Lectures by a Czech expert, strong interest among Georgian students in studying in České Budějovice, and new opportunities for international cooperation. These were the main outcomes of a working visit by representatives of the Faculty of Health and Social Sciences of the University of South Bohemia (FHSS USB) to Georgian Technical University (GTU) in Tbilisi, Georgia, from 26 to 30 October 2026, as part of the Erasmus+ KA171 programme.
The faculty was represented by PhDr. Štěpán Kavan, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at the Institute of Radiology, Toxicology and Civil Protection, and Ing. Jana Ředinová, Faculty Erasmus+ Coordinator. During the first two days, Štěpán Kavan delivered eight hours of lectures covering key security-related topics, including the integrated rescue system, crisis management, civil protection and humanitarian assistance. He introduced Georgian students to the Czech approach to emergency response and crisis management, drawing on practical experience from the Fire Rescue Service of the Czech Republic. The programme also included professional discussions and visits to specialised university facilities.
A significant part of the visit focused on GTU students, who showed considerable interest in the opportunity to undertake a 2.5-month study mobility at FHSS USB. During presentations and individual consultations, their strong interest helped address initial concerns about whether the planned number of mobilities could be achieved. Both universities therefore agreed to maintain the originally planned number of student exchanges within the project.
Another important outcome was the strengthening of cooperation with the partner Faculty of Mining Geology and Sustainable Mountain Development. Discussions with academic staff opened up new opportunities for one-month international mobility placements for Civil Protection students, particularly in the fields of safety, crisis management and related technical disciplines. Beyond Erasmus+ exchanges, future cooperation will also focus on joint publications and academic contributions through participation in the editorial boards of a scientific conference and a professional journal.
The visit also built on previous teaching mobilities. FHSS USB representatives met again with their Georgian colleague Zaza Khokerashvili, who had completed an Erasmus+ KA171 teaching mobility in České Budějovice during the summer semester of 2025/2026. Other GTU academics also expressed interest in teaching at FHSS USB. These discussions have created further opportunities not only for student and staff exchanges but also for joint academic, research and publication activities.
The visit confirmed that the partnership with Georgian Technical University is delivering tangible results and offers considerable potential for further development. In addition to continuing existing mobility activities, it creates new opportunities for students and academic staff at both institutions.
