From November 21 to 25, a delegation of Mariupol State University took part in the Erasmus+ project training program "adaptation and integration of international students", which was held at the Dutch business Academy (DBA) in Dordrecht.

Vice-rector for international relations, professor Olena Pavlenko and specialists of the Department of international education Danylo Yehorenko and Maria Kustikova went to the country of blooming tulips.

DBA scientists led by the coordinator of the international project, Professor Jan van Tsvetn, conducted a series of classes for representatives of Ukrainian and foreign higher education institutions. The trainings focused on the development of communication and leadership skills, the art of successful self-presentation, conducting negotiations and managing cross-cultural conflicts, the specifics of working and communicating with representatives of different cultures. They were held in an interactive form using case methods, business and role-playing games, and exercises for feedback.

The trip was an opportunity not only to gain new knowledge, but also to exchange experience. Educators discussed the organization of work with foreign students, the means of their adaptation to the socio-cultural environment of the University, improving the teaching system and the attractiveness of Ukrainian higher education for citizens of other countries.

Communication with international students was useful for the participants. Young people shared their impressions of studying at universities in the Netherlands, talked about ways to adapt to living conditions in a new country, about the positive experience and difficulties they faced in the first days of their stay abroad.

The knowledge and experience gained during the trip will contribute to higher efficiency of working with international students, their successful integration and adaptation to the educational environment at Mariupol University. We are interested in ensuring that when young people come to Ukraine to study, they feel comfortable and are fully involved in student life,

– Olena Pavlenko.