A Week in Poland for MSU Community
As part of the project "Bridge to the Future" by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA), educators, postgraduate students, and students from Mariupol State University (MSU) embarked on a journey to Poland.
The trip began with the 8th Silesian Science Festival in Katowice. Participants could explore a variety of engaging activities: lectures about the mysteries of the universe, literary discussions, scientific experiments, astronomy shows, workshops, art installations, and exhibitions of technological achievements.
One of the event's speakers was Olena Suzdaleva, an associate professor in the Department of Management and Finance and coordinator of MSU's Center in Poland. She spoke to attendees about the Invincible University, its forced relocation, a new mission adoption, and key development directions, including digitalisation, uniting Donetsk region communities around the university, and opening representations at partner universities across Europe.
Following her presentation, Olena Suzdaleva participated in a panel discussion on the role of Polish partnerships in transforming Ukraine's higher education system. The discussion included contributions from Łukasz Golota, Deputy Director of NAWA, and colleagues from the University of Silesia Emilia Rekosz-Cebula, Tomasz Pietrzykowski, and Małgorzata Myśliwiec. The panel addressed issues such as dual-degree programs and the challenges in implementing them.
After the festival, other activities organised by their Polish partners awaited the invincible community.
MSU educators had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of international activities and expand their collaborations. Artur Harazim, Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Protocol Department of Poland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, shared insights into protocol work, including seating arrangements, flag placement, signing bilateral agreements, and exchanging gifts and business cards.
Meanwhile, students improved their language and teamwork skills. Those who had previously studied Polish during summer school enriched their vocabulary during the trip, while others attended a training session on the value of unity in solving problems.
