The Visit of the Karazin University Delegation to the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The delegation of the Institute of Business "Karazin Business School" visited the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands, from February 19 to 23. Throughout the week, various meetings and discussions on different directions of cooperation took place.

The visit commenced with a meeting at the Embassy of Ukraine in the Kingdom of the Netherlands with the Ambassador of Ukraine to the Netherlands, Oleksandr Karasevych, and the Second Secretary of the Embassy for Cultural and Educational Affairs, Yulia Malynovska. The Ambassador discussed the strategic directions of collaboration between the Netherlands and Ukraine, post-war recovery assistance, aid for over 100,000 Ukrainians temporarily residing in the country due to the war, and the potential involvement of the university in recovery programs.

Meetings were also held with the Dean of the School of Business and Economics, Professor Arye van Vitteloostuijn, and other professors. Each side presented its university and school, outlined current directions in education and research, and identified potential areas for collaboration.

Delegation members visited the library of the Free University of Amsterdam, learning about different approaches to library work during a guided tour. The library director, Hilde van Weijngaarden, and colleagues discussed their cooperation with Ukraine and a special zone created for Ukrainian literature.

The Director of the Institute of Business "Karazin Business School," Volodymyr Rodchenko, presented a gift from the rector of Karazin University, Tetyana Kaganovska – a book about Hryhoriy Skovoroda. He also highlighted the significance of Skovoroda for the university and the region.

A meeting with the director and collaborator of "StartHub" took place, introducing Karazin representatives to the principles and methods of their work, project selection criteria, assistance in startup project development, and participation conditions.

Another important part of the program was a meeting with representatives of the University Relations and Fundraising Department, responsible for alumni relations. They explained the functioning of their office, communication channels, and approaches to engaging alumni, as well as the events they organize.

A significant event was a meeting with the director Sabina St. Rose and the acting Secretary-General of the Aurora program, Frans Snijders. During the meeting, representatives of the Institute of Business "Karazin Business School" presented their work directions and ideas for potential collaboration within specific blocks of the alliance.

The visit concluded with a summary meeting with the Director of the International Cooperation Center, Dr. Denyse Snelder, and Program Coordinator Henk van den Heuvel.

Thanks for the warm welcome and a packed program to Olexander Khyzhniak, and we hope for the realization of all shared ideas!

Let the strategic collaboration begin!