On February 14-16, Valentyna Yakubiv and Volodymyra Boichuk took a trip to University of Potsdam within the framework of EDUC activities. University of Potsdam held a session of EDUC Council of Rectors, which agreed on multiple strategic decisions that will affect alliance’s development trajectory for the next decade.

During January 26-30, 2026, the teachers and researchers of the Department of Theory and Methods of Preschool and Special Education of the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University, Marianna Matishak and Iryna Skomorovska, underwent training at the University of South-Eastern Norway on the content of the project “Rebuilding futures: Empowering educators and students through cross-border collaboration and invention pedagogy (REFINE)” within the framework of the EDUC-WIDE SEED PROJECTS – 2024.

The training program provided for familiarizing the project participants with the university campus, creative workshops and the DigTekLab digital technology laboratory, as well as enriching their experience in interdisciplinary learning in the context of the STEAM approach and invention pedagogy (creativity, cooperation, practical creative activity). Colleagues from the University of South-Eastern Norway Larysa Dahl Kolesnyk, Camilla Groth and Nazanin Garmsiri presented the possibilities of using digital tools to implement invention pedagogy through maker activities in educational settings. Camilla Groth introduced the researchers to the features of the concept of “worldmaking”, the key provisions of invention pedagogy, and presented the methodology for implementing these in the process of professional training of future teachers. During the workshop, Marianna Matishak and Iryna Skomorovska, with the support of Norwegian colleagues, created their own “maker” project (didactic board game “Didital Detox Game”) using digital tools and technologies available in the laboratory. The results of their creative work were presented during a seminar meeting with USN colleagues from the research group of Human rights and Democracy, situated at the city of Drammen.
During this educational visit, teachers and researchers from the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University got acquainted with the features of organizing a maker space in a Norwegian school, and also visited the Notodden public library, which is an important cultural center, a space for communication and creative development of the city community. The project participants had the opportunity to share reflections, discuss the work plan and subsequent activities that will be implemented at the Vasyl Stefanyk Carpathian National University.

Want to improve your language skills without having to travel?
What if your next language course could also help you develop intercultural competence, international professional contacts and career skills?

Introducing the EDUC E-tandem Language Programme
The EDUC E-tandem Language Programme is a tool for developing language skills and intercultural competences. The programme brings together two administrative staff from different EDUC universities to practice the language of their choice, improving their intercultural communication skills in a friendly and professional atmosphere.

How the programme works: you are paired with a colleague from another EDUC university; you practice your chosen foreign language; learning takes place through live communication, not classroom lessons; intercultural communication skills are developed at the same time.

Why join?

improve your foreign language for everyday professional activities; increased confidence in working in a multicultural environment; preparation for staff mobility, internships and international cooperation; support for long-term professional and career development.

Program details

online meetings in tandem format (March – October 2026); minimum 12 hours of participation (including 3 hours of work with a tutor); flexible, friendly and professionally supported format.

Who can apply?

administrative staff of EDUC partner universities (members of the administration, employees of the project management department, scientific library, research department, teaching and methodological department, human resources department, press service);

English level A2–B1 (for communication with tutors)(you can also choose higher levels (B2-C1); you can choose not only English, but also another European language for practice);

motivation and compatibility of participants are important.

Limited places

Up to 8 participants per university (+ waiting list)

Application deadline: February 13, 2026
You can apply via the application form:

https://nettskjema.no/a/576512#/page/1

Partner universities within the EDUC alliance:

University of Paris-Nanterre

University of Rennes

University of Pécs

University of Jaume I

University of Cagliari

Masaryk University

University of Potsdam

University of South-East Norway

PARTICIPATION IS FREE!