WEST UKRAINIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY

 As part of the Erasmus+ academic mobility, an international internship took place in Breda (Kingdom of the Netherlands) from 5 to 10 January 2026 within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 programme.

A delegation from the West Ukrainian National Universityy completed the internship programme, consisting of the director of the Education and Research Centre for Communication, associate professor of the Department of Economic Cybernetics and Informatics, associate professor of the S. I. Yuriy Department of Finance Oksana Koval, and category I interpreter of the International Relations Office Viktoriia Korobii.

The internship took place at the Netherlands Business Academy (Breda). On behalf of the host institution, the rector of the Netherlands Business Academy, Professor Jan van Zwieten, acted as the programme coordinator. As part of the internship, participants successfully completed the international programme ‘Innovative Practices in EU Educational Partnerships’, which provided an introduction to contemporary European approaches to the development of educational partnerships, innovative models of cooperation and practices for integrating education, science and business. It aimed to improve professional and teaching competencies, develop intercultural cooperation, and contribute to the improvement of the university's educational and scientific activities.

A special place in the programme was given to practical training at SPARK Design & Innovation, often referred to as a ‘premier league’ design company.

The training was conducted by Robert Barnhoorn, founding partner of SPARK, who presented modern approaches to creative thinking and immersive learning that combine educational innovation, digital empowerment and the development of human resilience. During the meeting, specific practical steps for further cooperation were discussed, as well as prospects for deepening the partnership with Delft University of Technology, of which Mr. Barnhoorn is a key stakeholder.

Meetings with mental health professionals who have extensive experience working with military personnel, veterans, and people affected by combat were a valuable addition to the programme. In particular, participants spoke with Sven Burgers, director of Eduquest and chairman of the board of the Global Resilience Centre (GRC), as well as Henry Speck, an applied psychologist and coach specialising in trauma therapy.

The approaches to emotional stabilisation and recovery of internal resources presented proved relevant and useful for the development of a support system for veterans in Ukraine. In addition to the professional component, the participants had the opportunity to learn more about the Dutch culture, which helped to improve their intercultural competence, communication skills and foreign language proficiency.

Upon completion of the internship, all participants received international certificates confirming their successful completion of the programme, which comprised a total of 40 academic hours.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the rector of the Netherlands Business Academy, honorary professor of WUNU Jan van Zwieten, for the excellent organisation of the internship, professionalism, practical focus of the training programme and warm hospitality. The centre's staff would like to express their gratitude to Yvette Livius, Professor at the NBA, Manager of International Cooperation and Coordinator of International Mobility Programmes, for the opportunity to participate in the programme.