A delegation from Epoka University, led by Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Öztaş, Head of the International Relations Office Dr. Alba Gerdeci, and faculty members Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Isik and Dr. Begmyrat Kulmedov, successfully concluded their participation in the International Days 2025, held from May 12 to 16 at the LUX Pavilion of Hochschule Mainz.

Organized under the theme “Overcoming Global Challenges,” the event brought together university leaders, faculty, staff, and students from across the globe to explore key issues such as internationalization, sustainable development, climate change, technology transfer, student mobility, and academic cooperation in the light of global challenges.

One of the key highlights of the visit was a welcome meeting with Prof. Dr. Anett Mehler-Bicher, Vice President for Research and Transfer. The discussion focused on advancing innovation and strengthening academic collaboration through international partnerships.

The Epoka delegation also had the opportunity to meet with Epoka students currently studying in Mainz, gaining valuable insights into their academic experiences and cultural integration in Germany.

As part of the program, Rector Öztaş visited the School of Business and met with Dean Prof. Dr. Hans-Christoph Reiss, who reaffirmed the significance of the long-standing partnership between the two institutions. He expressed particular satisfaction that the first cohort of students from Mainz is currently completing an exchange semester at Epoka University, marking a milestone in the evolving cooperation.

Further discussions were held with the academic contact Prof. Alfons Buchmann, School of Engineering, focusing on faculty and student exchange and joint research initiatives. A significant outcome of these meetings was the exploration of new double degree programs, particularly in International Civil Engineering, building on the already strong academic collaboration between the two universities.

Both institutions expressed a shared commitment to encouraging more students to pursue study-abroad experiences and to deepen further academic cooperation across multiple disciplines, including business, engineering, and design.

A cultural highlight of the week was the opening of the exhibition “The Sound of Venice” on May 13, which featured compositions, audiovisual installations, and soundscapes capturing Venice's historic and contemporary vibrancy.

Epoka University’s engagement in International Days 2025 reaffirmed its dedication to global engagement, academic excellence, and collaborative approaches to addressing shared global challenges through international education and research.

Epoka University extends its sincere thanks to the hosts at the University of Applied Sciences in Mainz for their warm hospitality and the excellent organization of the event.