Sumy State University is highly active internationally, partnering with over 300 institutions across 60 countries and participating in 4 EU alliances. These connections create valuable opportunities for students and faculty to engage in academic mobility and collaborate on joint research initiatives. Alla Krasulia, Head of International Affairs Department overseeing international activities, shares insights into the unit's achievements and future goals.

1. Can you tell us what the International Affairs Department at Sumy State University does?

The International Affairs Department at Sumy State University focuses on developing and maintaining the university's international relations. We initiate and support collaborations with foreign partners, coordinate academic mobility for students and faculty, and oversee international educational and scientific projects. Our goal is to expand opportunities for educational, cultural, and scientific exchanges, creating conditions for the university's integration into the global educational space.

1. What does your work involve?

My work involves coordinating the activities of the department and implementing the university's international strategy. I negotiate new cooperation agreements, provide support for international projects and mobility programs, and work on finding new opportunities for developing partnerships with foreign institutions. An important part of my job is also establishing internal communication between the university's departments and our partners abroad.

1. What new opportunities for academic mobility for students are planned for the upcoming academic year?

In the upcoming academic year, we are expanding the number of partner universities for Erasmus+ programs. We are also negotiating new scholarships and academic mobility programs at leading universities, which will allow our students to study and intern abroad. Additionally, we are considering the possibility of remote internships, virtual academic mobility, which will enable students to gain international experience even if they cannot travel.

1. Do you have plans to expand cooperation with universities from other continents, particularly in North America or Asia?

Yes, we do. We are actively working on expanding the geography of our partnerships. Specifically, we plan to strengthen cooperation with universities in North America and Asia, where there is significant potential for scientific exchange and joint educational projects. Currently, we already have collaborations with universities in the Philippines and are in negotiations with several universities in the USA. We are also discussing cooperation opportunities with universities in Canada and Japan, which will be an important step towards enhancing the competitiveness of our students.

1. What have been the most significant achievements of the university in international cooperation over the past few years?

In recent years, we have made significant progress in developing international relations. Sumy State University has joined several important international alliances, such as E³UDRES², which opens additional opportunities for academic mobility and collaboration in joint research projects for our students and faculty. We have also become part of various international educational and scientific projects funded by European grants, and our number of partners in the Erasmus+ program has significantly increased. These achievements enable our university not only to integrate into the international scientific and educational community but also to enhance the quality of educational services we offer to our students.