Opportunities for Intercultural Environment Creation in Ukrainian Agrarian University

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the significance of creating intercultural competence among students in Ukrainian higher education institutions (HEIs), especially in the context of European integration. The goal is to investigate the potential impact of Euro Union (EU) educational policies and the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU on students’ intercultural competence, and to offer recommendations for the effective implementation of intercultural education. The methodology covers a comprehensive set of theoretical and empirical research methods, including the analysis of scientific sources, regulatory documents, an online questionnaire, pedagogical observation, and direct interviews with Humanities instructors. The research specifically focuses on 160 first and second-year master’s students in the specialties of “Agroengineering” and “Electricity, electrical engineering, and electromechanics” at Sumy National Agrarian University, taking the course “Communications in the International Environment” during the academic year 2023-2024. The results of the study provide a perspective on the attitudes of students toward international harmony, equality, and social values. The findings reveal that the students prioritize living without war and conflict, national security, and national greatness. Recommendations include the incorporation of interactive teaching methods, fostering intercultural dialogue, and promoting a nuanced understanding of intercultural communication.