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.

From 4 to 6 September 2024, Candidate of Law, Associate Professor of the Faculty of Law  Dolianovska I.M. took part in the next stage of the training for facilitators of the Erasmus+ ArtNoConflict project, which was held at Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania).

The purpose of the training was to teach the ability to organise communication in the process of conflict resolution in the educational environment among students and young people, using techniques of non-violent communication, negotiation, mediation, adhering to the principles of respect and tolerance for all participants in the educational process. The Lithuanian colleagues who conducted the training (Agne Tvaronaviciene and Indre Korsakoviene) were joined by representatives of the Netherlands Business Academy (Marjon Kuipers and Gea van Klompenburg), who provided powerful support in combining knowledge and experience in the art of negotiation, communication and communication.

The training was also attended by representatives of the Business School of V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Shota Rustaveli Batumi State University, and representatives of youth NGOs from Ukraine and Georgia.

Now the participants are to develop curricula on the art of non-violent communication for youth education in Ukraine and Georgia, which will undoubtedly contribute to improving the culture of communication, reducing violent manifestations in the youth educational environment, and increasing the legal awareness and will of young people!

From 29 August to 05 September 2024, a 4th year student of the Bachelor's degree programme ‘International Economic Relations’, Oleksandra Presnyakova, and a 1st year student of the Master's degree programme ‘Law’, Solomiia Romasevych, took part in the European Summer School: Rule of Law’ organised by SWPS University in Sopot, with the support of NAWA (Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange).

Justice, solidarity, tolerance, equality, non-discrimination are the values enshrined in Title 2 of the Treaty on European Union and are indeed the foundation of democracy, so the summer school included a rich programme covering various aspects of legal and socio-political topics.

It was a unique opportunity not only to learn more about history, but also to discuss current issues of human rights and the rule of law in the context of modern Europe, to meet with the Minister of Justice of Poland, to visit the Centre for European Solidarity and the World War II Museum.

There was also an opportunity to meet like-minded people and future colleagues who inspire work and development. Leading professors from Lithuania, Poland, France, Slovenia and Bulgaria enthusiastically delivered interesting and informative lectures that deepened the understanding of the rule of law and its application in various areas of legal and social life. Such events foster a great responsibility to the future generation in the education of European values, in the conscious sense of the word. 

We are grateful to SWPS University (Sopot) for the warm and friendly welcome!

On September 2 - 6, 2024, "KROK" University students commenced their educational visit to Lithuania as part of the Erasmus+ KA2 project "Synergy of Educational, Scientific, Managerial, and Industrial Components for Climate Management and Climate Change Prevention" / CLIMAN at Mykolas Romeris University. The first week of the program was rich and informative, focusing on climate change and the role of stakeholders in mitigation strategies.

The educational program included lectures, seminars, and field research conducted by leading professors and scientists from various countries. The first day began with registration and an official introduction, followed by the inaugural lecture by Professor Paulo Pereira on "Climate Change: A Global Issue." This lecture served as the foundation for subsequent discussions and practical sessions.

Particular emphasis was placed on seminars addressing climate change in coastal and urban areas, including issues related to adaptation and mitigation of climate change impacts.

The first week of training in Lithuania proved to be not only an intellectually enriching experience but also an excellent start for future collaboration and research in the field of sustainable development and climate management.

On 1-7 September 2024 Sustainability Training in frameworks of the project Synergy of educational, scientific, management and industrial components for climate management and climate change prevention/ #CLIMAN took place at Università di Foggia, Italy.

KROK University was represented:

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

Partners had an incredible week filled with insightful sessions, engaging workshops, and productive discussions.

We kicked off with consultations for universities, followed by a warm welcome from host Giulio Esposito and project coordinator Jan van Zwieten. Sustainability trainer Oliver Schmidt set the stage for the week’s program. The day concluded with an interactive Q&A session.

The next day focused on the sustainability goals as strategic tools, presented by Oliver Schmidt. We then delved into developing and implementing joint sustainability strategies. Prof. Dr.-Ing. Mirko Barz led a session on “Sustainable Bioenergy.” The afternoon featured self-study and group work, supported by our EU experts, alongside consultations for universities. We wrapped up with a Q&A session.

On another day, Ieva Bruskle shared valuable insights on creating sustainable and climate-focused business solutions. Oliver Schmidt continued with a discussion on sustainable education and funding structures. We also had a workshop on building networks and leveraging synergies. The day included more self-study and group work, with additional consultations and a Q&A session.

Presentations from Georgian and Ukrainian universities on sustainability concepts were followed by feedback from our EU experts. Prof. Laß-Seyoum discussed the prospects and challenges of hydrogen as a sector coupling element. The afternoon was dedicated to self-study and group work, with continued consultations and a Q&A session.

The final day featured cultural and networking activities in the morning, providing a great opportunity to connect and reflect. The afternoon was focused on finalizing strategies with expert support and concluded with final remarks and the closing of the training.

Many thanks to all participants, speakers, and organizers (Università di Foggia)  for making this week a success! Together, we’re paving the way for a more sustainable future.

On 26-30 August 2024, Foggia University (Italy) hosted the Sustainability Training as part of the INTERADIS/International Students Integration and Adaptation project (619451-EPP-1-2020-1-NL-EPPKA2-CBHE-JP).

Event was attended by the following partners: KROK University, Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Odesa National Polytechnical University, Mariupol State University, Sumy National Agrarian University, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ivan Franko National University , National University of Water and Environmental Engineering, Netherlands Business Academy, the Netherlands; Ostbayerische Technische Hochschule Amberg-Weiden, Germany; Mykolas Romeris University, Lithuania; Hultgren Nachhaltigkeitsberatung UG, Germany.

Sustainability training in international projects is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations, enhancing resource efficiency, managing risks, and fostering positive stakeholder relationships.

The main goal of the training is to develop and discuss a joint sustainable development strategy and an individual strategy for each Ukrainian project partner.

During the week workshops were also organized on the preparation of a sustainability strategy, work in teams to share experience, recommendations of partners on the implementation of the project and new opportunities for cooperation were discussed.

Many thanks to Università di Foggia for well organised event as well as to all partners of #interadis project.

On 13 August, the consortium of universities of the Erasmus+ KA2 project “Integration of Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine” / COOPERA including “KROK” University, V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Uzhhorod National University, Odesa National Economic University received a letter from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine in response to the submitted Recommendations for the development of dual education in Ukraine:

“The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine expresses its sincere gratitude to the consortium of universities from Moldova and Ukraine of the Erasmus+ project KA2 “Integration of Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine”/COOPERA for the materials and recommendations on the development of dual education in Ukraine. The information provided, including the “Recommendations for supplementing the content and practical implementation of the Regulation on the dual form of professional higher education and higher education” and the “Framework Recommendations for initiating and organising study programmes in partnership with the business sector in higher education institutions of the Republic of Moldova”, will be carefully studied and taken into account when developing further regulations in the field of dual education. The experience of this project is extremely valuable for us and will contribute to improving the quality of education in Ukraine through the integration of dual education.”

The consortium of universities expresses its gratitude to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine and hopes that the recommendations provided will be effectively used for the further development of dual education in Ukraine.

“KROK” University, the national coordinator of the consortium of universities within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Integration of Dual Higher Education in Moldova and Ukraine" (COOPERA), after a detailed study of the experience of international partners, submitted materials and proposals for the further development of dual education in Ukraine to the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

“KROK” University provided the following recommendations:

- Recommendations for supplementing the content and practical implementation of the Regulation on the dual form of professional undergraduate and graduate education prepared by Ukrainian partner universities.

 - Framework recommendations for initiating and organizing study programs in partnership with the business sector in higher education institutions of the Republic of Moldova (translation), developed by partners from Moldova.

- Recommendations for the preparation and implementation of dual education programs in partnership with the business environment in higher education institutions, prepared by the Regional Office of the ULIE in Zakarpattia region.

- Recommendations on the initiation and organization of dual higher education programs in partnership with the business community in higher education institutions prepared by the Federation of Employers of Transcarpathia.

These documents are an important step in improving dual education in Ukraine, aimed at improving the training and employment of specialists in cooperation with business.

On July 18, 2024, a three-day training within the framework of the Erasmus+ project «The Art of Negotiation and Conflict Resolution (Mediation) / ArtNoConflict», Dordrecht, the Netherlands took place. «KROK» University was represented by Inna Dolianovska, PhD in Law, Associate Professor of Department of State Law Disciplines of the Faculty of Law, and Nataliia Kalinina, PhD in Philosophy, Associate Professor of KROK Business School.

The last two days of the training were devoted to discussing such issues as: how to prevent conflict? how not to deepen the conflict situation even further, with the impossibility of any reconciliation? what communication tools are best used to help the parties understand each other? finally, how to encourage the parties to hear each other to find the best solution with the help of an intermediary - a mediator? how to turn conflict into productive communication.

These important questions will form the basis of the training program for young people from Ukraine, Georgia, and the Netherlands, which will help them to acquire skills in non-violent communication and conflict de-escalation using mediation tools.

The team of «KROK» University is sincerely grateful to the organizer of the training - the Netherlands Business Academy and the Rector of the Academy, Prof. Jan van Zwieten, coaches from the NLBA and Mykolas Romeris University (Vilnius, Lithuania). We continue to work on the project!