01-03 October 2024  International Highlight Event 2 in frameworks of Erasmus+ Project “International Students Adaptation and Integration / INTERADIS” (619451-EPP-1-2020-1-NL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) was organized at  National University of Water and Environmental Engineering in Rivne, Ukraine.

• Andrii Lotariev – Director of Educational and Scientific Institute of International Education;
• Anna Drobyna – Head of International Office;
• Maryna Skalatska – Project Manager of International Office;
• Halyna Bohachenko – Director of International Project Office.

IHE 2 brought together academic leaders and international experts to discuss global cooperation in higher education and the integration of international students in Ukraine.

Prof. Nataliia Savina, Vice-Rector for Research and International Affairs opened the event. Svitlana Shytikova, Project Coordinator of the National Erasmus+ Office in Ukraine; Olena Shapovalova, Director of the Ukrainian State Centre for International Education; and Andrii Lotariev, Director of Educational and Scientific Institute of International Education of KROK University, welcomed the participants. Jan van Zwieten, Rector of the Netherlands Business Academy presented the EU’s vision for international education and shared experience of the Netherlands. Olena Sulyma, Deputy Director of the Ukrainian State Centre for International Education presented the research “International students in Ukraine during war”, and shared insights of the  EAIE Conference 2024.

Ukrainian partners shared best practices and achieved results, including strategy for international students, socio-cultural adaptation program and its post-project  development, strategic advances: administrative, web, and  educational outcomes, enhancing of international students' journey: co-working zones, roadmaps, and digital engagement. The key project publication  "Collection of Best Practices of INTERADIS Project Partners" in Ukrainian and English languages was presented by KROK University, owner of WP Dissemination.

Discussions on collaboration between universities, businesses, and government for comfortable adaptation and integration of foreign  students were led by representatives of Rivne Regional State Administration,  while representatives of InvestInRivne Agency highlighted the Rivne region’s investment potential. The team from Newcastle University presented the value of global education and experience.

IHE 2 provided a platform for sharing ideas and strategies for the successful integration of international students in Ukraine. In parallel the sessions for the students were organized.

Many thanks to the great team of National University of Water and Environmental Engineering for the perfect organization of the event!

16-20 September 2024 International Highlight Event 2: Dissemination and Sustainability Conference in frameworks of Erasmus+ project “Synergy of educational, scientific, management and industrial components for climate management and climate change prevention/ CLIMAN” (619119-EPP-1-2020-1-NL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP) took place at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University in Batumi, Georgia.

The team of KROK University was represented by:

• Andrii Lotariev – Director of Educational and Scientific Institute of International Education;
• Halyna Bohachenko – Director of International Project Office;
• Anastasiia Shepelia – Project Manager of International Office;
• Anastasiia Nakonechna - Project Manager (Corporate Governance) of the executive support service;
• Alina Holtseva - Director of the Department for Student Affairs;
• Valentyn Yancharuk - Manager of Public Relations of the Department of PR and Advertising, Head of Vocal Studio.

Representatives of KROK University as co-coordinator, shared the story and challenges of the CLIMAN project. They highlighted key events and activities, summarizing the results and achievements. As partners, KROK presented the project's outcomes, including the development and piloting of climate management modules, modernization of educational programs, accreditation, as well as the activities and initiatives of climate management center, including the roadmap for collaboration with stakeholders.

Ukrainian and Georgian partners, in addition to the main project results, emphasized the importance of enhancing the qualifications of lecturers and administrative staff, providing opportunities for students, disseminating information, and ensuring the sustainability of initiatives. The meeting also included practical sessions in Machakhela National Park and student presentations showcasing their achievements after completing a two-week internship at Akaki Tsereteli State University in Kutaisi.

The strong CLIMAN consortium, comprising partners from the Netherlands, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy, Ukraine, and Georgia, demonstrated mutual understanding, shared values, problem-solving abilities, and support throughout the project. This collaboration lays a solid foundation for new perspectives, opportunities, and initiatives that promise continued fruitful cooperation in the future.

Many thanks to the project teams of Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University and Akaki Tsereteli State University for the perfect organization of the International Highlight Event!

The Project is co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union.

From September 9 to 20, 2024, students of the Professional College of KROK University participated in a mobility program at Akaki Tsereteli State University (Georgia) as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Synergy of Educational, Scientific, Managerial, and Industrial Components for Climate Management and Climate Change Mitigation” (CLIMAN). This event provided a unique opportunity for students to expand their knowledge of climate change while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Throughout the two weeks, students took part in classes held in modern lecture halls and specially equipped university laboratories. They conducted various experiments, which allowed them to practically explore climate change. Laboratory work became an essential element of the academic program, offering students the chance to master new techniques in the field of ecology.

In addition to lab work, students participated in numerous field trips to natural locations, where they were able to study the effects of climate change firsthand. These studies deepened their understanding of global environmental issues and gave them the opportunity to observe how climate change impacts Georgia’s ecosystems.

The mobility program provided students with invaluable experience. They not only deepened their knowledge of climate challenges but also acquired new skills essential for their future professional careers in ecology. Such mobility programs help our students grow and better understand global ecological processes.

The entire team of the "LOTOS" environmental club expresses sincere gratitude to the faculty and administration of Akaki Tsereteli State University for organizing such an enriching and beneficial experience. Special thanks are also extended to the CLIMAN project for offering students this unique opportunity to continue their education and research amidst the challenges caused by the war in Ukraine.

We are confident that the knowledge and experience gained will support the students in their future work towards combating climate change and advancing sustainable development.

From September 2 to 13, 2024, a group of students from the Professional College participated in a two-week training program at Mykolas Romeris University (Lithuania) as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Synergy of Educational, Scientific, Managerial, and Industrial Components for Climate Management and Climate Change Prevention” (CLIMAN). The program aimed to deepen the understanding of global climate change and the role of stakeholders in achieving sustainable development goals. The training included lectures, practical sessions, and field research, allowing participants to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience.

Week 1: Urbanism and Climate Challenges

The first week began with lectures by Professor Paulo Pereira on global climate change. Throughout the week, students explored issues related to urbanization and the impact of climate change on coastal areas and tourism. Seminars on land-use changes in urban areas sparked active discussions among participants. The highlight of the week was a field trip to Vingis Park, where students studied the role of green spaces in mitigating the effects of climate change.

Week 2: Advanced Knowledge and Practical Research

The second week focused on a detailed study of sustainable development goals and the involvement of stakeholders in climate management. A key part of the week was a field study in the Dzūkija National Park, where students had the opportunity to assess the importance of ecosystem preservation firsthand. Lectures on ecosystem services in urban green spaces, as well as seminars on public perceptions of these issues, enhanced the participants' understanding of climate management at the local level.

Throughout the two weeks, students actively participated in practical sessions, discussions, and group projects. The program concluded with project presentations, where each group showcased the results of their research and proposed solutions for sustainable development in the context of climate change.

Learning Outcomes

The training in Lithuania was a crucial step in the professional development of the students. Lectures by leading experts and participation in practical research not only deepened their knowledge of climate change but also taught them how to apply this knowledge in practice. Interaction with peers from different countries helped students grasp the global nature of climate challenges and the importance of international cooperation.

This course not only provided new knowledge but also motivated the students to continue their research in the fields of sustainable development and climate management.