Istanbul Ticaret University Participated in the “International Staff Week 2026” Event Held in Bosnia and Herzegovina
![]()
Istanbul Ticaret University took part in the “International Staff Week 2026” program held in Dzemal Bijedic University in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, engaging in activities focused on internationalization in higher education, intercultural communication, and Erasmus+ initiatives. Betül Doğdu, Erasmus Specialist from the Exchange Programs Coordination Office representing our university, met with higher education representatives from various countries to discuss international collaborations and the future of the Erasmus+ program.
Istanbul Ticaret University represented its efforts in the field of internationalization on an international platform by participating in the “International Staff Week 2026” event, hosted by the Džemal Bijedić University of Mostar in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from May 18–22, 2026. As part of the program, representatives from 20 higher education institutions across 10 different countries gathered to exchange views on Erasmus+ programs, intercultural communication, and inter-institutional collaborations.
SESSIONS FOCUSED ON INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION AND GLOBALIZATION
The program opened with introductory and informational sessions organized by the Office of International Relations at Džemal Bijedić University. Participants toured the university campus to learn about the institution’s internationalization activities and were also briefed on the work of the UniAdrion network, which brings together universities in the Adriatic-Ionian Region.
On the second day of the event, sessions focused on intercultural communication and internationalization practices were held. The work titled “Interculturally Yours,” prepared by Emre Seven, Deputy Institutional Coordinator for Erasmus+ at Sivas Cumhuriyet University, was presented, and the effects of international mobility on intercultural learning among individuals were evaluated.
One of the notable aspects of the program was the inclusion of participants from different staff week programs held at the University of Sarajevo during the same period. As a result, higher education representatives from various countries and fields of expertise gathered in Mostar to exchange views on the management of internationalization processes, challenges faced by international offices, and the development of intercultural competencies.
INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS AND BEST PRACTICES
The workshop titled “Intercultural Communication as a Tool to Understand Diversity, Facilitate Communication, Create Shared Meaning, and Foster Mutual Understanding,” organized as part of the program, addressed the management of cultural diversity, skills for working with different perspectives, and effective communication methods in international teams. The sessions focused particularly on the concept of ethnocentrism, emphasizing the importance of inclusive approaches to internationalization.
During the sessions held at the University of Sarajevo, current developments regarding the future of the Erasmus+ Program, inclusion policies, and best practice examples were shared. Projects previously carried out by students, such as the Blended Intensive Program (BIP) and the Virtual European Exchange Program (VEEP), were introduced, and the contributions these programs make to intercultural learning and gaining international experience were highlighted.
The BIP project, carried out in collaboration between Palacký University Olomouc in the Czech Republic and the University of Sarajevo to support access to winter sports for physically disadvantaged individuals, was presented as a best practice. Additionally, the “EurIdentity Certificate” program developed by Saarland University in Germany was introduced, and efforts aimed at fostering multilingualism, European identity, and international competencies were shared.
INCLUSION AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN ERASMUS
During the event, inclusion and diversity policies which are among the priorities of the Erasmus+ Program for the 2021–2027 period, were discussed in detail. Information was provided on support mechanisms for individuals with disabilities, participants with chronic conditions, working students, and groups with limited opportunities. Additionally, current developments regarding sustainable financing, resource management, and the Erasmus+ budget in international mobility programs were evaluated.
During the presentations and discussions, it was emphasized that the Erasmus+ Program continues to evolve not merely as a framework supporting physical mobility, but as a strategic tool that contributes to digital transformation, inclusive education, intercultural learning, and the strengthening of shared values in European higher education.
NEW PARTNERSHIPS AND COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITIES
During the event, bilateral meetings were held to establish contacts with current partner universities and potential institutions for collaboration. Discussions were held with Sorina Chiper, an academic from Alexandru Ioan Cuza University in Romania, regarding existing collaborations. Additionally, evaluations were conducted with representatives from Palacký University Olomouc and Politehnica University of Timișoara with which our university maintains active student and staff mobility programs to explore ways to further develop these partnerships.
In addition, discussions were held with representatives from the Università Politecnica delle Marche in Italy, the University of Marburg in Germany, and Ludovika University of Public Service in Hungary regarding potential collaborations under the Erasmus+ program. While invitations were received from these institutions for staff mobility activities, an agreement was reached to continue discussions aimed at increasing academic and administrative staff mobility in the coming periods.
Istanbul Ticaret University’s international representation at the event contributed to enhancing the university’s visibility within the European higher education landscape in line with its internationalization goals, while also strengthening existing strategic partnerships and fostering new collaboration opportunities.
