Hosted and organized by the International Exchange Programs Coordination Office of our University, the “8th International Erasmus+ Staff Week” was held between May 12–16, 2025. The event welcomed 32 representatives from 25 different universities across 11 countries and served as a platform to introduce both our University and the city of Trabzon to international participants.

In addition to contributing significantly to our University’s international visibility, the event also created opportunities for initiating new bilateral agreements under the Erasmus+ Program.

On May 12, 2025, the event began with opening speeches delivered by our Vice Rector in charge of International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Ali TEMİZ, and the General Coordinator for International Affairs, Prof. Dr. Sercan EROL. The opening session included presentations highlighting our University and the historical, cultural, and culinary richness of our city and country. On the same day, participants visited our University’s Research and Application Centers: the Medical Device Design and Manufacturing Center (METAM) and the Drugs and Pharmaceutical Technology Research and Application Center (İLAFAR). We extend our sincere thanks to METAM Director Assoc. Prof. Mustafa ASLAN, İLAFAR Director Prof. Dr. F. Sena SEZEN, and all research center staff for their hospitality.

On May 13, participants delivered presentations introducing their own institutions and countries. Later that day, a mini fair titled “Participants' Exhibition” was held on the ground floor of the Faculty of Science, where participants showcased their countries, universities, and local delicacies. The event attracted great interest from both students and university personnel.

On May 14, cultural tours were organized to explore the historical and cultural landmarks of Trabzon. The itinerary included visits to the Hagia Sophia Mosque and Museum, Atatürk Mansion, Gülbahar Hatun Mosque and Tomb, Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Ottoman House of Culture, and the Sümela Monastery.

On May 15, students who previously participated in Erasmus+ shared their experiences in a dedicated session. Presenters Hilal CAVUŞ, Betül SARI, Özgür GÖREN, Elif Sudenaz KARAŞ, and Beyza ÖZCAN were warmly thanked for their contributions. Additionally, current Erasmus+ interns Randja CHANAI, Kamila SPENDLIKOVA, Manel ABDELMALEK, and Lisa LIBARDI gave insightful presentations on “Being an Erasmus+ Student at KTU.”

On May 16, participants attended a hands-on presentation at the Department of Forest Industry Engineering’s workshop, where they learned about the production stages of a traditional wooden mini-house (serender). At the end of the session, each participant received the mini house they assembled as a keepsake. We thank Assoc. Prof. Dr. Samet DEMİREL and all workshop staff for hosting this memorable experience.

During the closing ceremony, participation certificates were presented by Prof. Dr. Sercan EROL, General Coordinator for International Affairs.

Participating Countries

• Germany
• United States of America
• Bulgaria
• Czech Republic
• France
• Spain
• Italy
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Greece

Participating Universities

• Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi
• Angel Kanchev University of Ruse
• Brno University of Technology
• CY Cergy Paris University
• Harokopio University
• University of Thessaly
• University of Macedonia
• University of Patras
• University of Ioannina
• University of Naples Federico II
• University of Silesia in Katowice
• University of Opole
• Lodz University of Technology
• Jagiellonian University
• Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen University of Applied Sciences
• The Karkonosze University of Applied Sciences in Jelenia Góra
• University de Lorraine - IUT Nancy-Brabois
• University of Zaragoza
• University of Minho
• University of Valladolid
• Masaryk University
• Miguel Hernandez University of Elche
• Westcliff University
• West University of Timisoara
• West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin