The seventh International Staff Week, traditionally organized by Uşak University since 2019, began with a ceremony held at the Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Congress and Culture Center on May 4, 2026. This year's event is being held with the participation of 34 academic and administrative staff representing 18 institutions from 13 different countries around the world.

Internationalization Vision Emphasized

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Uşak University International Relations General Coordinator Assoc. Dr. Tolga Kargın provided information about the work carried out within the coordination office. Stating that the International Staff Week process, which was started in 2019, has reached its seventh year, Kargın emphasized that significant progress has been made in line with the university's internationalization vision.

Uşak University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Demir, in his speech, stated that the event is not only an academic gathering but also an important platform in terms of the university's internationalization goals. Stating that they believe education has no boundaries, Demir said that establishing strong ties between different countries and increasing cultural interaction are among the university's priorities. Emphasizing that international participants are volunteer ambassadors of the university, Prof. Dr. Demir asked the guests to share their experiences when they return to their countries. Stating that student mobility within the scope of the Erasmus program is increasing every year, Rector Demir stated that international students add dynamism to the campus and enrich the academic environment with their different perspectives. In his speech, he also stated that cultural trips and local experiences await the participants in addition to an intensive academic program, and wished them a productive and inspiring week.

DTS Design Center Introduced

In the later parts of the program, the Uşak University Leather, Textile, Ceramic Design, Application and Research Center, the only academic design center in the country that has been structured for the development of the region and then the country and has national and international achievements, was introduced. Prof. Dr. Eren Öner, Director of the DTS Design Center, gave a comprehensive presentation on the center's purpose, operation and role in university-industry cooperation.

International Students Highly Impressed by Uşak University

In the section where students participating in the Erasmus program in Uşak shared their experiences, Nini Dokhnadze and Mariam Tchurghulia from Georgia and Anna Spaska from Ukraine spoke. The students expressed their satisfaction with being at Uşak University, stating that the academics and fellow students, especially the General Coordinator of International Relations, provided them with support in every aspect.

The students stated that they were extremely impressed by the hospitality and emphasized that they felt at home in Uşak. They also expressed their great admiration for the historical and natural beauties of the region, mentioning that their visits to the ancient city of Blaundos and Ulubey Canyon, as well as their experience of traditional carpet weaving, were unforgettable.

Turkish Culture Introduced

Taking the podium to introduce Turkey's cultural richness, the Assistant Coordinator of the General Coordination of International Relations, Lecturer Dr. Gaye Kuru, gave a presentation on the fundamental elements of Turkish culture.

Performances Received Great Acclaim

The program concluded with a Zeybek and Sema dance performance staged by students of the Faculty of Sports Sciences. The performance, coordinated by Dr. Onur Altıntuğ and choreographed by Lecturers Dr. Meltem Altıntuğ and Hüsamettin Yüce Doğan, was greatly appreciated by the participants. The first day of the event ended with a tour of Uşak University's Bir Eylül Campus for the international guests.

The Program Will Continue Until May 8th

Within the scope of the 7th International Week, which will continue until May 8, 2026; bilateral cooperation meetings, academic sharing sessions, promotional meetings, and various tours introducing the cultural heritage of the region will be held.