On April 13, 2024, a joint class of the teachers from the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics and German Philology took place as part of the professional development course with American professor Stuart Carroll from the College of New Jersey. Additionally, Canadian colleagues, school teachers who teach at an international school in South Korea, were invited to join the session. Led by Nathan Smith, a respected educator in South Korea, the session evolved into an enriching conversation club, fostering cross-cultural exchange and professional development opportunities.

The session commenced with a warm introduction by the teachers from the Korean International School, who shared insights into their diverse experiences and expertise in teaching English to non-native speakers. Ukrainian teachers then had the chance to introduce themselves, followed by engaging breakout sessions that facilitated connections and idea sharing among both groups.

The main topic of discussion centered around "Today's Kids," delving into the unique characteristics of Generation Z students and effective learning strategies. The dialogue flowed smoothly, exploring similarities in students' attitudes towards learning and humor across different cultural contexts.

Particularly noteworthy was the participation of English language teachers from Ukrainian schools who took part in the professional development course organized by the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics as a career orientation event. Together, they discussed topics ranging from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students to Gen Z's resilience in the face of adversity. The teachers enthusiastically engaged in discussions covering various topics, including:

1. Evolution of students' behavior and attitudes
2. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on students
3. Resilience and challenges: insights from Ukrainian teachers
4. Humor in the classroom: understanding student dynamics
5. Student values and morals: observations and reflections
6. Concerns and optimism: prospects for student well-being
7. Student-adult dynamics: relationships and interactions
8. Political awareness and social activism among students
9. Cultural trends: bridging the generation gap
10. The role of mass media and entertainment in student culture
11. Mutual learning: feedback from students

The unique format of the session provided Ukrainian teachers with a platform to explore cross-cultural perspectives and enhance their teaching practices. This underscored the Department of Foreign Languages and Linguistics' commitment to fostering global connections and promoting professional growth within the EFL teaching community.