Strategic Visit from Canada to Istanbul Gelisim University: Steps Towards International Cooperation with UFV

In line with its internationalization vision, Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) hosted an important collaboration meeting. On October 7, 2025, Daryl Smith, a representative from the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), one of Canada's distinguished higher education institutions, visited IGU. The visit marked a strategic step towards strengthening academic and cultural ties between the two universities.

From the EAIE Conference to a Campus Visit: A Growing Collaboration

Daryl Smith’s visit followed an initial meeting with IGU's International Exchange and Cooperation Coordinator Alisa Usubova, held during the EAIE Conference in Sweden between September 9–12, 2025. The meeting was also attended by Scientific Research Projects Coordinator Serap Yeşilkır Baydar, UDIO-K Assistant Specialist Yaren Ergenç, and UDIO-K Assistant Murat Emre Şensoy.
As part of the visit, Daryl Smith met with IGU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Necmettin Maraşlı and received information about the university’s international vision and potential for cooperation. Following the official meetings, a campus tour was organized to introduce IGU’s infrastructure and academic environment.

COIL Program and Erasmus+ Mobility on the Agenda

During the meetings, particular attention was given to the COIL (Collaborative Online International Learning) program implemented by the University of the Fraser Valley. This innovative model aims to foster teamwork, intercultural interaction, and interdisciplinary perspectives among students through online courses and joint projects between universities.
Discussions also included Erasmus+ student and staff mobility, with a focus on potential exchange programs in the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Social Sciences. Both parties expressed a strong commitment to expanding and sustaining collaboration.

MoU and Bilateral Agreement Process Initiated

At the end of the visit, both universities agreed to initiate the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a bilateral agreement. These agreements are expected to provide a solid foundation for transforming academic cooperation into concrete projects.

Istanbul Gelisim University Expands Its Global Network

This visit by Daryl Smith marks the University of the Fraser Valley’s first official institutional visit to Istanbul Gelisim University. It represents a significant step towards establishing a lasting and meaningful academic partnership. IGU continues to emphasize its internationalization vision through such strategic engagements as part of its goal to expand its global collaboration network.