National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” is confidently expanding its international partnerships, reaching a global level. Today, the university’s educational horizons are expanding far beyond the European Union, opening doors to leading North American institutions for its students. A significant step in the development of strategic cooperation with Canada was the success of three talented Polytechnic students who won the prestigious “The Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) 2025” grant program.
Thanks to their intense preparation and language proficiency, the girls received scholarships of 10,000 Canadian dollars each to realise their dreams. Currently, the following students are studying under the credit academic mobility program at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto (Canada):
• Anastasiia Afonkina – a student of the “International Economic Relations” speciality (group 201-FM);
• Oleksandra Kurylo – a student of the “International Economic Relations” speciality (group 401-FM);
• Iryna Hasan – a student of speciality 076 “Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities” (group 401-EP).
The students shared their first impressions of studying abroad, the specifics of Canadian education, and life in one of the world's most multicultural metropolises.
Anastasiia Afonkina – student of the “International Economic Relations” speciality (group 201-FM): “When I received the grant to study at Humber College, I had no idea that this trip would be the beginning of my complete transformation. It was my first academic exchange, which overturned my perceptions of education, the world, and, most importantly, my own capabilities.
Humber College has become a place where knowledge extends beyond the classroom. Here, every dialogue with people from different corners of the planet opens new horizons. I always dreamed of seeing Canada, but to feel it from the inside, to become part of its progressive educational system, is an experience that cannot be compared to any tourist trip.
The first weeks flew by like a single day – they were so concentrated and bright. Endless introductions, intro sessions, and campus tours left no time for hesitation, and quick communication formats (like small talk) allowed me to get to know dozens of incredible people in just a few days. This helped me adapt instantly and feel like a part of the community.
A separate discovery was the Canadian education system, which is fundamentally different from the Ukrainian one. At Humber College, learning is a dynamic process in which you are constantly engaged. The course is built so that you are always on your toes: cases, tests, regular quizzes, and large-scale group projects do not let you relax, and final exams become the logical conclusion of this intensive marathon.
Working on cases at Humber College is a complete immersion in real-world business, where theory gives way to practical challenges. We don’t just study; we solve applied problems: from developing a product-market entry strategy to optimising costs and transforming marketing approaches. This requires deep data analysis, confident presentation of ideas, and, most importantly, the ability to defend one’s position in English reasonably.
The grading system is also well designed. Weekly tests, although small in volume, help maintain a constant rhythm. This approach allows the material to be absorbed gradually and thoroughly, avoiding overload and focusing on practical application.
Group projects became a separate challenge and, at the same time, my favourite stage. This is a real-world simulator of international business: people from different continents, with different mindsets and approaches to work, come together as a team. It can be challenging to find a familiar rhythm and align on vision, but it is in these discussions that the most innovative ideas are born. Here, you learn the main thing – the art of negotiating, sensing deadlines, and working for a typical result in a multicultural environment.
Parallel to this, my main personal breakthrough occurred – the English language. For the first time in my life, I am using it as the primary communication tool 24/7. At first, it was honestly scary: asking questions, presenting thoughts, and clarifying details… But this fear gradually turned into confidence. Now I don’t just study, but freely discuss with professors, argue my position, and even joke with classmates, enjoying how language barriers disappear.
Toronto fascinates at first sight. This city is a real kaleidoscope, where the majesty of Niagara Falls meets the endless waters of the lake and cosy islands, and every neighbourhood has its own unique soul. For me, as a Ukrainian student, this experience became a striking yet highly motivating contrast to my usual rhythm of life.
However, the most crucial discovery happened not outside, but inside. This exchange helped me get to know a new version of myself. I realised that I am capable of adapting to any conditions, finding common ground with people from all over the world, and independently overcoming challenges. The world turned out to be much larger, more massive, and more interesting than one could imagine sitting at home. Now I know for sure: borders exist only in our heads!
In sum, studying at Humber College was my first strategic step toward building an international professional profile. This trip gave me much more than academic credits: I gained practical knowledge, learned to work in cross-cultural teams, and solved real-world business problems. The most valuable outcome of this exchange is the internal transformation and unwavering confidence that, in modern education and career, there are no borders.
Iryna Hasan – student of speciality 076 “Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities” (group 401-EP): “This semester opened up for me as an unexpected and fateful chance – I won a grant to study in Canada. Although this is already my third academic mobility experience, the transcontinental flight made me as nervous as if it were my first. North America always seemed like an unattainable dream to me, and today I have the happiness of living and studying at Humber Polytechnic, located in the very heart of Canada – dynamic Toronto.
One of the most significant advantages is full immersion in an English-speaking environment, which eliminates barriers both in the classroom and beyond. Toronto impresses with its inclusivity: it is impossible to feel like a stranger here, as this city is a real kaleidoscope of cultures and stories. The teachers’ friendliness and the university team’s support create an atmosphere where you feel like part of a large, welcoming community.
The educational process in Canada is organised at the highest level: every classroom is equipped with innovative multimedia systems, making learning as visual and applied as possible. The teaching methodology is impressive for its flexibility – teachers actively use interactive formats and gamification elements to deepen topic mastery. A key difference from European practice is full academic integration: we study alongside local students, ensuring true immersion in the local environment. The grading system is balanced and includes two key stages – midterms and final exams – while constant group projects stimulate the development of critical thinking and communication skills.
Humber Polytechnic’s infrastructure is impressive in its thoughtfulness and scale. The campus, located on the picturesque shore of Lake Ontario, unites more than ten modern buildings, creating an ideal environment for learning and recreation. The buildings’ compact layout enables quick movement across the territory, and the residence’s proximity (only 5 minutes on foot) significantly reduces travel time.
Student housing is organised in accordance with modern standards, with ergonomic rooms, private bathrooms, and functional kitchen areas on every floor. Special attention is paid to socialisation; for this purpose, dedicated lounges for studying and communication are provided. A dining hall with a wide selection of fresh dishes is also available on-site, ensuring a comfortable stay without unnecessary domestic concerns.
This experience has become something much more for me than just studying abroad. It was a journey beyond the familiar, which gave me invaluable knowledge and friends from all corners of the planet. Such exchange programs are a unique chance to see the world in all its diversity, learn to think globally, and believe in one’s own strength. I am returning with a baggage of experience that has changed my worldview forever.
Oleksandra Kurylo – student of the “International Economic Relations” speciality (group 401-FM): “This year gave me an incredible surprise – a grant to study in Canada. When I received this news, I realised that dreams that once seemed unattainable and distant in school often come true at the most appropriate moment. North America was always something from the realm of fantasy for me, and today it is my reality.
Acquaintance should start with Toronto. This is a giant city that impresses with its dynamics and openness. Thanks to the fully English-speaking environment, adaptation went surprisingly easily, but the real magic of Toronto is in its people. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, where the feeling of being a “stranger” disappears from the moment you arrive. Here, you are part of a global community where representatives from all corners of the planet gather for knowledge and new opportunities.
The educational process at Humber Polytechnic is a model of a modern applied approach to education. Teachers masterfully combine innovative methodologies to deepen material retention, using interactive platforms and formats such as case studies, brainstorming, and multimedia presentations. Such a synthesis of theory and practice forms a reliable foundation for future professional activity. Teaching ethics deserves special attention: the democratic and inclusive classroom environment fosters open discussions in which every student feels supported in expressing their ideas.
The university infrastructure is also at the highest level. High-tech libraries, ergonomic lecture halls, and thoughtful recreation areas create ideal conditions for studying. The proximity to Lake Ontario and the student campus provides exceptional comfort and inspiration.
This journey became proof to me: dreams become reality when you take bold steps toward opportunities. Canada will remain in my heart forever – as a warm memory, as a meeting place with incredible friends, and as a starting point for my new confidence. Now I know for sure: the world has no borders, it is boundless and open to everyone ready to explore it”, – says Oleksandra.
“The implementation of such ambitious international projects and the success of our students became possible thanks to the comprehensive support and strategic vision of our university leadership. We express our sincere gratitude to the President of the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”, Professor Volodymyr Onyshchenko, and Rector Olena Filonych for their constant assistance in academic mobility initiatives, the development of global partnerships, and the creation of unique opportunities for learning and professional growth for our students in the world’s leading institutions.
I also want to express profound gratitude to our colleagues from Humber Polytechnic (Toronto, Canada) for their professionalism and sincere attention to our students. We highly value the invaluable help with processing documents for scholarship applications, the clear organisation of the mobility process, and the daily support for the girls during their stay across the ocean. Special thanks to: Rebecca Fitzgerald (Associate Dean of Global Education and Partnerships), Vera Beletzan (Associate Vice-President, Teaching and Learning), Kimmy Do (Manager, Global Initiatives, Partnerships and Programs), Maysa Mourad (M.Ed., Manager, Global Learning and Engagement), Jennifer Cleary (Manager, International Initiatives, Faculty of Media, Creative Arts and Design), Sonja Petrovska Mancheva (Global Learning Co-ordinator), Rosie Lima (Coordinator, Global Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives), and Emily Riche (Manager, International Partnerships & Mobility).
Thanks to your openness and assistance, our students, during difficult times for our country, have the opportunity to study in a high-tech environment, integrate into the global scientific community, and gain experience that will change their future. We hope for the further strengthening of our partnership!” – commented Anna Pavelieva, the International Relations Coordinator of Poltava Polytechnic.
As a reminder, faculty members of Poltava Polytechnic are eligible to participate in academic mobility and internship programs. Students can study abroad through Erasmus+ credit academic mobility grant programs for a semester or a full academic year at leading universities in Austria, Greenland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the Czech Republic.
For more detailed information on current internship, teaching, and academic mobility programs abroad, please get in touch with the International Relations Office (office 213-C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua) or Poltava Polytechnic International Relations Coordinator – Anna Pavelieva, Ph.D. in Philology, Associate Professor of the Department of Germanic Philology and Translation (email: kunsite.zi@gmail.com, phone: +38-(095)-91-08-192).
