On June 15–19, Natalia Volchenko, head of the International Relations Department at Sumy National Agrarian University, participated in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training – International Staff Week 2026 program, “Connecting Minds, Creating Partnerships,” organized by the University of Foggia (Italy) in Vieste. The event brought together representatives from nearly 300 higher education institutions from around the world and served as a platform for developing international academic cooperation.
The week’s program included a series of institutional presentations, thematic workshops, networking sessions, and professional discussions focused on the internationalization of higher education, academic mobility, and the development of international partnerships.
During one of the official sessions, Natalia Volchenko presented Sumy National Agrarian University to the international community of participants. Particular attention was paid to the university’s strengths, its international achievements, educational and research opportunities, as well as promising areas of cooperation with foreign partners. The SNAU presentation took place on June 17 as part of a series of institutional presentations by program participants.
The development of international relations and academic mobility is a regular and important part of our university’s work. Natalia Volchenko discusses the practical value of this trip:
“The integration of Ukrainian education into the European space is, first and foremost, about a constant, dynamic dialogue. The International Week in Italy served as a valuable working platform where my colleagues and I discussed real-world examples of organizing mobility programs for students and faculty and shared our own experiences. The main focus was on turning new connections into concrete joint projects. Our European colleagues are open to collaboration, and we are already working to implement these agreements.”
As part of the event, a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings were held with representatives from universities in Europe and other regions of the world. The discussions were aimed at establishing new partnerships, developing academic mobility, implementing joint Erasmus+ projects, and renewing previously established contacts.
Participation in International Staff Week 2026 marked an important step toward deepening cooperation between SNAU, Fuji University, and other higher education institutions represented at the event. At the same time, it facilitated the exchange of best practices in the field of international activities, expanded professional networks, and strengthened SNAU’s position in the international academic community.
Sumy National Agrarian University continues to actively develop its international activities, opening up new opportunities for students and faculty members to pursue education, conduct research, and engage in professional development within the European educational environment.
