Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (in Slovak abbreviated as UKF) supports international cooperation both in the field of education and research. Via projects we meet regularly with our partners, connecting, brainstorming and socializing in a friendly atmosphere of international working teams. One of the most efficient frameworks for such meetings is provided by Erasmus programmes. The Erasmus mobility programme enables us to establish new partnerships as well as to strengthen collaboration within partners we already have. Such activities are crucial and inevitable for further development of institutions, mainly international departments.

This year, we have actively participated in several international events, such as Sustainable Development Youth Action Forum in Serbia or 8th annual Staff Training in Spain.

The first event was focused on SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) which is an initiative issued by United Nations in 2015 defining complex objectives for the countries and institutions all over the world.

The forum was held from 6 to 9 April in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia. The primary purpose was to present organizations, discuss possibilities and produce new ideas. Participants came from diverse environments and cultures, representing many different NGOs, universities and other organizations. Various nationalities, such as Indonesian, Armenian, Indian, New Zealand, German, French, Oman and Moldavian were very active in the topics concerning global problems.

The content itself was very interesting, consisting of presentations of universities, start-ups and companies. We have learnt a lot of information about other institutions. CPU was presented as well at the practical workshop based on teamwork. The introductory part of the workshop delivered the fundamental information of our university. The second part was more tangible, involving all of the participants to present their own ideas on Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development. As a result, we were appreciated by positive feedbacks and CPU was approached for further collaboration with organizing institution NewDiplo Centre in Serbia. 

The latter international event was held in Almeria, Spain from 24 to 28 April 2017. Similarly, the 8th annual Staff Training was indeed culturally diverse which was perceptible since its early beginning as other representatives were professors, students and international officers from South Korea, Lebanon, Syria, but also from England, Italy, Germany, Austria and Serbia.

The presentations and workshops themselves were very informative, practical and concrete, such as interesting project in Syria where university collaborates with refugees or the way how South Korea cooperates with other countries within Europe. We were brainstorming in groups to create new international projects with program countries. We promoted our International Staff Week which is going to be organized in June and invited all of our international colleagues to visit our university as well.

One of the most important parts of the training was networking which was mostly done during informal part, such as organized tours. Together with other universities, we discussed processes at other universities, problematic areas as well as good practices and types of international projects. It was very inspiring to be surrounded by such pleasing international group.

We believe that we can meet once again with our international colleagues, partners and friends at our university as well. We would be delighted to welcome and host all of our international friends in Slovakia at our International Staff Training which will be happening from 12 to 16 June 2017. We are looking forward to our further cooperation.

Terézia Paňková
International Relations and Mobility Office