Within the framework of the Erasmus+ international academic mobility programme, the lecturers of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, Halyna Lutsenko and Svitlana Koval, visited Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in Valmiera (Latvia).

The programme of the stay, which lasted from April 14 to 18, turned out to be extremely rich and diverse. During the visit, BKNUC lecturers took part in a number of professional and cultural events.

They met with Iveta Putniņa, Development Vice-Rector, and Mārīte Balaņuka, International Project Manager, who spoke about the strategic directions of the university’s development and opportunities for international cooperation. During the visit to the multimedia laboratory, the lecturers learnt about the educational and technical capabilities of the programme “Communication and Media Studies”, which was presented by its Director Māra Arāja. Equally exciting was the introduction to the innovative spaces “Vidzeme Open Innovation Hub” and “Dare Makerspace”, which contribute to the development of startups and creative industries. The programme also included a lecture on Latvian culture and language, which helped the participants to gain a better understanding of the local context and cultural environment. An informal meeting was also held with Aija Cunska, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, and Anžela Jurāne-Brēmane, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, during which prospects for further academic cooperation were discussed.

The visit also featured scientific and educational events.

On April 15, Professor Halyna Lutsenko delivered a presentation titled “Project-Based Learning in Engineering Education” at a scientific and methodological seminar for lecturers of Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. She shared the experience of our university particularly that of the Department of Automation and Computer-Integrated Technologies at the Educational-Scientific Institute of Informational and Educational Technologies. Special attention was given to team projects for students of engineering and computer science majors, the specifics of their organization in a high-tech learning environment, the creation of favourable conditions for student communication and cooperation, as well as approaches to assessment.

On April 16 and 17, Senior Lecturer of Journalism, Advertising and PR Technologies Svitlana Koval conducted lectures for first- and second-year students studying media and communication. The first part of the lecture series focused on the topic of “Journalism Studies at BKNUC: Projects, Practice, and Perspectives”, during which the lecturer introduced Latvian students and colleagues to the journalism training programme at BKNUC, emphasizing key areas of study, practical training opportunities, student media projects, as well as international activities and research initiatives of the Department of Journalism. Particular attention was given to the current challenges of the profession and to preparing students for work in a fast-paced media environment. The second part of the lecture series addressed the topic of “Telling Stories in the Digital Age: Exploring New Formats and Platforms”. Svitlana Koval spoke about how digital technologies are transforming journalistic storytelling, emphasizing new formats such as visualization, timelines, story maps, infographics, interactive and multimedia projects, and immersive journalism. Using real-world examples from contemporary media, she demonstrated how journalists today engage their audience, as well as what skills are needed to successfully work in a digital environment.

On April 17, Professor Halyna Lutsenko gave a lecture titled “Project Initiation: Idea Generation and Selection” for second- and third-year IT students at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences. Special attention during the lecture was given to a responsible approach to choosing project topics, grounded in the ideas of corporate responsibility, sustainability, and the principles of social design.

International mobility opens up unique opportunities for professional growth, exchange of cultural experience, and establishment of new international contacts. We express our sincere gratitude to Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences for the warm atmosphere and support in the implementation of this important programme.

International Relations Office