The event titled Europe: United in Diversity took place from October 30 to November 2, 2024 at the Fulda University of Applied Sciences, Germany, and brought together representatives from higher education institutions across Europe.

Sumy State University was represented at the Staff Week E³UDRES² by Alla Krasulia, Head of the International Affairs Department, and Dmytro Tsyhanyuk, Director of the Human Resources and Academic Staff Development Department.

The event’s rich program included numerous meetings, discussions, experience-sharing sessions, and interesting excursions. 

The Staff Week E³UDRES² started with a welcoming session and a presentation on the internationalization strategy of Fulda University of Applied Sciences, led by Julia-Sophie Rothmann, Head of International Office. Participants engaged in various sessions, including a training on intercultural competence by Laura Bauer-Campuzano and Laura Yilmaz, which focused on the importance of diversity and intercultural approaches in education. A keynote speech by Professor Claudia Wiesner, titled ‘Europe: United in Diversity - Reflections, Opportunities and Challenges,’ emphasized the role of European integration in contemporary education.

Throughout the week, participants explored mobility formats within E³UDRES² under the guidance of María Campuzano-Lopez, Erasmus Institutional Coordinator, who highlighted funding opportunities and partnership possibilities. Additionally, a city tour of Fulda allowed participants to get acquainted with the region's cultural heritage. The program also included interactive discussions on diversity, workshops, and visits to the historical Observation Point ‘Alpha’ and the Rhön mountain range, which fostered team spirit and mutual learning.

Following her participation in the Staff Week E³UDRES², Alla Krasulia expressed confidence that the opportunities for further collaboration discussed during the event would contribute to the internationalization and implementation of innovative approaches in educational practices.

"Sumy State University is looking forward to launching new projects with other members of the E³UDRES² alliance, which will promote global interaction and intercultural cooperation within the academic community of our university. Stay tuned for new initiatives as our university actively expands international partnerships and makes a significant contribution to the development of the E³UDRES² alliance. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the Fulda University of Applied Sciences for their warm hospitality and the high level of event organization. It was an honour for Sumy State University to participate as an associated partner of E³UDRES²and join this gathering aimed at advancing higher education through experience exchange and the implementation of innovative projects," said Alla Krasulia.