Organized by our University’s Office of Exchange Programs, the 9th International Erasmus+ Staff Week took place from November 3–7, 2025. The event brought together 23 representatives from 15 universities across 11 countries, offering participants the opportunity to learn about our University and the city of Trabzon.

Within the scope of the Erasmus+ Program, the event provided a platform for establishing new bilateral agreements and significantly enhanced the international visibility of our University. This program was specifically designed around the theme of sustainability, contributing directly to the University’s ranking and presence on international platforms.

The program officially opened on November 3, 2025, with speeches by Vice Rector responsible for International Relations Prof. Dr. Ali TEMİZ and General Coordinator of International Relations Prof. Dr. Sercan EROL. Presentations introduced participants to the University, the history and culture of Trabzon, local cuisine, and Turkish language and culture.

On November 4, 2025, participating university representatives delivered presentations about their institutions and countries. In the afternoon, a mini fair titled “Participants’ Exhibition” was held in front of our Faculty of Science, where the visiting universities showcased their countries, institutions, and local delicacies, attracting great interest from our staff and students.

November 5, 2025 featured guided tours to Trabzon’s historic and cultural sites, including the Ayasofya Mosque and Museum, Atatürk Mansion, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Ottoman Cultural House, and Sumela Monastery.

On November 6, 2025, the Office of Exchange Programs provided presentations on “Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes” and “Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges.” Additionally, Asst. Prof. Dr. Hasan İslam ÇOPUROĞLU delivered two presentations: “An Academic Journey: Erasmus+ and Beyond” and “Sustainability in Erasmus+.” The program also included presentations by students who previously participated in Erasmus+ programs, as well as an introduction to the ESN Trabzon Student Club. That afternoon, participants visited our Medical Device Design and Production Research and Application Center (METAM) and Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology Application and Research Center (İLAFAR). Special thanks were extended to İLAFAR Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tuba DİNÇER, METAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa ASLAN, and all center staff for hosting the participants.

On November 7, 2025, a social activity was organized at the General Coordination of International Relations building, where participants learned to make keychains using sailor knots, taking their creations home as souvenirs. A campus tour was also conducted, showcasing our accommodation, social, and sports facilities to the visiting Erasmus+ students, followed by a visit to the Rectorate Building, where participants were welcomed by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer URSAVAŞ. The visit concluded with a commemorative group photo.

The closing ceremony saw the participants receive their certificates from General Coordinator of International Relations Prof. Dr. Sercan EROL.

Participating Countries:

Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Malaysia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Greece

Participating Universities:

• Adam Mickiewicz University
• Erudio Centre for Higher Education
• ESTACA - School of Transport Engineering
• IUCS/CESPU
• Jan Grodek State University in Sanok
• Kaunas University of Technology
• Rey Juan Carlos University
• Universiti Malaya
• University of Applied Sciences Nordhausen
• University of Huelva
• University of Siena
• University of Thessaly
• University of Turin
• University of Warsaw
• West University of Timisoara