DigiFLEd Final Conference in Greece: Celebrating Three Years of Innovation and International Collaboration

From 19 to 23 October 2026, representatives of Ukrainian and European partner universities gathered in Kastoria, Greece, for the Final Conference and Closing Meeting of the Erasmus+ project DigiFLEd (‘Modernisation of University Education Programmes in Foreign Languages by Integrating Information Technologies’). Hosted by the University of Western Macedonia, the event provided an opportunity to present project achievements, exchange experiences, reflect on challenges, and discuss how the results can continue to benefit university education.

Oles Honchar Dnipro National University was represented by project manager Dr Olena Hurko and project participants PhD Nataliia Styrnik and PhD Tetiana Pryshchepa from the Department of English Language for Non-Philological Specialities, Faculty of Ukrainian and Foreign Philology and Study of Arts.

The five-day programme combined presentations, interactive workshops, professional discussions, institutional meetings, and cultural activities, offering participants opportunities to share their experiences and explore new approaches to foreign language education.

One of the highlights was the interactive World Café, where participants worked in groups focusing on three key areas: project management, curricular modernisation, and digital ICT tools. The discussions encouraged partners to reflect on what they had achieved, the challenges they had encountered, and how the knowledge and experience gained through DigiFLEd are already being applied at their universities.

Another particularly meaningful session addressed well-being and resilience in wartime Ukraine. Led by Domna Michail and Kate Moore, the presentation highlighted the experiences of Ukrainian educators working under challenging circumstances and the importance of international academic solidarity and mutual support.

The conference also featured presentations by Work Package leaders and project participants, showcasing the outcomes of three years of cooperation. Particular attention was given to modernised curricula, newly developed courses, digital teaching resources, professional development opportunities, and the integration of innovative technologies into foreign language teaching.

Three years of cooperation have produced significant results: 24 modernised curricula, 7 innovative ICT-enhanced courses, 7 virtual university centres, 3 benchmarking visits, and 13 ICT training sessions. These achievements are expected to benefit approximately 1,500 teachers and students.

During the conference, Ukrainian partners presented their experiences of implementing new courses and digital tools, sharing practical examples of how project outcomes are being incorporated into teaching and learning. The discussions demonstrated that DigiFLEd has gone beyond the development of educational resources, contributing to new teaching practices, stronger institutional cooperation, and professional growth.

The final meetings focused on the remaining project tasks, reporting requirements, dissemination, sustainability, and opportunities for future cooperation. Participants also reflected on the most valuable lessons learned and the professional connections established throughout the project.

The visit programme also offered opportunities to explore the region’s academic and cultural heritage, including a visit to the University of Western Macedonia’s Kozani campus, where participants learned about developments in robotics, as well as visits to the Archaeological Museum of Aiani, and the Kastoria region.
 
We sincerely thank Domna Michail, Alexandros Kleftodimos, and Michalis Vrigkas for their excellent organisation, warm hospitality, and the welcoming atmosphere they created throughout the conference.

The DigiFLEd Final Conference marked an important milestone in the 2024–2026 project. While the project is approaching its formal conclusion, its educational resources, innovative practices, and international partnerships provide a strong foundation for continued collaboration.