BridgeUSA Academic Exchange Program at the University of Arkansas
Strengthening international academic cooperation, sharing expertise, and promoting Ukraine: Mariia Galaburda, a representative of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, participated in the BridgeUSA Ukraine Program for Resilience and Reconstruction (UPRR) at the University of Arkansas, USA.
In September–October 2026, Mariia Galaburda, Associate Professor at the A.K. Skorokhodko Department of Veterinary Hygiene and International Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of NUBiP of Ukraine, took part in the BridgeUSA UPRR academic exchange program. The program supports professional exchange and the development of long-term partnerships between Ukrainian and American higher education institutions.
The fellowship provided opportunities to engage with American colleagues, explore educational and research practices, exchange professional experience, and identify new areas for international collaboration in veterinary medicine, animal agriculture, and higher education.
As part of the program, Mariia Galaburda and her colleague, Dr. Ruslana Stavetska, delivered a presentation entitled “Ukraine Today: Education, Culture, and Agricultural Resilience” at the University of Arkansas on October 7, 2026.
The presentation introduced members of the university community to Ukraine’s education system, cultural heritage, agricultural sector, and resilience in the face of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The event provided an opportunity to share the experiences of Ukrainian educators and researchers, promote a deeper understanding of contemporary Ukraine, and highlight the importance of international partnerships in education and research.
An important component of the fellowship was engagement with faculty members, researchers, and representatives of the American agricultural sector. Professional meetings, research activities, and visits to agricultural facilities offered opportunities to learn about US approaches to research, education, and professional training while exploring potential areas for joint scientific and educational initiatives.
For the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at NUBiP of Ukraine, international academic mobility plays an important role in strengthening global partnerships, expanding professional networks, and incorporating innovative educational practices. The knowledge and experience gained during the fellowship can contribute to curriculum development, research collaboration, and the continued internationalization of the university.
The BridgeUSA UPRR program represents an investment in long-term academic cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. The program is funded by the US Embassy in Kyiv, with additional support from American universities, and administered by American Councils for International Education. It aims to strengthen academic partnerships, support collaborative research, and build the capacity of Ukrainian higher education institutions to contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and future development.
Participation in the program is an important contribution to NUBiP of Ukraine's international activities. It also highlights the role of academic diplomacy, professional exchange, and international cooperation in advancing higher education and research.
Through initiatives such as BridgeUSA UPRR, NUBiP of Ukraine continues to expand its international engagement, strengthen institutional partnerships, and create new opportunities for collaboration with universities and research institutions worldwide.
