On April 3–4, 2025, the Faculty of History and International Relations of Uzhhorod National University hosted the IV International Scientific Conference for Students and Young Researchers titled “Intercultural Communication and Cultural Competencies in the Professional Sphere: Challenges and Opportunities in the Era of Digital Technologies.” The event was dedicated to the topic of intercultural communication and the development of cultural competencies in the context of the modern digital world.
The Department of Multicultural Education and Translation of the Faculty of History and International Relations of Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) was the conference organizer for the fourth time. Under the direct leadership of Associate Professor Svitlana Myshko, Head of the Department, the academic community of three higher education institutions joined efforts: Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod), Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian Institute (Berehove), and M.V. Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy (Lviv).
A strong command of English among participants allowed the conference to be held bilingually. Most reports and their theses were presented in English, enabling the international scientific community to become acquainted with the achievements of young researchers from Ukrainian universities and participating institutions from other countries.
The event became a platform for discussing the current challenges and opportunities professionals face when communicating in multicultural environments—an increasingly relevant issue in an age where globalization and digitalization are making intercultural interaction a vital component of professional development and international cooperation.
The discussions at the Faculty of History and International Relations of UzhNU were held within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Re-Direction = Redefining Higher Education on a digital context, while promoting a common, inclusive and sustainable framework based on EU best practices and policy recommendations". Young researchers presented the results of their work across six sections, each dedicated to a specific approach to exploring various aspects of intercultural communication:
The plenary session was moderated by Vitalii Andreyko, Dean of the Faculty of History and International Relations at UzhNU, PhD in History, Associate Professor. He welcomed participants and gave the floor to distinguished guests:
During the plenary session, young researchers presented the following reports:
The working languages of the conference were Ukrainian and English, allowing for accessibility to a wide audience, including international participants. Presenters were free to choose either language. Given the growing importance of English proficiency today, the Department of Multicultural Education and Translation initiated this bilingual format. Such initiatives are crucial for equipping students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills essential in a globalized world.
Sectional work took place both offline and online, allowing participants from around the world to join and creating a unique platform for exchanging ideas and experiences.
Presenters paid special attention to the impact of digital technologies on intercultural interaction. They discussed the use of online platforms for international cooperation, challenges in digital marketing, and the role of artificial intelligence in translation and content delivery in multilingual environments.
Under the moderation of Tetiana Plekhova, participants explored the formation of national identity through language policy, cultural heritage, media, and educational processes. Examples from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, sparked discussions on integrating tourism, sustainable development, and individual entrepreneurship into the European cultural space.
A section moderated by Daniella Reshetar focused on changes in public diplomacy and intergovernmental dialogue under the influence of digital platforms. Presenters analyzed the role of social media in shaping political image, the use of euphemisms in leaders' rhetoric, digital diplomacy as a form of intercultural leadership, and strategies for promoting cultural identity abroad. The section also addressed the role of the EU, AI, and detecting disinformation in the modern information landscape.
A section moderated by Yurii Yanovych brought together young researchers from different countries who presented modern approaches to branding, digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and business management in a globalized world. Topics included the impact of AI on communication strategies, the role of personal values in branding, and ecotourism as a tool for international image building.
The international conference enabled students to not only share their research findings but also discuss current issues related to intercultural communication in the digital age. The researchers actively participated in discussions, showing a readiness for critical reflection on contemporary challenges and reaffirming the importance of integrating an interdisciplinary approach into higher education—especially in communication, management, and cultural studies. Overall, the event served as a powerful platform for intercultural and academic dialogue, opening new opportunities for cooperation among universities, scholars, and young researchers.
The conference highlighted young people's strong interest in intercultural communication, particularly in mastering foreign languages, and marked another step toward building an open, tolerant, culturally aware, and professionally competent society. Participants’ presentations were rich and diverse—ranging from analyses of real-world cases of information propaganda to explorations of vocal heritage as a form of intercultural communication. Many talks addressed pressing global issues, contributing to the development of young people’s critical and analytical thinking.
Its value lies not only in showcasing research but also in creating an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and international partnerships.
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Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the European Education and Culture Executive Agency can be held responsible for them.
The project web-page: https://re-direction.org/
The project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563411968827
The project LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-direction-project/
#redirection #ErasmusPlus #inclusivity #sustainability #digitalization
The Department of Multicultural Education and Translation of the Faculty of History and International Relations of Uzhhorod National University (UzhNU) was the conference organizer for the fourth time. Under the direct leadership of Associate Professor Svitlana Myshko, Head of the Department, the academic community of three higher education institutions joined efforts: Uzhhorod National University (Uzhhorod), Ferenc Rákóczi II Transcarpathian Hungarian Institute (Berehove), and M.V. Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy (Lviv).
A strong command of English among participants allowed the conference to be held bilingually. Most reports and their theses were presented in English, enabling the international scientific community to become acquainted with the achievements of young researchers from Ukrainian universities and participating institutions from other countries.
The event became a platform for discussing the current challenges and opportunities professionals face when communicating in multicultural environments—an increasingly relevant issue in an age where globalization and digitalization are making intercultural interaction a vital component of professional development and international cooperation.
The discussions at the Faculty of History and International Relations of UzhNU were held within the framework of the Erasmus+ project "Re-Direction = Redefining Higher Education on a digital context, while promoting a common, inclusive and sustainable framework based on EU best practices and policy recommendations". Young researchers presented the results of their work across six sections, each dedicated to a specific approach to exploring various aspects of intercultural communication:
- Multiculturalism and Identity: The Role of Education in Shaping a Tolerant Society
- The Role of Foreign Languages in Developing Cultural Competencies and Intercultural Awareness in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
- Translation and Literature as Tools of Cultural Mediation: Challenges and Perspectives
- Diplomacy and Intercultural Communication in the Age of Digital Technologies
- Art as a Tool of Intercultural Communication: From Tradition to Modernity
- Marketing and Management in the Context of Digital Transformation: Challenges of Intercultural Communication
The plenary session was moderated by Vitalii Andreyko, Dean of the Faculty of History and International Relations at UzhNU, PhD in History, Associate Professor. He welcomed participants and gave the floor to distinguished guests:
- Ivan Myroniuk, Vice-Rector for Research at UzhNU, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor
- Dr. Mustafa Latif Emek, President of IKSAD (Turkey)
- Oksana Pysmenna, Head of the Department of Music Theory at M.V. Lysenko Lviv National Music Academy, PhD in Art Studies, Professor
During the plenary session, young researchers presented the following reports:
- Tetiana Plekhova (UzhNU): “Influencers as Mediators Between Cultures”
- Tetiana Diakun (Lviv National Music Academy): “The Creativity of Ukrainian Composer Tymofiy Bezuglyi: The Transformation of Folklore in Authorial Interpretation”
- Yurii Petrov (Ferenc Rákóczi II Institute): “The Perils of Monolingual LLM Usage in Border Regions: The Case of Zakarpattia”
The working languages of the conference were Ukrainian and English, allowing for accessibility to a wide audience, including international participants. Presenters were free to choose either language. Given the growing importance of English proficiency today, the Department of Multicultural Education and Translation initiated this bilingual format. Such initiatives are crucial for equipping students not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills essential in a globalized world.
Sectional work took place both offline and online, allowing participants from around the world to join and creating a unique platform for exchanging ideas and experiences.
Presenters paid special attention to the impact of digital technologies on intercultural interaction. They discussed the use of online platforms for international cooperation, challenges in digital marketing, and the role of artificial intelligence in translation and content delivery in multilingual environments.
Under the moderation of Tetiana Plekhova, participants explored the formation of national identity through language policy, cultural heritage, media, and educational processes. Examples from Eastern Europe, particularly Ukraine, sparked discussions on integrating tourism, sustainable development, and individual entrepreneurship into the European cultural space.
A section moderated by Daniella Reshetar focused on changes in public diplomacy and intergovernmental dialogue under the influence of digital platforms. Presenters analyzed the role of social media in shaping political image, the use of euphemisms in leaders' rhetoric, digital diplomacy as a form of intercultural leadership, and strategies for promoting cultural identity abroad. The section also addressed the role of the EU, AI, and detecting disinformation in the modern information landscape.
A section moderated by Yurii Yanovych brought together young researchers from different countries who presented modern approaches to branding, digital marketing, sustainable tourism, and business management in a globalized world. Topics included the impact of AI on communication strategies, the role of personal values in branding, and ecotourism as a tool for international image building.
The international conference enabled students to not only share their research findings but also discuss current issues related to intercultural communication in the digital age. The researchers actively participated in discussions, showing a readiness for critical reflection on contemporary challenges and reaffirming the importance of integrating an interdisciplinary approach into higher education—especially in communication, management, and cultural studies. Overall, the event served as a powerful platform for intercultural and academic dialogue, opening new opportunities for cooperation among universities, scholars, and young researchers.
The conference highlighted young people's strong interest in intercultural communication, particularly in mastering foreign languages, and marked another step toward building an open, tolerant, culturally aware, and professionally competent society. Participants’ presentations were rich and diverse—ranging from analyses of real-world cases of information propaganda to explorations of vocal heritage as a form of intercultural communication. Many talks addressed pressing global issues, contributing to the development of young people’s critical and analytical thinking.
Its value lies not only in showcasing research but also in creating an environment that fosters growth, innovation, and international partnerships.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the European Education and Culture Executive Agency can be held responsible for them.
The project web-page: https://re-direction.org/
The project Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563411968827
The project LinkedIn page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/re-direction-project/
#redirection #ErasmusPlus #inclusivity #sustainability #digitalization