By Nohzah Zulkarnain
The spirit of learning, sharing, and growing came vividly to life as Karadeniz Technical University (KTU) hosted the 9th International Erasmus+ Staff Week on Sustainability in Education from 3–7 November 2025. Organised by the Office of Exchange Programmes, the event brought together 23 representatives from 15 universities across 11 countries, all united in their commitment to strengthening global collaboration in higher education and fostering international partnerships that extend beyond borders.
Each participating university had an opportunity to present their institutions, highlighting their strengths, ongoing initiatives, and visions for international collaboration. A reflection and sharing session encouraged participants to exchange insights on different educational systems, administrative practices, and internationalisation strategies. The afternoon Participants’ Exhibition, featuring local delicacies, cultural displays, and showcases of academic programs, offered an interactive platform for universities to market their strengths while sparking potential collaborations. This combination of learning, sharing, and self-promotion created a vibrant space for dialogue and mutual inspiration.
Growing through experience
One of the week’s most memorable experiences was the field trip across Trabzon, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum, Ataturk’s Pavilion, Gulbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb, Ottoman Culture House of Suleiman the Magnificent, and Sumela Monastery. Beyond sightseeing, these visits illustrated a profound truth, knowledge is not confined to books and lecture halls. History, culture, and environmental awareness can be absorbed through the air of ancient monasteries, the echoes of centuries-old structures, and the serenity of mountains and forests. The experiential learning reinforced the idea that true understanding often comes from immersion, observation, and reflection.
Complementing these experiences, workshops on Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes and Youth Exchanges, alongside insightful presentations by Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Islam Copuroglu on An Academic Journey: Erasmus+ and Beyond, and Sustainability in Erasmus+, deepened participants’ understanding of how mobility programmes influence academic excellence, personal growth and competencies, and also institutional development. Contributions from students sharing their own Erasmus+ experiences, as well as a presentation by ESN Trabzon, brought authenticity and energy to the discussions.
The delegates also visited KTU’s Medical Device Design and Manufacturing Research Center and the Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center to discover how research and innovation translate into real-world impact. These engagements highlighted the importance of hands-on experience, demonstrating how universities can integrate applied research, technological advancement, and academic collaboration to enhance learning and contribute meaningfully to society.
The week concluded with a heartwarming social event at the Office of International Relations, where participants learned to create sailor’s knot keychains, symbolizing the strong connections formed throughout the program. A campus tour, picnic-style lunch, and interactive team games provided a relaxed environment for participants to bond further. These informal interactions proved that professional and cultural relationships flourish best when nurtured in warm, engaging settings, beyond formal sessions or workshops.
A week that leaves a mark
Besides the Turkish hosts, delegates from France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, and Spain left Trabzon with more than just certificates. Their experiences served as a powerful reminder that international programmes like Erasmus+ go far beyond traditional academic opportunities, they are strategic platforms for institutional growth and development.
For administrators, Erasmus+ offers a unique opportunity to strengthen professional competencies, gain insights into best practices, and develop skills to navigate and manage international collaborations effectively. Participants broaden their perspectives and return with practical knowledge and strategies to enhance processes, programmes, and policies at their home institutions. Such experiences equip universities to better support students, faculty, teaching and research initiatives in today’s increasingly globalized academic environment.
The Erasmus+ was more than a programme, it was a celebration of discovery, exchange, and growth that will continue to inspire long after participants return home. It reminded us that when universities come together, they don’t just share knowledge, but they build bridges across borders, spark innovation, and shape the future of higher education. Erasmus+ empowers institutions to strengthen global partnerships, enhance visibility, and drive excellence in teaching, research, and administration.
It equips both individuals and universities with the vision, skills, and networks needed to thrive in a connected world, proving that learning, collaboration, and growth know no boundaries.
Nohzah Zulkarnain is a Manager at the Centre for Foundation Studies in Science, Universiti Malaya, and may be reached at nohzah@um.edu.my