Students and lecturers of the TSI of continuing education and tourism at the HoReCa interactive educational hub in Slovakia

Students and instructors attended this event by invitation of the Academy of professional education «Merkur», Kaluzha and within the framework of the agreement on international cooperation and academic mobility of students concluded with NUBiP of Ukraine. 

The purpose of the event was an exchange of experience in the field of HoReCa, the introduction of modern technologies in the restaurant and hotel business, as well as the integration of international educational standards into the practical training of students. Within the framework of the educational hub, master classes from leading international experts were held; as well as practical classes on modern restaurant management; discussion panels on global trends in HoReCa and the specifics of practical training of Ukrainian students in resort hotels in Slovakia. Further prospects for participation of applicants for higher education of the University in specialty «Hotel and restaurant business» in competitions and festivals that would be held in the autumn period, were discussed.

 

Within HoReCa interactive educational hub a joint project LAVANDULA FEST 2025 was implemented. Maria KOSTYUK and Alina MALYSHKO under the supervision of the head of the laboratory Svitlana OLYUNINA participated in networking on the technology of cooking meat on an open fire and desserts using flames and with the addition of lavender. Participants had to complete two tasks: prepare a meat dish over an open fire, a side dish of vegetables and a sauce, using lavender in any form (in marinade, sauce, syrup or oil, or in decoration when serving); prepare a sweet dish or dessert using lavender. 

Our students approached the task creatively and offered two dishes: «Flame of Provence» — pork shoulder with noisette vegetables and lavender sauce; «Provence: with warmth and tenderness» — lavender mousse with blueberries, grilled banana and cheese cream. The above-mentioned dishes differed from the classic ones prepared by other teams participating in the festival, cooking technology, serving, taste qualities and fully corresponded to the tasks set. 

The prepared dishes, at first sight and tasting, won the sympathy of the festival participants, professionals in the field of HoReCa, the director of the Academy of professional training «Merkur» Yana BRETSKO and a special distinction of the governor of the Kosice region Ratislava TRNKA.

 

This was the first experience of our students' participation in an international event and we hope not the last. This is just the beginning. We are proud of the work of our students Maria and Alina. 

The delegation from the University expresses its sincere gratitude to the director of the Academy of professional training «Merkur» Yana BRETSKO, coordinator from Ukraine Alla DOMYSHCHE-MEDYANYK for the opportunity to take part in an event that contributed to the development of international educational relations, and students — to get valuable professional experience! We appreciate the cooperation between our institutions and look forward to its development in the future.