The Catholic University of Croatia hosts a delegation from the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv, Ukraine

The Catholic University of Croatia hosted a delegation from the Ukrainian Catholic University in Lviv from May 11 to 15, 2026. The delegation consisted of Dr. Halyna Protsyk, Vice-Rector for Global Engagement and Social Responsibility in the field of internationalization, and Ivanna Mohylyak, Dean of Student Affairs. The hosts of the visit were Prof. Jasna Ćurković Nimac, PhD, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, and the Office for International Cooperation and Mobility Programs.

During the multi-day program, a series of working meetings, expert discussions, and presentations were held, focused on the exchange of experiences in the fields of internationalization, strategic university development, student support, and the implementation of international projects. The delegation from the Ukrainian Catholic University became acquainted with the activities and organization of the Catholic University of Croatia, its development priorities, as well as its models of international cooperation and project management.

Special emphasis was placed on activities related to student social engagement, integrative educational programs, and initiatives connecting the academic community with the needs of society. Alongside Prof. Željko Tanjić, PhD, Rector of the Catholic University of Croatia; Prof. Roberto Antolović, PhD, Vice-Rector for Science; Prof. Ante Crnčević, PhD, Vice-Rector for Quality, Identity and Mission; and Prof. Gordan Črpić, PhD, Vice-Rector for Organization and Operations, the discussions also included Dr. Ana Haramina, Senior Teaching and Research Assistant at the University Department of Psychology; Assistant Professor Lana Batinić, PhD, from the University Department of Psychology; Matea Vidulić, Teaching Assistant at the University Department of Communication Studies; Karla Žagi, Senior Teaching and Research Assistant from the University Department of Sociology; Marija Stanišić from Croatian Caritas; Gjino Šutić, Senior Advisor at the Office for Strategic Planning, Development and Projects; and Sven Simov, Head of the University Development Department.

The program also included Viktor Filima, representative of the Ukrainian national minority in the City of Zagreb; Borislav Graljuk, Deputy President of the Ukrainian Community of the City of Zagreb led by Maria Meleško; Secretary Ljudmila Vološina; and Ana Komarytsia, teacher in the Integration and Education Program. From the University Department of History, Prof. Ines Sabotič, PhD, and teaching assistant Veronika Novoselac participated, while Gabrijela Bajić and Paula Zujić, teaching assistant from the University Department of Sociology, represented the Laudato si’ Center for Christian Responsibility and Care for All Creation. Examples of good practice in strategic planning, the development of international partnerships, and the implementation of European projects were also presented.

The central part of the program was a workshop dedicated to the COIL methodology (Collaborative Online International Learning), led by Dr. Halyna Protsyk. Through presentations and discussions, participants had the opportunity to explore the possibilities of applying contemporary models of virtual international cooperation in teaching and to consider the potential for institutional integration. The workshop gathered university teachers and staff and opened space for the exchange of experiences regarding innovative approaches to the internationalization of higher education.

As part of the program, the ‘Global Talks’ meeting was also held, dedicated to current issues of international cooperation, academic mobility, and the role of Catholic universities in building an open and supportive academic environment. The meetings took place in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and academic openness and concluded with discussions on future forms of cooperation, joint projects, and opportunities for further networking among teachers, researchers, and students of the two institutions.

The visit of the delegation from the Ukrainian Catholic University once again confirmed the importance of international dialogue and cooperation in strengthening the quality of higher education and contributing to the development of a society founded on knowledge, solidarity, and shared European values.