A Focus Group Discussion Was Held at Uzhhorod National University within the International Project “Bridges to Belonging: Integrating Ukrainian Students in European HEIs”

On 4 March 2026, a workshop in the format of a focus group discussion was held at the Project Office of Uzhhorod National University within the framework of the international project “Bridges to Belonging: Integrating Ukrainian Students in European Higher Education Institutions”.

In each country, the event aimed to engage representatives of the academic community, experts, and civil society stakeholders in discussing and improving a future comprehensive integration framework for Ukrainian students who, due to the war, have become internally displaced within Ukraine or continue their studies abroad.

During the meeting, the results of a preliminary student survey were presented, allowing participants to incorporate students’ experiences and needs into the subsequent expert discussion. The focus group represents an important stage between the analysis of research findings and the development of the content of the future comprehensive integration framework.

In Uzhhorod National University, the focus group discussion brought together representatives of the university administration, academic staff, a specialist from the social and psychological support service of UzhNU, civil society organizations, and the student community. The event was moderated by Antonina Bulyna, Deputy Head of the International Relations Department and Oksana Sviezhentseva, Head of the International Relations Department. Among participants there were the Vice-Rector of UzhNU Professor Myroslava Lendel; Professor and Head of the Department of General Pedagogy and Higher Education Pedagogy Oksana Povidaichyk; Associate Professor of the Department of Multicultural Education and Translation Nataliya Popovych; Associate Professor of Associate Professor of the Department of Sociology and Social Work Ruslan Zhylenko; Associate Professor of the Departmemt of Psychology Oksana Shelever; the chairwoman of the civil society organisation “Zakarpattia-Donbas” Anzhela Babkina; Head of the UzhNU Volunteering Unit Kristina Tovt; the chairwoman of the civil society organisation “Megasocium” Hanna Melehanych; a psychologist of the UzhNU Social and Psychological Support Service Olena Slavina; an internally displaced student of the Faculty of History and International Relations Nataliia Bobita; a staff member of the International Relations Department, who is not involved in the project.

The discussion focused on four key dimensions of student integration:

- academic integration: mechanisms of academic inclusion and support, overcoming language barriers, adaptation of educational programmes, and recognition of prior learning;

- social and cultural integration: fostering a sense of belonging within the university community, developing intercultural dialogue, and promoting student mentorship;

- psychological support and well-being: functioning of psychological assistance mechanisms and the creation of a safe learning environment;

- institutional readiness and governance: analysis of policies, management mechanisms, and monitoring systems that support the development of an inclusive higher education environment.

The workshop was conducted in an interactive format using brainstorming techniques, structured dialogue, and collaborative idea generation. Participants analysed the current institutional situation, identified key challenges, and shared examples of effective practices in supporting displaced students.

The outcomes of the focus group discussion will serve as an important foundation for the further development of the comprehensive integration framework, which will include practical recommendations for higher education institutions, self-assessment tools, and proposals for improving institutional policies.

The results of such workshops conducted by all project partners will also be used in the preparation of training activities and resources within the subsequent stages of the project implementation.

Please be reminded:

The project “Bridges to Belonging: Integrating Ukrainian Students in European HEIs” is implemented by Uzhhorod National University in cooperation with international partners: the Vistula Academy of Finance and Business (Poland), Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania), Athens University of Economics and Business - Research Centre (Greece), the Action for the Civil Society (Greece) and the Association “Euro Lider” (Poland). Its aim is to strengthen inclusion, equality, and resilience in higher education by supporting the academic, social, and psychological integration of Ukrainian students who have been forced to relocate and continue their studies due to the war.

Information provided by the International Relations Department

• International Activities