Dr. Sayin with students in MRU’s Communication and Digital Marketing program in Vilnius, Lithuania
Saint Mary’s University was represented by Dr. Firat K. Sayin, Associate Professor of Management, at Mykolas Romeris University’s (MRU) International Teaching Week this May in Vilnius, Lithuania. This faculty exchange provided a unique opportunity to engage with a global academic community and share expertise on an international stage.
During the visit, Dr. Sayin delivered lectures on creative management and leadership methods to students in MRU’s Communication and Digital Marketing program. Discussions were also held with Professor Agota Giedrė Raišienė and other departmental colleagues, focusing on teaching methodologies, research activities, and future collaboration. This collaboration has already led to a potential research project with Professor Raišienė titled "Remote Work Inclusion of People with Disabilities for Career Sustainability."
In addition to academic contributions, the exhange included cultural and networking activities. Highlights included a celebration of Europe Day with international students, a dinner with fellow faculty from a diverse range of countries including India, Japan, France, and Ghana, a classical music concert, and a guided tour of the Lithuanian Parliament.
Dr. Sayin described his experience as highly valuable, offering him a chance to teach in a new country, learn from a global community of teachers and researchers, and represent both Saint Mary’s University and Canada abroad, saying how he hoped colleagues will explore similar international teaching opportunities.
If you are a faculty member interested in an international teaching exchange, keep an eye out for upcoming opportunities posted in the Community Bulletin, of contact the Global Learning Office in AT 106 (global@smu.ca).
