Erasmus+ International Week at Utena College: International Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

From April 15th to 19th, 2024, the ERASMUS+ International Week took place at Utena College, attended by lecturers from LBTU Malnava College, Sandra Ežmale, and Karīne Laganovska.

The International Week saw guests from Baku Business University (Azerbaijan), Kujawy and Pomeranian University in Bydgoszcz (Poland), Izmir Kavram Professional School (Turkey), Halic University (Turkey), Poltava Economics and Trade University (Ukraine), Riga Technical University Daugavpils Study and Science Center (Latvia), Rezekne Academy of Technologies (Latvia), Riga Law College (Latvia), and LBTU Malnava College (Latvia).

The ERASMUS+ International Week was filled with various events. It featured the traditional international scientific-practical conference "Aspects of Sustainable Development: Theory and Practice," which addressed topics such as technology for sustainability in modern society, environmental sustainability, human well-being and social responsibility, cooperation between education, science, and business, and sustainable leisure and tourism. The conference included 58 presentations, including 32 student presentations and 18 reports from foreign participants, including a presentation by lecturers from LBTU Malnava College on the application of design thinking in the educational process.

The International Week also hosted the fourth conference "Evidence-Based Practice: From Health to Social Well-Being." The conference offered presentations and discussions on integrated personal care and interdisciplinary collaboration, the application of digitalization in practice, evidence-based medical care education, and other topics.

Additionally, a seminar on the synergy between research and development, higher education, and societal impact on regional development was organized, along with meetings with international guests, lectures for college students, acquaintances with the diversity of Utena city, and a performance by the dance and singing ensemble "Vieversa" from Utena Cultural Center, providing international guests with an insight into Lithuanian culture.

The Erasmus+ mobility for lecturers from LBTU Malnava College contributed to their professional and personal growth, including the opportunity to meet lecturers and researchers from other countries, fostering new professional networks that could promote further collaboration opportunities, joint projects, or knowledge exchange. Participation in the conference, where research and practices from different countries were presented, as well as discussions, presentations, and seminars on relevant topics, provided new perspectives and approaches for further work at the college, promoting professional development by expanding knowledge and competencies. Getting to know different cultures and people from various countries, as well as participating in cultural events, fostered intercultural understanding.

Overall, participation in the ERASMUS+ International Week organized by Utena College provided new motivation and inspiration for the study process and international cooperation at LBTU Malnava College.

Mobility was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Mobility of Individuals in the Field of Education" 2022-1-LV01-KA131-HED-000060352.