After successful launch of KNU’s participation in the NICE programme in 2023, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv continued the implemention of virtual exchanges programme NICE in 2024.
For five months, 30 students participated in the NICE (Network for Intercultural Competence to facilitate Entrepreneurship) virtual exchange programme.
Students of the following institutes and faculties took part in the programme:
- Military Institute
- Educational and Scientific Institute of International Relations
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Philology
- Educational and Scientific Institute of Law
- Faculty of Economics
- Faculty of Psychology
- Faculty of Information Technologies
- Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics
The participation of KNU students in this programme was made possible thanks to KNU’s partnership with the University of Edinburgh.
The uniqueness of NICE lies in the combination of innovative teaching methods and theoretical knowledge focused on project work of teams. Student teams were assisted by facilitators – representatives of universities selected on the basis of a competition. Facilitators supported students in their research, observed group activities, motivated participants and helped them work on the project.
The NICE programme consisted of two parts: online modules and a summer school.
Online Modules
The first part, which lasted from March to June, 2024, was held in the format of online modules, and 30 KNU students were selected to participate in the programme.
The programme participants, working in close synergy with students from the University of Edinburgh, the University of Amsterdam, the University of Padua, Jagiellonian University, University of Johannesburg, as well as the University College Dublin, implemented team-based innovative business ideas, applying a cross-cultural approach to the development of entrepreneurship and solving the goals of sustainable development facing modern society.
Summer School
The second part involved participation in a Summer School which took place on the campus of Jagiellonian University, in Kraków, Poland, from 29 June to 06 July 2024.
15 of the most active and successful participants of the virtual part were selected for the summer school.
The group was greeted with a welcome mixer upon arrival, which enabled the students to meet and mingle before the sessions began. Students participated in a week-long, in-person programme focused on developing solutions to international student integration challenges as expressed in the local Polish context. The students spent the week engaging in sessions on intercultural teamwork, creativity and innovation, and how to develop an idea via the ‘Transition Cycle’ framework. Students also took advantage of exploring the beautiful city of Kraków and its local culture. By the end of the week, the student teams had created solutions to the challenge that they then presented to their peers and representatives of the university at a showcase event on the final day.
On the part of KNU, the project was coordinated by:
- Roman Petyur
- Anastasiia Pozhar
- Nadiia Serohina
