In June 2025, a delegation from Igor Sikorsky KPI, consisting of professors from the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Probability Theory, O.I. Klesov, I.V. Alekseeva, O.I. Vasilik, and V.V. Bovsunovskaya, visited Mälardalen University (Västerås, Sweden). The visit took place within the framework of the EU's Erasmus+ program (KA1).
Its objectives were to familiarize participants with European approaches to teaching mathematical disciplines, exchange pedagogical practices, develop international cooperation between higher education institutions, and establish contacts for the implementation of future projects within the Erasmus+ program.
Every June, our Swedish colleagues organize an event called “ICM Partners Week,” during which meetings are held with the administration, heads of educational programs, leading mathematicians, staff, and students of Mälardalen University. This year, 10 partner countries were represented at the “Week...”, with a total of 46 participants. In particular, mathematicians from Igor Sikorsky KPI were given the opportunity to attend the defense of bachelor's and master's theses in mathematics. A distinctive feature of the procedure is that the commission includes one student who acts as an opponent. This is considered a useful practice for involving students in academic events and is subsequently taken into account in the final assessment for the defense of a master's or bachelor's thesis. In addition, our teachers attended individual lectures, round tables on topics of common scientific interest, and workshops on the exchange of teaching experience. Our Swedish colleagues were interested in the topics presented by Ukrainian scientists on stochastic analysis, probabilistic foundations of insurance, and renewal theory. As a result of the visit, agreements were reached on further academic exchanges for students and teachers, and the circle of international partners of the Department of Mathematical Analysis and Probability Theory was expanded. The participants showed keen interest in the presentation of our university. Of particular interest was the story about non-standard ways of attracting young people to learning, which were carried out as part of Mathematics Day at KPI in March 2025.
Among other events, the presentation of the laboratory for the creation of an environmentally friendly car powered by solar energy proved to be interesting. Our Swedish colleagues considered the design of one of the university's educational buildings to be a successful design solution, as it has a large number of open spaces for lectures and practical classes, meetings, conferences, breaks between classes, etc., but no permanent offices for teachers.
Participants noted the high level of organization of the event, the friendliness of colleagues from Mälardalen University, and the inspiring atmosphere of cooperation. The visit was an example of how mobility within Erasmus+ stimulates personal and professional development and creates conditions for the integration of Ukrainian science into the European educational space.
It was not just an exchange of experience: this year's “ICM Partners Week” was a real professional breakthrough that inspires us to move forward in difficult times for our country. It was an extremely productive experience that opened up new professional horizons. Communication with European colleagues motivates further development of academic mobility and improvement of teaching practices. Participation in the Erasmus+ program proves that despite all the challenges of today, Ukrainian teachers are actively developing, establishing new partnerships, and representing the country with dignity at the international level.
Erasmus+ offers new opportunities, new knowledge, and new inspiration for teachers and students.