The sixth International Staff Week event, which has become a tradition by Uşak University, began with a ceremony held at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress and Culture Center on May 12, 2025.

This year, the opening ceremony of the event, which was held with the participation of approximately 70 academic and administrative staff representing 31 universities from 20 different countries, was attended by Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş, Deputy Governor Burak Bozkurt Gürses, provincial protocol, academics, administrative staff, students and international guests.

Emphasis on Internationalization

Uşak University International Relations General Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tolga Kargın, who delivered the opening speech of the ceremony, spoke about the work carried out in line with Uşak University’s internationalization vision and the International Week organization that has been successfully carried out for six years.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ekrem Savaş stated in his speech that Uşak University establishes international collaborations with more countries and institutions every year and noted the following:

“In line with our internationalization strategy, we attach great importance to student and staff mobility. In this regard, our International Week event is not only a cultural sharing; it also forms the basis for scientific and academic collaborations.”

Prof. Dr. Savaş, who also touched upon the richness of the city, called on the guests to discover the city and develop cooperation with the university.

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Savaş, who also touched upon the historical, cultural and natural riches of Uşak, known as the “City of Firsts”, called on the guests to discover the city and develop cooperation with the university.

The opening presentation of the event was made by Bülent Özcan, Director General of Financial Cooperation and Project Implementation of the Presidency for the European Union. Özcan provided information about EU Projects and the work they have done in his presentation. At the end of his presentation, he thanked Rector Prof. Dr. He thanked all of Uşak University, especially Ekrem Savaş, and wished them continued success.

Meeting Point of Cultures

Following the opening speeches, international students studying at Uşak University presented stage shows and opened stands introducing their own cultures as part of the ‘‘International Student Meeting’’ event held for the second time this year. 

Fulbright Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Gaye Kuru also provided information about Turkish culture as part of the cultural program.

At the end of the ceremony, a zeybek and sema show was performed by a folk dance team consisting of students from the Faculty of Sports Sciences. The artistic coordinator of the show was Lecturer Dr. Onur Altıntuğ, while the choreography was prepared by Lecturer Meltem Altıntuğ and Lecturer Hüsamettin Yüce Doğan. The event ended with the presentation of plaques of appreciation to the participants and a group photo.

In the 6th International Week, which includes 70 participants from 20 countries, bilateral cooperation meetings and meetings with promotional presentations to increase cultural interaction, cultural performances and trips to promote Uşak and our region will be organised.