This initiative offers a unique opportunity for our university’s educators to transcend traditional academic practices and master the innovative role of a facilitator within a global digital environment. The project aims to implement cutting-edge non-formal education methodologies, enhance digital literacy, and strengthen intercultural dialogue among educators and students from seven countries worldwide.
Participants will not only enhance their own digital literacy but also learn to utilise innovative tools (including Artificial Intelligence) to instruct students from seven different nations. This is a chance to gain international experience, exchange best practices with EU colleagues, and receive an official Youthpass certificate.
Project Mission and Strategic Goals
The “Virtual Voyages” project focuses on the comprehensive preparation of higher education students for the challenges of the modern labour market by developing “learning to learn” skills and enhancing soft skills. Utilising the innovative e-learning platform thevoyage.eu, the project creates an inclusive space for virtual exchange, where instructors serve as guides into the world of intercultural communication and professional self-determination.
The project unites students and facilitators from partner countries for collaborative online learning to promote intercultural dialogue, active participation, and mutual understanding.
Participant Profile and Thematic Areas
To ensure the high-quality implementation of this international virtual exchange program, academic and teaching staff who meet the following criteria are invited to participate:
- Linguistic competence: fluency in English is a mandatory prerequisite (at a level sufficient to facilitate learning sessions, moderate discussions in international groups, and communicate with foreign consortium partners and participants);
- Methodological experience: practical experience in conducting classes in hybrid or blended learning formats, as well as proficiency in working with innovative digital platforms, will be considered a significant advantage.
- Thematic expertise: particular attention will be given to specialists with experience or a deep understanding of the project’s training modules:
“Learning to Learn”: covers time management strategies, information flow management, cognitive methodologies for effective learning, educational trajectory planning, and the cultivation of a lifestyle conducive to continuous intellectual development.
“Career Box”: focuses on vocational orientation tools, self-discovery, personal branding, the art of drafting competitive application documents (CVs), and successful interview techniques.
Role and Functional Responsibilities of the Facilitator
Facilitators will play a key role in ensuring the dynamics of the educational process, performing the following tasks:
- conducting sessions in English using a hybrid format (offline for Ukrainian students and simultaneously online for students from partner HEIs) for at least 7 hours per week over a period of 10 weeks;
- monitoring student assignments on the voyage.EU platform and providing feedback to participants;
- moderating and creating an inclusive, safe, and stimulating online environment;
- coordinating interaction and fostering active collaboration within international student groups;
- supporting the development of participants' digital, communicative, and intercultural competences;
- implementing innovative tools (specifically AI technologies) to optimise the learning process.
Implementation Timeline: June – December 2026.
Workload: from 7 hours per week for a duration of 6–10 weeks.
Format: one “live” session lasts approximately 1.5–2 hours for a group of 15–20 participants.
Professional Benefits for Educators
Participation as a facilitator serves as a powerful professional development tool and provides the following advantages:
- Internationalisation of experience: direct exchange of educational best practices with colleagues from Romania, Italy, Turkey, Moldova, Georgia, and Armenia;
- Digital transformation: mastery of the latest e-learning methodologies and modern facilitation tools;
- Expert status: development of skills in diversity management, conflict management, and intercultural mediation;
- Official recognition: upon successful completion of the program, each facilitator receives an international Erasmus+ Youthpass certificate, providing official European-level validation of the acquired competences.
Project Partners (Consortium)
The project is coordinated by the “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad (Romania) in partnership with:
• National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” (Ukraine);
• Millenium Center;
• Predict CSD Consulting;
• IUL Online University;
• Firat University;
• Moldova State University;
• Caucasus University;
• Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University;
• Gavar State University.
Format and Implementation Schedule
The virtual exchange program utilises a blended learning format:
1. Asynchronous component: methodological support for students' independent work on thevoyage.eu platform.
2. Synchronous component: weekly online sessions (discussions, debates, workshops) conducted over 10 weeks in small international groups (15–20 participants).
Preparation Stage
All selected instructors will undergo a mandatory specialised facilitator training course. The training program will include modules on:
- Working with thevoyage.eu platform and digital tools;
- Online facilitation methods and group dynamics management;
- Intercultural communication and diversity management;
- Integration of AI and digital tools into the educational process;
- Non-formal education techniques and conflict management methodologies.
Coordination and Selection
The selection of candidates is managed by the project coordinator – “Aurel Vlaicu” University of Arad.
Interested educators are invited to contact the International Relations Department for detailed consultations:
Address: Office 213-C (International Relations Department)
E-mail: interoffice@nupp.edu.ua
Project Coordinator at Poltava Polytechnic: Anna Pavelieva (+3-8-095-91-08-192).
Join the innovative team shaping the future of international education together with Poltava Polytechnic!
