5th International Staff Week
The 5th Erasmus+ International Staff Week organised by Sivas Cumhuriyet University International Relations Office Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator was held between 20–24 May 2024.
What is the International Staff Week?
International Staff Week is an event that brings together staff members from different universities, colleges and institutions from around the world to share knowledge, experiences and best practices. It is one of the most important internationalisation activities of Sivas Cumhuriyet University.
The International Staff Week provides an excellent opportunity for participants to network with colleagues from different parts of the world, learn about new cultures and gain a fresh perspective on their work. During the event, there are workshops, seminars and presentations focusing on higher education, internationalisation, intercultural communication and student mobility.
The programme also gives participants the opportunity to explore Sivas and its surroundings through cultural and social events, city tours, museum visits and local cuisine experiences.
Expected Outcomes
Professional Development
Participants learn about new approaches and good practices in higher education through workshops, seminars and exchanges with colleagues.
Networking
The event creates opportunities to establish professional contacts and develop future collaborations between institutions.
Cultural Exchange
Participants experience the local culture, traditions and cuisine of Sivas while developing a greater appreciation for cultural diversity.
Institutional Development
Participants bring back new ideas, insights and good practices to their home institutions.
Mission
The mission of the International Staff Week organised by Sivas Cumhuriyet University is to foster a collaborative and supportive environment for international university staff to exchange best practices, share knowledge and experiences, and develop new ideas and strategies for enhancing the quality of higher education.
Vision
Our vision is to become a leading platform for international collaboration among university staff from around the world and to create a vibrant community of professionals committed to advancing higher education through shared expertise, insights and partnerships.
Programme
The programme included opening and closing ceremonies, campus and city visits, seminars, workshops, teaching/training activities and cultural excursions.
20 May 2024, Monday
Opening Ceremony, Campus Visits, City Orientation and Cultural Night
Opening Ceremony at 4 Eylül Culture Center, registration, introductory video, opening speeches, University & City Presentation by Lect. Emre Seven and photo session.
Visit to the University History Museum and Natural History Museum.
Visit to Kangal Dog Research Center.
Tour at Hasbahçe Lake and MiniaSivas on campus.
Tour at Hamidiye Park and visit to The War Horses Museum.
Lunch with traditional flavours from Sivas and Turkish cuisine.
City orientation in the historic city square including Buruciye Madrasa, Şifaiye Madrasa, Double Minaret Madrasa, Kale Mosque and Sivas Ulu Mosque.
Free time in the historic city square.
Cultural Night at Susamışlar Mansion, including the Sema ritual of the whirling dervishes and bağlama recital.
21 May 2024, Tuesday
Grant Procedures, Teaching/Training Activities and Optional Seminars
Receiving Erasmus grants at the Vakıfbank unit located on campus.
Teaching/training activities at the departments.
Optional event: Internationalization and Digitalization Workshop by Lect. Murat Ercan.
Optional event: Intercultural Communication Seminar by Lect. Emre Seven.
22 May 2024, Wednesday
Teaching/Training Activities and Turkish Bath Session
Teaching/training activities at the departments.
Turkish Bath Session at Kurşunlu Hamamı. This optional activity was to be paid by the participant.
23 May 2024, Thursday
Excursion to Gürün Gökpınar Lake and Günpınar Waterfall
Excursion to Gürün Gökpınar Lake and Günpınar Waterfall. Participants had the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Gökpınar Lake and Günpınar Waterfall and enjoy a lunch featuring local flavours.
24 May 2024, Friday
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony at Paşabahçe Kütük Ev with Turkish tea and coffee, participant reflections, certificate ceremony and photo session.
Venue
Sivas Cumhuriyet University Campus
- University Museums
- Kangal Dog Research Center
- Hasbahçe Lake
Places to Visit at City Centre
- Hamidiye Park
- Buruciye Madrasa
- Double Minaret Madrasa
- Şifaiye Madrasa
- Kale Mosque
- Ulu Mosque
- Gökmedrese Museum
Activity Places
- Opening Ceremony – 4 Eylül Culture Center
- Culture Night – Susamışlar Mansion
- Workshop and Seminars – 4 Eylül Culture Center
- Teaching & Training Activities – Departments
Lunch and Closing Ceremony
- Meeting Lunch – Hara Restaurant
- Excursion Lunch – Gürün Gökpınar Restaurant
- Closing Ceremony – Rectorate / Paşabahçe Kütük Ev
Campus Map
Transportation
A shuttle bus service was arranged for participants’ convenience.
Shuttle Service
The shuttle service was available on 19 May 2024 to transport participants from the airport to the nearest stop to the hotels. During the event, from 20 to 24 May 2024, the shuttle bus was also available each morning to transport participants from the pick-up points to the International Relations Office.
Airport to City Centre
Participants who could not make it to Sivas on Sunday, 19 May 2024, could use the airport bus service to reach the city centre. HAVAŞ buses and Municipality buses were available for flights.
Participants
Countries
Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Algeria, Jordan, Morocco, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, Colombia, Peru, Cuba
Universities
Abdelmalek Assaidi University, Bahir Dar University, Comrat State University, Georgian Technical University, Kumasi Technical University, Mogadishu University, National University of Uzbekistan, Odessa I.I. Mechnikov University, Osh State University, The University of Tabriz, University of Adriatic Bar, University of Algiers 2, University of EIA, University of Havana, University of Mitrovica, University of Nairobi, University of St. Ignacio, University of Tirana, University Ukshin Hoti, Yarmouk University
Departments and Units
Administrative and Financial Affairs, Agriculture Application and Research Center, Art Teaching, Artificial Intelligence Systems and Data Science Application and Research Center, Business Management, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Construction Technology, Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, English Language and Literature, English Language Teaching, English Translation and Interpreting, Finance, Finance and Banking, Geomatic Engineering, Information Management Systems, Information Systems and Technologies, International Relations Office, Law, Medicine, Pharmacy, Political Science and Public Administration, Quality Assurance, Secretary General, Strategy Development, Student Affairs, Theology, TÖMER, Tourism and Hotel Management
Sivas Cuisine
Meat, cereals and dairy products are important in Sivas cuisine. Winter preparations, local herbs and traditional bakery products also have a significant place in the culinary culture of the city.
Sivas Köfte
A registered local flavour of the city, prepared traditionally with minced meat and salt.
Peskütan Soup
A regional soup prepared with pescutan yoghurt, cracked wheat and green lentils.
Madımak
A famous local herb used in many traditional dishes of Sivas.
Divriği Pilaf
A historic rice pilaf associated with the culinary traditions of Divriği.
Katmer
A registered traditional flaky pastry of Sivas, often consumed at breakfast and tea times.
Kazan Simidi
A traditional bagel baked in stone ovens after being boiled in molasses water.
Organising Team
International Relations Office Administration
Ali AKSU – Head of International Relations Office & Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator
Kübra OKUMUŞ DAĞDELER – Erasmus+ Institutional Vice Coordinator
Event Coordinators
Emre SEVEN – Staff Week Event Coordinator
Murat ERCAN – Staff Week Event Coordinator
International Relations Office Staff
Ayşe CERAN, Deniz SÖNMEZ, Dilber BABA, Seval MUNZUR, Uğur YUVACI, Yasemin KAN
ESN Cumhuriyet Volunteers
Erkin AKPINAR, İrem GÖKTEPE, Mustafa Ekrem BEKTAŞ, Şühedanur AKTAŞ, Yiğit Alp ÖNEMLİBIÇAK
Contact
Lect. Emre Seven
Staff Week Event Coordinator
Lect. Murat Ercan
Staff Week Event Coordinator


