Study experience in Croatia during the summer semester of 2024–2025
For Yuliia Kozak (PR-24), Yuliia Hudak (PR-36) and Kateryna Kavetska (PR-24), studying in Croatia during the summer semester of 2024–2025 as part of an international academic mobility programme turned out to be one of the coolest moments of their student life. They stepped into a completely different world, where, alongside their studies, they discovered new countries, people and emotions.
The learning process had its own unique features: teachers created an atmosphere of openness, encouraged active participation and exchange of ideas, so each class resembled a dialogue rather than a traditional lecture. Practice-oriented lectures gave students the opportunity to experience the immediate usefulness of knowledge and understand how theory works in practice.
The young people paid particular attention to topics that are currently of utmost importance both for EU member states and for Ukraine, whose integration process is well underway. Discussions on these issues provided insight into how European experience can serve as a basis for reforms in Ukraine, as well as the challenges and prospects that await us in the process of rapprochement with the EU.
This learning format allowed them to deepen their knowledge, broaden their worldview, learn to see problems from different angles, and appreciate the power of group discussion.
The girls shared that they were impressed by the academic trip's ambience: the sea after classes, warm evenings spent preparing for the next day's lessons while sitting on the waterfront, listening to the sound of the waves, sharing stories, laughing, and reflecting.
The learning experience was also special. The teachers were always supportive. Classmates became true friends: together they travelled, cooked national dishes, held loud parties, and introduced each other to their traditions (for example, on one student's birthday, they organised a ‘Ukrainian party’ where everyone could taste our borscht, listen to Ukrainian songs, and try their hand at traditional competitions).
"This exchange brought us not only knowledge, but also a feeling of comfort far from home. We realised how important it is to be open to new things, not to be afraid to communicate, to participate in everything the programme offers, and sometimes even to come up with new ideas ourselves, knowing that we will be supported. After all, it is moments like these – evenings under the stars, laughter with friends on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, the salty pages of textbooks, new acquaintances – that remain our most cherished memories," said the students.
