreign students studying at the university, the countries of their origin and the specifics of organising the educational process for them.
Volodymyr Smolanka said that after the merger of the two higher education institutions, 18,500 students study at the university. According to him, in terms of the number of students, the institution ranks fifth among the universities of Ukraine. He also noted that over the past ten years the university has significantly strengthened its position.
During the meeting, foreign students were also discussed. Volodymyr Smolanka reported that previously more than 1000 foreigners studied at the university, and now their number is about 300. Their studies are conducted in English.
Afterwards, Oleksandr Mishchenko met with students of Uzhhorod University. During the communication, the deputy minister spoke about contemporary Ukrainian diplomacy, opportunities for professional fulfilment of young people and the involvement of graduates of regional universities in the diplomatic service.
Oleksandr Mishchenko emphasised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks to create equal opportunities for talented students from all over Ukraine. According to him, the professional prospects of young people should not depend on the city in which they receive their education. It is important that graduates of various universities join the diplomatic service, and that selection is based on knowledge, motivation and professional qualities.
After the speech, students had the opportunity to ask Oleksandr Mishchenko questions about the work of the diplomatic service, the professional path of diplomats and employment prospects in the field of international relations.
Hanna Feltsan,
Information and Publishing Centre
