European University, in collaboration with Santa Maria Health School (Portugal), successfully completed an online lecture series in June 2023.  The purpose of this initiative was to facilitate academic exchange and enhance learning opportunities for students enrolled in the Faculty of Medicine. Distinguished professors from Portugal delivered three enlightening lectures to European University students, while Georgian professors reciprocated by leading lectures for their Portuguese counterparts.

Under the auspices of the Educational Barter Program, six comprehensive online lectures were conducted, covering a diverse range of topics. These lectures and their respective speakers are as follows:

•  Water and Associated Diseases - Presented by Nino Badridze, MD, Ph.D., an esteemed Infectionist.
•  Relationship between Sleep and Pain - Delivered by Professor Carlos Crasto, PT, MSc, Ph.D.
•  Competencies in Performing Management Functions and Roles (Professionalism, Emotional Intelligence, Cultural Competence,               Communication) - Expounded upon by Kakha Vanishvili, MD.
• Types of Anesthesia - Nurse Role - Presented by Maia Jabua, MD, an Anesthesiologist and Reanimatologist.
•  Palliative Care - Delivered by Professor Catarina Simões, RN, MSc.
•  An Initial Approach to the Critical Patient with Sepsis: a Question on Evidence Implementation - Presented by Professor Abílio Teixeira,    RN, MSc, Ph.D.

It is worth noting that each lecture attracted more than 60 eager participants from the Faculty of Medicine. Attendees consisted not only of students from European University and Santa Maria Health School but also included students from Kutaisi University. The active participation of students in engaging discussions and the exchange of perspectives with both their peers and the esteemed lecturers was commendable.

Within the framework of the Educational Barter program, Georgian and Portuguese colleagues engaged in fruitful discussions concerning the potential for future academic collaboration, particularly in the realm of joint research endeavors.

At the conclusion of the lecture series, professors were duly honored with certificates of appreciation, while participants were provided with certificates of attendance, acknowledging their active involvement in this enriching academic initiative.

The concept of "Educational Barter" pertains to a series of reciprocal online lectures, wherein professors from partner universities deliver lectures to students of European University, and in turn, Georgian professors impart knowledge to students from the partner institution. This collaborative approach serves as a catalyst for fostering academic cooperation and promoting a vibrant learning environment.

Santa Maria Health School, certified by APCER and A3ES, is a recognized higher education institution in Portugal, offering Nursing and Physiotherapy degrees, Long-term care courses, and post-graduate programs.