On May 9, 2024, a meeting was held with Babatopi Falohin (Nigeria) and #Hanna Vlasova (Ukraine, teacher at the GIIIM) as part of the "Intercultural Communication" program of the Department of English Philology and Translation, scholars of the FLTA (Foreign Language Teacher Assistant) program USA) programs named after Fulbright, who taught at Southern Illinois University this academic year. The topic of the meeting is "Intercultural FLTA Experience: challenges and opportunities". Babatopi Falohin (Nigeria) made an interactive presentation about his country. He spoke in detail about the ethnic composition and languages of this African country, in particular the Yoruba ethnos and language, about traditions and rituals, cuisine and music, beliefs, prejudices and superstitions of his people, which are rooted in ancient African culture.

Together with Hanna Vlasova, the FLTA scholars shared their impressions of the experience of living in America, studying and teaching at an American university. They talked about the challenges of cultural adaptation, the difference in communication culture between Americans and Ukrainians, and frankly answered the questions of our listeners. The event ended with a kahoot TRUE/FALSE game, in which the participants proved that they had well understood and remembered the received information.

Winners and teachers of the department of English philology and translation of the GIIIM are sincerely grateful to the guests for an interesting and useful event that allowed them to gain virtual experience of intercultural communication. The main message is that sincerity, openness and impartiality help overcome communication barriers.