‘Connecting Minds, Empowering Futures’: international guests gathered at Kauno kolegija

Last week, Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution hosted a large group of guests from more than 20 countries. Representatives from various higher education institutions gathered in Lithuania for the annual International Week, themed ‘Connecting Minds, Empowering Futures’.

Povilas Beseckas, Head of the International Relations Unit at Kauno kolegija, notes that International Week has once again proven its importance as one of the institution’s most significant events for strengthening internationalisation, directly contributing to the implementation of the Kauno kolegija’s Strategy 2030.

‘This event not only increases the institution’s visibility in the international higher education space but also creates added value by developing academic partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange, and initiating joint activities with foreign higher education institutions. Internationalisation, as a horizontal strategic principle in the Kauno kolegija’s Strategy 2030, was revealed during this week through practical collaboration formats and active community engagement,’ shares P. Beseckas.

A space for networking and generating new ideas

The International Week programme included various activities: thematic presentations on trends in studies, science, and innovation, practical seminars and creative workshops, partnership-strengthening meetings, presentations of faculties and study programmes, and a cultural programme.

P. Beseckas notes that this multi-faceted event provided a space for guests, Kauno kolegija staff, and students to develop connections and generate new ideas.

‘Lectures and seminars were held for students, who also had the opportunity to participate in the International Short Film Festival. Language lecturers were involved in a blended intensive programme, while researchers had the chance to share research results and plans at two conferences,’ says P. Beseckas.

The Head of the International Relations Unit adds that participants also had the opportunity to learn about the development plans for the Alytus Faculty and evaluate the importance of higher education as a unifying force while participating in various seminars held at Owl Hill (Pelėdų kalnas).

‘It is particularly pleasing that this year we welcomed a large group of participants from various countries around the world, including colleagues from the UNINOVIS alliance and new partners. The event spaces were decorated with the flags of 26 countries, confirming once again that Kauno kolegija’s partnerships are successfully developing not only in Europe but also on other continents,’ shares P. Beseckas.

According to him, as the geography expands and international ties strengthen, the attractiveness and recognition of Kauno kolegija within the international academic community are clearly growing.

A focus on innovation

This year’s International Week stood out for its innovations, reflecting contemporary trends in higher education. Greater attention was paid to digitalisation, the application of artificial intelligence in studies and international projects, and data-driven decisions. Participants were also offered interactive formats, including creative workshops, co-creation sessions, and thematic discussions aimed at encouraging active participation and the search for practical solutions.

‘The event also allowed us to achieve tangible results. New student and staff mobility visits were planned, joint international project initiatives were discussed, and participation in the guest lecturer programme was coordinated. Such results contribute to the long-term development of the institution and further establish Kauno kolegija’s position as an active member of the international academic community,’ concludes P. Beseckas, Head of the International Relations Unit.