On November 22–30, 2025, seven students from the Educational and Scientific Institute of Linguistics at the National University of Ostroh Academy, together with their group leader, Oksana Mararenko, Head of the International Relations Department at the National University of Ostroh Academy, took part in the international youth exchange programme "Creative Entrepreneurs – Startup Our Future" held in Dordrecht (the Netherlands). The event was organised by the Dutch organisation 'Stichting Be Innovated' in partnership with Ostroh Academy and with the participation of representatives from the Netherlands, Ukraine, Moldova, North Macedonia, Croatia and Hungary.
Participants had an excellent opportunity to present Ukrainian culture and traditions using the tools of educational diplomacy. The students presented Ukrainian cuisine, folk customs and cultural symbols. They shared their own experiences as young people studying during a full-scale war.
The programme was intensive and practice-oriented. During the exchange, students participated in various master classes on creating ceramic products, generating business ideas, designing creative clothing and accessories, and developing entrepreneurial skills.
Participants also completed team assignments, worked on their own start-up concepts and presented them to an international audience. This mode of learning enabled the development of entrepreneurship, teamwork, communication, and intercultural competencies.
Participation in international youth programmes has many advantages: getting to know other cultures, developing leadership skills, improving English language proficiency, fostering creative thinking, expanding professional opportunities, and learning to work in a multinational environment. Such projects contribute not only to the personal growth of young people but also to the formation of a positive international image of Ukraine and the National University of Ostroh Academy.
This year, the NaUOA partnered with Erasmus+ Youth projects for the first time, winning European Union funding together with an organisation from the Netherlands to hold two youth exchanges: in France (September 2025) and the Netherlands (November 2025). It is an essential step towards strengthening the university's international cooperation and expanding opportunities for Ukrainian youth.
