VŠE Successfully Completes Three-Year Erasmus+ Project with Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University

The Prague University of Economics and Business successfully completed a three-year Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility project focused on cooperation with Zhytomyr Polytechnic State University (ZPSU) in Ukraine. The project enabled student and staff mobility and further strengthened the long-standing academic and institutional ties between the two universities.

During the project, VŠE welcomed a total of 12 students and 11 staff members from ZPSU. Each student spent one semester at VŠE and was fully integrated into the international community of exchange students, which comprises approximately 400 students every semester. A significant part of the academic cooperation involved the Faculty of Finance and Accounting at VŠE, particularly in the fields of accounting, financial reporting and information systems. During their stays, ZPSU staff also participated in professional events, including the ACFA conference and an ACCA workshop. Two further staff mobilities took place as part of Prague International Staff Week, which provided opportunities to share good practices in internationalisation and the organisation of international mobility, as well as to establish new professional contacts.

The long-term personal and professional involvement of Prof. Lyudmyla Chyzhevska has been particularly important for the development of the partnership. Over time, she has become one of the key figures connecting VŠE and Zhytomyr Polytechnic. Her work combines academic cooperation in accounting and financial reporting with educational, cultural and community activities. During her visits, Prof. Chyzhevska supported contacts between students and academic staff at both universities, helped raise awareness in the Czech academic environment of the situation facing Ukrainian higher education, and contributed to stronger relations with Ukrainian and Czech expatriate communities. She also brought a cultural and social dimension to the partnership through lectures, meetings and participation in events highlighting the impact of the war on Ukrainian society and education, including the Unissued Diplomas exhibition.

The implementation of the project required intensive coordination and a flexible approach. The ongoing war in Ukraine affected travel options, visa procedures and the originally planned directions of mobility. The International Office at VŠE therefore maintained close cooperation with ZPSU coordinators and individual participants throughout the project. This cooperation made it possible to implement the project successfully while maintaining a high level of support for both students and staff.

The completed project will be immediately followed by a new three-year Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility project, for which VŠE has secured additional grant funding. The new project will enable further student and staff mobility and support the continued development of joint academic activities.