On the basis of the framework agreement approved by the Debrecen University Senate and the Academic Council of Lviv University initiated the academic cooperation of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv with Hungarian university.
In order to expand mutually beneficial cooperation between universities for the development of educational and research activities on October 11, 2016 Rector Volodymyr Melnyk signed an agreement about the cooperation of Lviv University with Debrecen University.
In accordance with the agreement the parties intend to cooperate in all spheres of mutual interest using appropriate resources and expertise, available in the following forms: “exchange of scientific and research staff for conducting lectures, seminars, and conferences, joint research programs, training courses, participation in examination and dissertation committees, the exchange of graduate students to attend conferences and seminars, conducting research required for completion of the dissertations and qualifying papers; students exchange; exchange of publications and scientific information; exchange of administrative staff for professional development in the international educational programs; development of programs “double degree” and joint educational projects, the curriculum of which will be agreed through the conclusion of additional agreements”.
It should be noted that the signing of the agreement was preceded by the visit of the delegation of our University to Debrecen and a number of meetings, representatives of one of the most famous universities of Hungary – University of Debrecen with the administration and faculty of the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv.
Thus, the delegation of Debrecen University comprising: doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, professor, dean, director of the Institute of Hungarian and World history, Clara Papp, doctor of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, professor, head of the academic research group of the faculty of humanities Attila Baran, professor of the faculty of humanities, head of the department of nederlansche Gabor Pusztai, head of the Dean’s office, faculty of humanities Zoltanne Nemeth on October 10 visited the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and took part in celebrations on the occasion of the University Day and working meetings with the vice-rector on scientific and pedagogical work and international cooperation Maria Zubrytska, vice-rector on scientific work Roman Hladyshevskyi, lecturers of the faculty of foreign languages and faculty of history.
Vice-rector Maria Zubrytska stressed on the importance of cooperation between the countries that border on each other. “It is important for neighbouring countries to have a dynamic cooperation. For example, we have close links with Poland, but, unfortunately, we still had no partnership in the academic sphere with Hungary”, – said vice-rector.
Focusing on a wide range of opportunities for learning foreign languages, which the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv offers young people, dean of the faculty of foreign languages Volodymyr Sulym, noted that among more than 30 foreign languages taught in the University, there is no Hungarian language. “We have developed classical Philology, German studies, English studies”, – said dean, and made a proposal to develop a project, which would have opened an opportunity for students to study Hungarian language as a third foreign language.
Vice-rector noted, that as a classical university, we have different faculties, based on the powerful scientific schools. “With the assistance of officials of the European countries the Lviv University students have opportunity to learn Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Swedish languages.
We have the adapted model how to start studying any foreign language,” said Maria Zubrytska, proposing to develop a mechanism of studying the Hungarian language in the Ivan Franko National University of Lviv together.
“We have to take comprehensive steps towards foreign languages, especially the languages of neighboring countries that are our strategic partners. Our countries share a common history and cultural space. We are open to your ideas and opinions”, – assured the vice-rector.
Head of the academic research group of the faculty of humanities, University of Debrecen Attila Baran spoke about the structure of one of the most prestigious universities of Hungary, emphasized that among more than 3.5 thousand foreign students a large number belongs to immigrants from the Carpathian region.
Attila Baran stressed that the Debrecen University has an annual program of free study of the Hungarian language. “We could start the cooperation with the faculty of humanities and arts, in particular, to ensure the mobility of students”, – he addressed to the colleagues of Lviv University.
Vice-rector Maria Zubrytska expressed hope that with the help of humanities we will be able to create a platform for the expansion of cooperation with applied sciences.
After discussion of a number of working issues, the parties reached agreements on the development of practical models for the implementation of cooperation agreement.
Summing up the meeting results, vice-rector Maria Zubrytska said that “the work plan and interpersonal relations are the most essential components for establishing networking”.