WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

 The Education and Research Centre for Communications at West Ukrainian National University is opening up unique opportunities for students at the educational institution for the second year in a row. Recently, Olha Bohaienko, a student at the West Ukrainian National University, enjoyed an incredible experience and gained invaluable practical expertise during an international internship at the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland).

Thanks to the well-established cooperation between Oksana Koval, Director of the Education and Research Centre for Communications, and Paul Fisher, Director of the Oxford Programme on Negotiation (OPN), the British side offered free places for WUNU students to participate in the Oxford Programme on Negotiation during the first half of June.

This programme runs twice a year and is considered one of the most renowned in the world. Its participants come from a wide range of geographical, cultural and organisational backgrounds. Typically, they are CEOs, directors, senior civil servants, military officers, political and educational leaders, officials from multilateral organisations, NGO directors and senior managers – all united by a desire to master the art and science of negotiation through practical simulations and original Oxford case studies.

Last year, our student Tetiana Morzhevska was the only representative from Ukraine.

This year, inspired by her profound experience and filled with emotions, Olha Bohaienko shares her impressions:

"Study at Oxford? Even in my wildest dreams, my mind couldn't imagine it. Despite my love of learning, Oxford seemed like a parallel universe to me. At best, a course on Coursera. But then... I found myself sitting in a real Oxford lecture hall with 40 colleagues from over 28 countries. It wasn't just learning. It was a transformation that gave me a new understanding of the true power of negotiation, an opportunity to immerse myself in new cultures, perspectives and self-reflection — hundreds of insights, dozens of heartfelt conversations, true kindred spirits.

Faith, mentoring and trust open doors we never even knew existed. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Ms. Oksana Koval, whose passion for negotiations inspired this trip, as well as to the WUNU Communication Centre for their trust and support, which helped turn a distant dream into a living reality. Special thanks to Paul Fisher for the opportunity to be here and undergo this training. I cannot even describe it in words, but Paul said it perfectly: ‘a life-changing experience.’ Another unforgettable moment was the sincere, warm and powerful support for Ukraine from the programme participants. It touched me deeply. Oxford and I are no longer parallel worlds. The journey continues. And yes, despite everything, there is always a way forward."

Therefore, despite all the challenges, we continue to work and move forward.

And we never tire of thanking our foreign partners for their constant support and assistance. Thank you for inspiring us to dream big, believe in the power of our aspirations, and conquer new heights!