The 2nd International Staff Week, organized by the Kastamonu University Erasmus  Office, concluded with high participation, and the program concluded with a ceremony held on October 17th. 

The event, held from October 13-17, 2025, within the framework of the KA171 program, aimed to bring together academics and administrative staff from different countries to foster international academic collaborations, enhance cultural exchange, and facilitate the mutual promotion of best practices. 

This year's program hosted 35 participants from 19 different countries, including South Africa, Egypt, the Philippines, Moldova, Jamaica, Germany, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ethiopia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Palestine, Nigeria, Ghana, Albania, Nepal, Kenya, Indonesia, and Algeria.

Throughout the week, participants had a rich experience both academically and culturally, with cultural introduction tables, interviews with the Turkish National Agency, Erasmus Days activities, campus tours, and nature trips. 

The event began with welcome and registration procedures held at the Erasmus Welcome Center on Monday, October 13th. The city tour, which continued with visits to the Ceramic Workshop, Living Museum, and City Archives, allowed participants to get a close look at Kastamonu's historical and artistic richness. The gala dinner held at Beyribey Guesthouse provided a warm and friendly atmosphere where friendships were strengthened among guests from different countries.  

On the second day of the event, participants gathered at a ceremony held at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center, which was attended by Dr. Kemal Başçı, the National Agency Higher Education Coordinator. After the ceremony, guests shared cultural information at promotional booths, providing students with details about their countries and universities.

During the teaching and training activities held on Wednesday, October 15th, faculty members from different countries shared information about their institutions, education systems, and academic studies by giving presentations in various faculties of our university. Themes such as digitalization, sustainability, cultural diversity, student mobility, and pedagogical approaches were prominent in the presentations. Participants also closely examined the research facilities and faculty infrastructure of our university, and held discussions on potential bilateral agreements and joint projects that could be undertaken in the future. 

As part of the social and cultural program organized after the academic events, participants visited Horma Canyon, Ilıca Waterfall, and Çatak Canyon Glass Observation Terrace on Thursday, October 16th.  At Çatak, one of Turkey's highest glass observation terraces, guests had the opportunity to watch the valley view from a height of approximately 450 meters.

Ended with a Certificate Ceremony

The five-day intensive program concluded with a certificate ceremony held on Friday, October 17th. At a ceremony attended by our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, General Coordinator of International Relations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk Akcaoğlu, and Erasmus Coordinator Asst. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kaya, participation certificates for the Erasmus+ Staff Week were presented to participants from different countries.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı stated that sharing knowledge and experience with academics from different geographies is a gain for our University, and thanked all participants for having a productive process.

At the ceremony, participants also expressed their satisfaction with the hospitality of our university, hoping to come together again in the coming years. The event concluded with a group photo taken in memory of the day.