Istanbul Ticaret University Participated in the “International Staff Week 2026” Event Held in Belgium
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Istanbul Ticaret University took part in the “International Staff Week 2026” program held in Belgium, contributing to initiatives focused on digital transformation in higher education, blended learning models, and international virtual collaborations. Representing our university at the program, Exchange Programs Coordinator Dr. Elif Nuray Yıldırım and Specialist Betül Doğdu met with academics and experts from various countries to contribute to initiatives regarding the digital future of higher education.
Istanbul Ticaret University participated in the “International Staff Week 2026” program held in Antwerp, Belgium, bringing its work in the areas of digital transformation in higher education, blended learning models, and international virtual collaborations to an international platform. Representing our university at the program, Dr. Elif Nuray Yıldırım, Coordinator of Exchange Programs, and Specialist Betül Doğdu joined academics and experts from various countries to participate in initiatives focused on the digital future of higher education.
Held from May 4–8, 2026, at our Erasmus partner institution, Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Belgium, the “Teaching Beyond Borders: Mastering Blended and Virtual Learning” event comprehensively addressed blended learning models, virtual mobility, internationalization processes, and digital education applications.
The Exchange Programs Coordination Office also visited our students Hazal Yılmaz and Eylül Lila Tekin, who are participating in the Erasmus study mobility program at Karel de Grote University of Applied Sciences and Arts during the spring semester of the 2025–2026 academic year, to gather information about their academic progress.
SESSIONS FOCUSED ON RESEARCH AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
The program opened with speeches by Faculty Director and Internationalization Officer Tom Fleerackers. Speaking at the opening session, Prof. Jo Tondeur provided insights on the use of information and communication technologies in instructional design and educational innovation. The session comprehensively addressed the role of digitalization in the transformation of higher education institutions.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND NEW EDUCATIONAL MODELS
During the workshops held on the second day of the event, the ABC Design Method—which offers a student-centered approach to rapid course design—was examined through practical applications. In sessions led by experts Eva Goossens, Jan de Jong, and Vinciane Costa, the focus was on structuring course content in a student-centered manner. Additionally, evaluations were conducted regarding the integration of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) skills into the curriculum and the development of students’ ability to manage their own learning processes in blended learning environments.
In the interactive workshops organized as part of the program, the role of Blended Intensive Programs (BIP) and Cross-Cultural Online Learning (COIL) projects in the “internationalization at home” strategy was discussed. Participants shared best practice examples on how virtual mobility can be transformed into a more inclusive and accessible international experience when combined with physical mobility. Additionally, the groundwork was laid for new academic partnerships between institutions during this process.
NEW CONTRIBUTIONS TO CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
During the sessions held later in the event, field experiences aimed at enhancing psychological safety and student participation in international collaborative projects were evaluated. Presentations were given on the use of artificial intelligence tools in education and the ethical integration of these tools into assessment processes. In the panel held on the final day, evaluations were made regarding the internationalization of the curriculum and the funding models for these processes.
Discussions were held with partner universities in Romania regarding potential collaboration on BIP projects, and the potential for cooperation in this area was assessed. Cooperation was established with international partners for a BIP summer school, which will be announced in the coming period.
Istanbul Ticaret University’s international representation in the program contributed to strengthening its existing strategic partnerships in line with the university’s digitalization and “internationalization at home” goals; it also helped develop new and sustainable collaboration opportunities in the European higher education sector with stakeholders from Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Romania, and Estonia.
