Representatives of Uman National University shared their experience of taking the Intercultural Communication course as part of the DEFEP project
As part of the Erasmus+ CBHE international project “Distance Education for Future: Best EU Practices in Response to the Requests of Modern Higher Education Seekers and Labour Market (DEFEP),“ students of Uman National University Kristina SUKHETS’KA and Zoya NEPOCHATENKO took part in the distance learning course ”Intercultural Communication,” which was held in the spring semester of the 2024–2025 academic year.
The course was developed and conducted by Doctor of Philology, Professor Oleksandr PRONKEVYCH and Candidate of Philology, Associate Professor Alina MOZOLEVSKA. The program aimed to develop intercultural competence as a component of the professional growth of future specialists and teachers.
During the course, participants learned the basics of intercultural communication theory, studied the influence of cultural contexts on communication, and examined the concepts of cultural identity, language, stereotypes, and etiquette in a multicultural environment. Particular attention was paid to practical tasks, case studies, and reflection on their own communication experiences.
After completing the course, the students shared their impressions.
Kristina SUKHETS’KA noted:
“This course taught me not to be afraid to communicate with people from different cultures. I realized that effective communication begins with respect—for the language, traditions, and values of the interlocutor. Thanks to DEFEP, we learn to think globally but act locally, preserving our own identity.”
Zoya NEPOCHATENKO added:
“The course was a revelation for me: communication is a culture of mutual understanding. I gained experience that will help me in my teaching work – to create a more inclusive, tolerant, and friendly learning environment.”
The participation of representatives of Uman National University in the Intercultural Communication course demonstrates the university’s active position in the development of international cooperation, the internationalization of education, and the improvement of the digital and communication literacy of teachers and students.
The DEFEP project continues to implement a strategy for the sustainable development of distance education, aimed at developing new competencies in students that are necessary for professional success in a globalized world.