From 27.11.2023 to 01.12.2023, our university hosted representatives - Branislava Bobáková from the Marketing Office for International Cooperation, Public Relations and Third Mission and Janki Korčoková from the Department of Education at Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica (Slovakia). Our guests came to us as part of the Staff Mobility for Training of the Erasmus+ programme. The visit, based on sharing experiences, job shadowing of our staff and comparing procedures, was full of fascinating events and intense discussions.

The primary aim of the meetings was to explore various aspects related to international promotion, the realisation of educational, implementation and scientific projects. However, these were not the only topics on the agenda. During discussions in the International Cooperation Office with Tomasz Kniaz (International Cooperation Coordinator) and Monika Smyth (Institution Coordinator for the Erasmus+ Program) there was also great interest in Service Learning projects, an innovative aspect of education, integrating learning with social action. This is an extremely important and increasingly popular form of service learning, involving educational activities designed to build a bridge between the knowledge gained in the course of study and the practical learning of social responsibility.

The extensive opportunities for cooperation between the universities were evident both during the talks in the International Cooperation Office and the tour of the university's library. Visitors had the opportunity to take a look at both the day-to-day operations of the library and the unique collections, prompting reflections on the differences and similarities in approaches to the management of academic resources. After the exploration of the library, the focus shifted to the fascinating world of the campus. The student TV and radio studios and innovative laboratories for augmented reality and new media research generated enthusiasm among visitors. This unique experience allowed immersion in cutting-edge technologies that are an essential part of today's education.

The visit to the Teaching Department was a time for in-depth discussions about the organisation of studies, the recruitment process and the design of modern educational programmes at higher education level. Aleksandra Mirek-Rogowska (Student Exchange Coordinator and Erasmus+ student exchange participant in Ireland and the Czech Republic) and Anastasiia Zakharkina (Higher Education Recruitment Coordinator and Erasmus+ student exchange participant in France) were the main guides to this world. These meetings not only allowed the exchange of best practices, but also the identification of common challenges and the search for innovative solutions.

This dynamic exchange of experiences not only broadened the perspective of the functioning of both universities, but also initiated potential cooperation projects. The Erasmus+ programme continues its role as a catalyst for international cooperation in education, opening the door to new opportunities and inspiring partnerships. This unique event not only brought concrete benefits to both universities, but also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in a dynamic educational environment.