This spring, three ambitious students from Poltava Polytechnic – Nataliia Vashchenko (Management), Valentyna Babets (Finance), and Olha Kushnirova (Philology) – embarked on an extraordinary journey through the Erasmus+ credit mobility program. They spent a semester at the prestigious University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt (Austria), experiencing not merely academic study abroad but a full immersion into a new educational culture. Representing diverse faculties, these students exemplify how ambition transcends borders and international experiences unlock professional and personal potential.
Academic mobility is more than travel – it’s a journey toward a new version of yourself. It’s an opportunity to see the world, but more importantly, to reimagine your capabilities and future. These three students’ stories intertwine into a vivid mosaic of impressions, academic challenges, and personal discovery. Their experience abroad becomes a priceless life school, where students not only explore the world but also proudly present Ukraine to it.
Valentyna Babets, 3rd-year Bachelor Student in Finance, Banking and Insurance
“My semester in Austria was not just a chapter – it became the brightest one in my student life, woven from unforgettable experiences and invaluable learning. Education extended well beyond the classroom, teaching me not just subject matter but also the art of communication, collaboration, and flexibility through workshops and group projects.
Courses followed a different rhythm. While the content was familiar, its delivery opened new horizons: sometimes we would delve into a topic for six uninterrupted hours, while grades were not a final verdict, but the logical outcome of an ongoing semester-long effort. Real synergy emerged through group work; we discovered how to listen to each other and merge ideas from diverse cultures. Exams were dispersed throughout the year, and assessments were often cumulative rather than relying on a single exam. What was particularly unusual was that nearly all communication occurred via email, and different grading systems applied depending on the subject.
Our dormitory was its world – behind the door of our rooms lay communal space filled with laughter and new friendships. Through informal conversations and shared dinners – where Austrian schnitzel met dishes from dozens of other countries – we learned how to respect and embrace difference.
The adventures continued beyond campus – peddling around the scenic Neusiedlersee, or braving the rapids in the wild Alps, diving from cliffs into crystal-clear waters. Weekends turned into a kaleidoscope of countries – and one fulfilled dream: seeing Paris in person. Each trip and conversation became live English practice, transforming the language from an academic discipline into a key that unlocks the world!”
Olga Kushnirova, 1st-year Bachelor Student in Philology
“My exchange semester in Austria has come to an end, and though I might have felt sad, instead I feel joy. As I revisit photos, videos, and letters exchanged with other Erasmus students, I am grateful for my time this semester at FHWN in Austria.
Returning to study after the break was more complicated than at the semester’s start: exams loomed, and thorough preparation was needed to recall everything learned. It was not only the language barrier, but also the unfamiliar grading formats and cultural differences in terminology – on my German exam, I nearly lost points for using a German word instead of its Austrian equivalent. Despite the stress and rigorous preparation, we still found plenty of time to explore the country, its culture, and cuisine. Hallstatt was one of my favourite locations – beautiful like a fairy tale, even though it rained non-stop and I had no umbrella! If you ever visit Austria, be sure to include it in your itinerary.
The university also organised unforgettable activities: we tried rafting (chilly and without our phones!), and we biked through stunning landscapes – exhausting but incredibly fun. I loved attending Austrian cultural events, including museums and an orchestral concert in a castle, which remains one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. We also enjoyed the “Genuss-festival” in Vienna – a festival of Austrian food and drink, perfect for a park picnic!”
Natalia Vashchenko, Master Student in Management
“For me, Erasmus+ was an incredible opportunity for which I am deeply grateful to both our university and the host institution! The courses under the “Treasury and Investments” program greatly expanded my horizons, sharpened my critical thinking, and gave me experience working with real-world companies in teams. One of the most impactful courses was “Intercultural Business Skills”, where I practised communication with students from many countries and cultures.
Thanks to the host university, we were able to connect with other Erasmus+ students and spend our time meaningfully and joyfully. One unforgettable trip was a 50 km bike ride around Lake Podersdorf, offering breathtaking views of the Austrian mountains and lakes. Such experiences give more than academic knowledge – they reveal new qualities and competencies. Austria is a beautiful country; its culture, traditions, economy, and politics serve as an exemplary model. Austrians genuinely care about their environment. I aspire to use my experience to help Ukraine rebuild and advance in economics, ecology, and overall development”.
Though their individual stories are unique, for Natalia, Valentyna, and Olga, they form a single narrative that proves Erasmus+ is invaluable capital. It’s not just about acquiring subject-specific knowledge – it’s about exercising intercultural communication, independence, and adaptability. They return home not only with certificates and souvenirs but also with an expanded worldview, friends from across the globe, and a strong belief in their abilities. This experience lays a firm foundation for their future and serves as a shining testament that Poltava Polytechnic continues to open doors to the broader European world for our youth.
“We are deeply proud of our students – not only for how they represented Poltava Polytechnic, but for their openness, curiosity, and resilience. Each mobility programme is much more than simply studying abroad. It is an investment in the future of both our students and our country. They return not only with academic credentials but with new perspectives on the world, shared values, and invaluable life experience. In today’s world, building educational and cultural bridges between Ukraine and Europe is more important than ever. We are proud that our students are active builders of that future,” says Anna Pavelieva, International Relations Coordinator at Poltava Polytechnic.
You can read about the first impressions of Olha, Nataliia, and Valentyna from studying in Wiener Neustadt here, about our students’ experience at this university last year – here and here, and in 2023 – here and here.
Interested in Erasmus+ Mobility?
Poltava Polytechnic faculty members may participate in mobility and internship programmes. At the same time, students can study abroad for a semester or a full academic year under the Erasmus+ program at universities in Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greenland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, and the Czech Republic.
For more information on current opportunities in mobility, internships, and teaching abroad, please get in touch with the International Relations Office (Room 213‑C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua) or Anna Pavelieva (PhD in Philology), Associate Professor of Germanic Philology and Translation Department (kunsite.zi@gmail.com, +38 095‑910‑8192).
Media Centre of
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
