Modern higher education has long expanded beyond traditional classroom learning, and international academic mobility programs play a key role in this process. Participation in such initiatives as Erasmus+ provides students with the opportunity not only to acquire advanced academic knowledge but also to develop crucial soft skills: intercultural communication, adaptability, and independence. This is an important step for integrating Ukrainian youth into the global scientific and professional space, helping to shape specialists with a global outlook.
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” pays significant attention to expanding international relations and creating conditions for the comprehensive development of its students. One of the key areas of this activity is the long-term partnership with the ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business, located in Denmark. This cooperation allows students of technical and economic specialities to study at a European educational institution, adopt advanced teaching methodologies and practical experience, thereby strengthening academic ties between our countries.
ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business is renowned for its innovative approach to education, where theoretical knowledge is closely combined with the practical development of real projects in the fields of IT, business, and technology. During the spring semester, third-year Computer Science students at our university, Anastasiia Zolotaiko and Anastasiia Kosach, had the opportunity to study at this academy in Roskilde. \
The students shared their impressions of the Danish education system, living in an international environment, and the highlights of this trip in detail in their story: “This semester has brought us many interesting challenges and has become one of the brightest adventures of our student years. Thanks to the Erasmus+ ICM program, we set off for Denmark, where we studied at the ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business. For these six months, the cosy city of Roskilde became our second home, where we fully immersed ourselves in a new rhythm of life, study, and intercultural communication. Today, we want to share this experience, dispel the doubts of those still hesitant to participate in international programs, and explain why studying abroad is a much deeper experience than simply attending lectures and seminars.
From our first days in Denmark, we were pleasantly surprised by the openness of local society and the special atmosphere on campus, as the ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business is completely unlike traditional conservative universities. It is a modern, light-filled space with panoramic windows, cosy relaxation areas, and co-working spaces, harmoniously combining Scandinavian minimalism and high technology. There are no strict lecterns or usual barriers between teachers and students. Communication is very informal and open: teachers always encourage discussions, show genuine interest in our opinions, help us understand complex topics, and treat students as equals – as future colleagues and developers.
Our studies focused on acquiring practical skills and developing real projects. However, what impressed us most was the Danish method of final assessment and taking exams. Instead of memorising theory for a random exam question, our primary challenge was defending a synopsis. This is a special analytical format in which a student – either individually or in a team – conducts an in-depth study of a specific problem, develops a concept for its solution, structures their own ideas, and defends their design before a committee. This approach teaches critical thinking, how to defend technical solutions, and how to present developments according to the standards of modern IT companies. For us, this was an extremely valuable practical experience that will undoubtedly be useful in our future professional activities.
Although studying required a lot of effort, the brightest emotions and impressions of the Erasmus+ program naturally arose outside the classrooms. We were lucky enough to live in a dormitory where a single long corridor brought together students from all corners of the world. This daily neighbourhood quickly erased any language or cultural barriers, bringing us closer and turning us into one big international family.
Wishing to diversify our everyday student life, we began organising joint events for the residents of our floor. The international dinners, where everyone presented their country's traditional cuisine, were particularly warm. We prepared homemade “syrnyky” (cottage cheese pancakes) and made “kompot” (fruit punch), which delighted our international friends. Inspired by this success, we later organised a large Ukrainian evening and treated half of the dormitory to hot, homemade borscht. For many, this was their first culinary introduction to Ukraine, and it proved extremely successful.
In addition, we often gathered together to watch football matches, where everyone passionately cheered for their national team, creating an incredible atmosphere of excitement and unity. And when a truly warm and sunny day finally arrived in Denmark, we went to the beach together. Ironically, under the deceptive northern sun, absolutely everyone ended up sunburned; nevertheless, this day left behind many funny memories and sincere laughter.
Denmark never ceases to amaze with its distinct character, interesting events, and traditions. One of the brightest spring memories for us was the large-scale Zealand Festival organised by our academy. It was a true celebration of student unity with interactive games, street dancing, and a live performance by a well-known Danish band. In addition, we were lucky enough to catch the spring beauty of Copenhagen during the cherry blossom season, when the Danish capital resembled a delicate pink postcard with its special, almost cinematic aesthetic.
Naturally, we tried to seize every opportunity to discover the world beyond Denmark as well. Our greatest joint adventure was a sightseeing tour of the Baltic and Nordic countries, during which we visited Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. This trip turned into an exciting kaleidoscope of new cities, stunning architecture, overnight travel, and genuine friendships that will stay in our memories forever.
Erasmus+ academic mobility is one of the most valuable experiences a student can gain during their university years. It is a wonderful opportunity to test your strengths in a new country, adapt to an international environment, acquire modern academic knowledge, and realise that the world is open to those who are not afraid to take action. The main advice we would like to offer future mobility program participants is: never be afraid to show initiative, be the first to make connections, share stories about your country with an open heart, cook borscht, and always bring sunscreen with you – even if you are visiting the reserved Scandinavians.
It was a great honour for us to represent Poltava Polytechnic at the international level and act as its ambassadors in Europe. We sincerely hope that our experience will inspire other students of our alma mater to discover new horizons. In conclusion, we would like to express our deep gratitude to both educational institutions: our home National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” for its comprehensive support, faith in us, and the opportunity to join this program, as well as the host institution, ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business, for the warm welcome, inspiration, and innovative knowledge acquired. Thank you for helping to make student dreams a reality!” – the girls shared their impressions.
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” has been developing its partnership with the Zealand Academy of Technologies and Business for three years now, which hosts our students annually under credit academic mobility programs.
“The successful implementation of academic mobility programs is always the result of joint efforts and a reliable bilateral partnership. We are sincerely grateful to the ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business for this long-term cooperation, which opens up new professional and personal horizons for our youth. I want to express my special gratitude to our Danish colleagues – Ole Kolling, Director of International Relations and Programmes and Marie-Josée Giasson Jensen, International Institutional Coordinator. Your comprehensive assistance in resolving all organisational matters, coordinating mobility processes, and warmly welcoming our students helps them adapt quickly and realise their potential in Denmark. We deeply value your support and look forward to continuing this wonderful collaboration,” – noted Anna Pavelieva, International Relations Coordinator at National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”.
This international cooperation opens up new opportunities for young people every semester. In particular, in the autumn of 2023, Iryna Hasan, Mariia Dykan, and Viktoriia Viazovska gained their first experience studying in Denmark (their impressions are detailed here and here). In the autumn of 2024, the relay was taken over by four students of the Education and Research Institute of Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Land Management (read about their achievements here and here). During the 2025/2026 academic year, students Yeva Domkina, Mariia Parasotska, Ruslana Kravchenko, and Polina Khlystun completed their studies at the academy (whose stories can inspire you here and here). Additionally, in the spring semester of the same academic year, future specialists in international economic relations Maksym Perepelytsia and Sofiia Kostiuchenko set off for Denmark (read more via the link).
As a reminder, Poltava Polytechnic academic staff can participate in academic mobility programs and internships. At the same time, students can study abroad under Erasmus+ credit academic mobility grant programs for a semester or an entire academic year at leading universities in Austria, Greenland, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Finland, and the Czech Republic.
For more detailed information regarding current internship, teaching, and academic mobility programs abroad, please get in touch with the International Relations Department (Room 213-C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua) or the university’s International Relations Coordinator, Anna Pavelieva (+3-8-095-91-08-192).
