Klaipėdos Valstybinė Kolegija hosted its 21st International Week event from September 23rd to September 27th, 2024. The theme was “Cultural Diversity in Higher Education,” with participants from different universities worldwide engaging in discussions, workshops, and seminars. The event aimed to explore the importance of cultural diversity in educational institutions and its impact on fostering global citizenship. There were 24 participants from 17 institutions, including 12 members of teaching mobility and 12 members of training mobility. The participants came from the following countries: Latvia, Mauritius, Poland, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Italy, Slovakia, and Spain.
The week started with a warm welcome event at the Technologies Faculty. Ms. Jurgita Raisytė, Deputy Director for Strategic Development, presented an introduction to Klaipėdos Valstybinė Kolegija, our guests learn more about the work of the institution. Afternoon session featured presentations from guest institutions. We had the opportunity to learn more about each participant and their Institutions. Afterward, the participants went on a guided excursion of Klaipeda old town, which ended with a welcome dinner.
The second day focused on visiting the Technologies Faculty and the Nursing Simulation Centre, followed by a thought-provoking presentation by Mrs. Erika Lauberga-Sleze from RTU Liepaja on the significance of cultural diversity in colleges and universities. This was followed by a seminar on emotional intelligence, led by Mrs. Kamile Kesyle and Mrs. Giedre Slusnienė. In the afternoon, attendees had a chance to see a 360° virtual reality movie “I am Lithuania”. This immersive experience gave participants a unique perspective on Lithuanian culture and history.
The mid-week activities were held at the Business Faculty, beginning with a campus visit and then with presentations on cultural diversity from the University of Mauritius. Mr. Deejaysing Jogee shared insights into Mauritius as a harmonious multicultural society, while Dr. Chaya Hurnath discussed different models of managing diversity at the state level. The day’s highlight was a hands-on workshop titled “Break the Barriers of Cultural Challenges,” followed by a seminar on the role of technology in cultural diversity, presented by Mr. Saidas Rafijevas. In the evening, participants enjoyed a traditional Lithuanian ethno-cultural experience and dinner.
Thursday’s program featured an intercultural communication workshop on effective listening and public speaking. The session, led by Mrs. Laura Sėlenienė, provided practical tools for improving communication across cultures. After a coffee break, the group visited the Health Sciences Faculty, concluding the day with a tour of its facilities.
The final day of International Week was dedicated to discussions on bilateral agreements, fostering future collaborations between the participating institutions. What is more important, KVK students had the unique opportunity to attend inspiring lectures by international professors and gain new knowledge and skills.
Here is some feedback from the participants:
“The KVK-organized Staff Week was a great event that brought university representatives together to encourage more collaboration and a better understanding of intercultural competence. We got to experience a wonderful display of Lithuanian culture, including music, history, and cuisine. Big thanks to the KVK International Team for a job.” – Rita Kapeniece-Klauza, RTU Liepaja Academy.
“Thank you for the opportunity to be part of an excellently prepared IW. From my point of view, IW was representative, organized, and supported, and additional information (Whatsapp, FB, photos) was excellently prepared. The international office staff did a really good job to participants feel satisfied via guided excursions, dinner, lunch…” – Barbora Petru Puhrova, Tomas Bata University in Zlin.
Finally, International Week at Klaipėdos Valstybinė Kolegija was a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity, offering a rich program that combined academic insights, practical workshops, and cultural experiences. The event not only deepened participants’ understanding of diversity in education but also strengthened ties between institutions around the world.
