International cooperation and academic mobility have become important elements of the development of Volyn Lesya Ukrainka National University determining its position in the international educational space. Such initiatives not only contribute to increasing the international prestige of the university, but also expand opportunities for scientific research and exchange of experience. They also open new perspectives for students, giving them the opportunity to gain experience studying in a foreign higher education institution and prepare for the modern global labour market challenges. The initiatives aimed at the exchange of scientific and research experience intensively raise the qualifications level of scientific and pedagogical workers and students through their participation in international educational programmes and foreign scientific research. The university systematically expands its range of international contacts, promoting the internationalisation of higher education. As of today, Lesya Ukrainka University has a strong partner base including more than 60 international institutions. Cooperation with foreign universities has been launched and continues opening a wide range of opportunities for the students of Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, such as the Erasmus+ programme, the «Double Diploma» programme, as well as annual semester exchange programmes for students. In order to strengthen the academic mobility of education seekers, scientific and pedagogical and administrative staff under the Erasmus+ programme, inter-institutional agreements on the implementation of mobility were signed with the following higher education institutions:
- Chemnitz University of Technology (Chemnitz, Germany);
- Šibenik University of Applied Sciences (Šibenik, Croatia);
- University of Personnel Management (Konin, Republic of Poland);
- University of Gdansk (Gdansk, Republic of Poland);
- Humanitas University (Sosnowiec, Republic of Poland);
- Pomeranian University in Slupsk (Slupsk, Republic of Poland);
- Klaipeda Collegium (Klaipeda, Lithuania);
- Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Czestochowa, Republic of Poland);
- Saarland University (Saarland, Germany);
- University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (Würzburg, Schweinfurt, Germany);
- John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin (Lublin, Republic of Poland).
Erasmus+ is a programme of the European Union enabling students, postgraduates, teachers and administrative staff to participate in international mobility for study, internship or teaching purposes. The students can take part in exchange programmes (3-12 months) or do internships (2-12 months) in EU countries that are partners of our university. In addition, Erasmus+ provides financial support in the form of scholarships to cover living expenses, transportation, etc. From 2021 to 2023, 89 students and scientific and pedagogical workers took part in the Erasmus+ academic mobility programme.
The second most popular type of academic mobility among our students is the semester exchange. This is a free opportunity for students to study at a foreign partner university during one semester. During 2022-2023, 243 students of Lesya Ukrainka University benefited from this opportunity. Mobility is conducted twice a year (winter and summer semesters), in particular to the countries such as the Republic of Poland (Pomeranian University in Slupsk, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań), Germany (University of Fecht) and France (University of Rennes II).
What is more, our university largely implements the «Double Diploma» programme, taught in the following specialties: «National Security», «Ecology», «Political Science», «Physics», «Chemistry», «Informatics», «Mathematics», «Social work», «Tourism», «Physical therapy», «Economics», «Polish Philology» and «Physical Education». Within the framework of the programme, our partners are: University of Jan Dlugos in Czestochowa, Pomeranian University in Slupsk, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski University in Warsaw, Higher School of Economics and Innovation in Lublin. The total number of programme participants currently studying under the programme is 147. In recent years, as many as 261 students has studied under the programme.
Therefore, the exchange of experiences and ideas between the students, scientific and pedagogical and administrative staff from different countries creates a unique educational ecosystem contributing to the dissemination of knowledge, experience and improving intercultural understanding, tolerance and mutual respect. The development of international mobility in higher education institutions is not only determined by the support of the university community but also forms the basis for the global educational level, the training of highly qualified personnel, promotes mutual understanding and cooperation at the international level.
«We are impressed by the beauty of the university campus in new and beautiful buildings, a pleasant atmosphere for studying and modern technologies. We attend lectures and practical classes every day, and most importantly, we learn new cultures and teach our culture to others, because students from all over the world study under the Erasmus+ programme of the world! »
Victoria Khanas, Olena Konopatska and Angelina Shevchuk
About the Erasmus+ programme at the University of Gdańsk
«Today, from my own experience, I can say that exchange programmes belong to the advantages of our Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University.»
Yulia Mishchuk About the Erasmus+ program at the Pomeranian University in Slupsk
«The reviews about the Erasmus+ student exchange programme are just the best. Warm meetings with students and lecturers, interesting tours of the city, cultural events, youth “fireplaces”, trips, as well as a good bonus in form of a scholarship is what we get from the European grant programme.»
Alina Prykhodko, Kateryna Mykhailiuk, Bohdana Hayduk, Myroslava Savosiuk
About the Erasmus+ programme at the Pomeranian University in Slupsk
«For many students, like me, becoming an Erasmus student is an extremely important experience allowing not only to increase the level of knowledge and acquire new skills, but also to develop personally and culturally.»
Anna Romaniuk About the Erasmus+ programme at the Pomeranian University in Slupsk
«An exchange semester is not only about studying, but also about traveling, meeting new people and sharing experiences. Catching the fast-flowing moment of life. I have already visited Bremen, Hamburg and even outside of Germany, Amsterdam... I have another 3 months of exchange ahead of me. I am ready to continue learning and sharing my experience.»
Iryna Kliamar
About the semester exchange programme at Vechta University
«From the first days of October, I fell in love with Poznań and the academic mobility program. I was impressed that I feel comfortable in the community of foreign students from Turkey, China, Kazakhstan, Spain, Italy, Greece, India, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Poland, and other countries. Four exciting months are ahead, to bring me even more acquaintances with students from all over the world, informative lectures and practical classes, new experiences, trips and interesting activities. Participation in a semester exchange to the University named after Adam Mickiewicz is an invaluable experience. I am looking forward to what will happen next...»
Victoria Parkhomenko
About the semester exchange program at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
«I remember the moment when we were told that we have the possibility of a double degree: I immediately liked this idea. And here I am in Częstochowa. Learning is not too difficult, but rather interesting. The lecturers and students are very friendly. I would like to dedicate a few words to the city which is simply unsurpassed at night. I am very pleased to have taken advantage of this opportunity, and now, in addition to the Ukrainian diploma, I also receive a European one.»
Julia Litvytska about the «Double Diploma» programme at Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa
Anatolii TSOS,
Vladyslav KOLOMECHIUK
