Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy (BKNUC) hosted a round-table discussion as part of Erasmus+ Days in Ukraine.

The event brought together university lecturers, students, and pupils from the First Academic Lyceum of International Relations of the Cherkasy City Territorial Community. Together, they explored how international experience can begin at school, continue at university, and become an integral part of professional development.

In his opening remarks, Vice-Rector for Scientific, Innovation and International Activities Oleksandr Spriahailo emphasised that even the most ambitious dream can become a reality, but achieving it requires more than money or personal connections: above all, it requires the right skills. The Erasmus+ programme helps people develop precisely these skills. Drawing on European Commission research, the Vice-Rector noted that nine out of ten participants in academic exchanges become better equipped to adapt to new circumstances and find it easier to communicate and work in international teams. Students also develop greater curiosity, self-confidence, determination, problem-solving skills, and tolerance of uncertainty – the ability to take action even when the future is unknown. According to the same research, these are precisely the qualities sought by 92% of employers. Oleksandr Spriahailo stressed that expanding international cooperation is a strategic priority for BKNUC. The university continues to develop partnerships, participate in international alliances and projects, and create opportunities for study, internships, and professional development in an international setting.

“Erasmus is not about travelling or tourism. It is about the circumstances in which you become a different person,” the Vice-Rector emphasised.

Svitlana Koval, Head of the International Relations Office, presented current academic opportunities available to students. The university now cooperates with international partners in 25 countries under 74 agreements and implements 9 international projects, including projects funded through the Erasmus+ programme. During the first half of 2026, 98 students participated in international academic mobility programmes. Among BKNUC’s key partners are the nine universities in the E³UDRES² European University Alliance, the University of Valladolid in Spain, Bielefeld University in Germany, Old Dominion University in the USA, and a number of Polish higher education institutions. Svitlana Koval outlined mobility opportunities under the Erasmus+ KA171 programme, as well as study and internship options available through bilateral agreements with Pomeranian University in Słupsk and Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa.

Students who have already participated in academic mobility programmes shared their personal experiences of studying in Europe. Daria Tsymbalist, a student on the Advertising and PR in the Media Industry degree programme, spoke about her studies at the University of Applied Sciences St. Pölten in Austria. Daryna Kurochenko and Anastasiia Diakonova, students on the Language and Literature (English and German) degree programme, shared their experiences of studying at the University of Valladolid in Spain. The students discussed their studies, everyday life, and the process of adapting to new environments, while also offering advice for those considering applying for an exchange programme. Their stories complemented the information about international opportunities with practical advice and personal impressions.

Nataliia Slyvka, Director of the Educational-Scientific Institute of Foreign Languages, introduced eTwinning as a means of engaging students in international project-based activities. This European educational community and collaboration platform is open, in particular, to teacher educators and students enrolled in bachelor’s and master’s programmes in teacher education. The eTwinning for Future Teachers initiative integrates international online collaboration directly into the training of future educators. Participation in joint projects allows them to practise foreign languages, develop digital and professional competences, learn to work in teams, and strengthen their professional portfolios. Nataliia Slyvka also explained the key steps for registering on the platform and spoke about the eTwinning community in the Cherkasy region. As of 1 June 2026, there were 75 active participants from 38 educational institutions in the region.

Olena Naumenko, an English teacher at the First Academic Lyceum of International Relations and an eTwinning Ambassador in Ukraine, presented the institution’s international activities. The lyceum joined eTwinning in 2013 and Erasmus+ in 2024. Its achievements include 102 eTwinning projects, as well as 22 National and European Quality Labels. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the institution has been awarded the eTwinning School Label. Ninth- and eleventh-grade pupils from the lyceum also shared their personal experiences of participating in international projects. Their presentations demonstrated how international cooperation enables young people to practise foreign languages, work in teams, and become more confident in new environments from an early age. One particularly engaging example was the Waves for Wellbeing youth exchange, which took place from 20 to 29 May 2026 in the Portuguese town of Mira. The lyceum pupils tried their hand at surfing, took part in team-building and educational activities, explored Portuguese culture, and communicated in English. The programme also included mindfulness practices and opportunities to reflect on their impressions and the experience gained. According to the participants, the exchange helped them become more confident, independent, and open-minded.

At the end of the event, participants tested their knowledge in an Erasmus+ quiz, with winners receiving small prizes. The stories shared by school pupils and university students demonstrated that international experience can be gained at different ages and through various formats, including online projects, youth exchanges, study programmes, and research internships.

“The doors are open. Perhaps your dream was missing just one step. Take that step and become part of the wider Erasmus community,” Oleksandr Spriahailo urged the participants.

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International Relations Office