Today, humanity lives in a globalized world, so cultural exchange is a powerful tool for strengthening mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect between nations. It is facilitated by various international cooperation programs that create opportunities to study, work, and travel. International cooperation is the key to the future of higher education, as international partnerships between universities benefit everyone, from staff to students.
Universities all over the world are striving to make the most of opportunities by forming global partnerships, strengthening relationships with each other, and competing for the title of the most culturally diverse. Vistula is at the top of the list. By taking an active part in various cultural exchange programs, students can promote their country’s rich cultural heritage, which will contribute to its preservation. International student exchange programs allow students from different countries to experience life in a new country. They provide an opportunity to gain cultural knowledge, develop foreign language skills, and build intercultural relationships by immersing themselves in a new way of life. These programs generally involve a student attending classes at a university or school in another country, living with a host family, and participating in activities in the host country.
One of these programs is the European Union’s Erasmus program for exchanging students and teachers between universities from more than 30 European countries. Since the program was launched in 1987, more than 2.2 million students have participated. The program provides an opportunity to study, do an internship, or teach in another country participating in the program. Students and teachers from Polish universities also participate in Erasmus. This year, the program included exchanging students from the University of Vistula and the Polytechnic of Bragança in Portugal and teachers to Belgium.
Another example of such a large-scale exchange is the history of cooperation between Ivan Franko National University of Lviv (Ukraine) and the University of Sheffield (UK). A Ukrainian studies project ran from February 2023 to January 2024. Thus, the University of Lviv took the first step in implementing the large-scale initiative “Ukraine in the European Educational Space: Language, History, Culture” and laid the foundations for further establishing and promoting Ukrainian studies in Europe and the United States of America.
Music and the performing arts have long served as universal languages that transcend borders and unite people. Through melodies, rhythms, and stage performances, students can convey their unique cultural identities and foster a deeper understanding of each other’s traditions. Whether it’s traditional folk music, classical works, contemporary genres, or innovative collaborations, music and the performing arts have the power to bridge gaps, break down stereotypes, and create meaningful connections between diverse communities.
Thus, from 20 to 28 April 2024, more than 100 Ukrainian students will hold an audio performance in six European countries to draw Europeans’ attention to the fragility of peace. The students will present the “Song Without Words” in Germany, Belgium, France, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Slovakia. Against the backdrop of Eurovision, a festival that has been uniting the world with songs for 68 years, Ukrainian students decided to unite the world with one song that does not require competition. This alternative music composition perfectly reflects the Eurovision slogan – United by Music. In this way, Ukrainian youth thank the European community and call for continued support for Ukraine in the war against Russian aggression. This event is part of the annual training program of the Ukrainian Leadership Academy. The Academy’s students’ visit to Europe aims to study the principles of European democracy, the primary and important areas of government and education, which is part of the cultural exchange.
Students have the opportunity to share their unique narratives, perspectives, and artistic styles through literature and visual arts. After all, literature reflects the essence of a nation’s history, traditions, and social values, while visual art provides a visual representation of cultural expression. International literary and artistic projects and competitions, in which university students are actively involved, facilitate such cultural exchange. For example, the EU’s Creative Europe program has announced a call for proposals for the Dissemination of European Literary Works to support 40 projects and promote literary translations in 2024.
Tourism also catalyzes cultural exchange, allowing people to immerse themselves in other nations’ unique heritage and traditions. Through various international exchange programs, students can visit and experience life in different countries and explore new cities, picturesque landscapes, and historical monuments. By communicating with local people, participating in cultural events, and visiting museums and cultural institutions, students become ambassadors of cultural exchange and bring a greater understanding and knowledge of foreign traditions.
Vladyslava Avrakhova
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