The Erasmus+ academic mobility program is much more than just an opportunity to change classrooms or gain international study experience. It is a unique chance for students to step beyond the familiar, integrate into the European educational space, acquire professional skills in an international environment, and significantly broaden their worldview. Such mobility shapes a generation of professionals who not only possess current knowledge but also adapt to global challenges, value intercultural dialogue, and are open in both their professional and personal lives.
Poltava Polytechnic actively supports its students' aspirations for self-development and international cooperation. It is precisely thanks to this support that four ambitious students of our university – future lawyer Orest Denysenko and future philologists Daria Lavrenko, Olesia Suzdaltseva, and Diana Savchenko – became participants in the Erasmus+ credit mobility program. During the autumn semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, they gained experience at the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia, located in the heart of Romanian Transylvania.
The “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia (Universitatea „1 Decembrie 1918” din Alba Iulia) is a modern educational and scientific hub located in the heart of historical Transylvania. Named after a date of great significance for Romania—the day of the country's unification—this institution is a symbol of national memory and progressive academic innovation. Thanks to the partnership with this higher education institution, our students received a unique opportunity to master professional disciplines in an international environment, where deep humanitarian traditions harmonise with modern European teaching methods. Studying at this university is not just about lecture halls; it is an immersion in the atmosphere of an ancient citadel that inspires intellectual achievements and intercultural exchange.
Combining studies within the walls of a university with a rich history, vibrant student life, and the opportunity to travel across European countries became a powerful impulse for the professional development of these young people. Read the sincere stories of our students about their "dream semester" to learn how their studies in Romania went, what challenges they had to face, and what unforgettable impressions they brought home.
Orest Denysenko, student of group 201-P, major 081 “Law”: “The 2025/2026 academic year became special for me thanks to my participation in the Erasmus+ credit academic mobility program at the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia in the Romanian city of Alba Iulia. This experience became not only an important stage of my professional development but also a true discovery in cultural and personal terms.
Studying in another country allowed me to take a fresh look at the legal system, the educational process, and the role of a lawyer in modern European society. For a law student, international experience is extremely valuable, as it allows one to understand how law functions across different legal traditions and develop critical thinking and intercultural communication skills.
The educational process at this institution has a clearly defined practical nature. During the semester, I studied disciplines related to European law, international legal relations, and legal English. Significant attention is paid to analysing real cases, working with case law, and discussing current legal problems. Professors encourage discussions, argumentation of one's own position, and active participation in classes, which creates an atmosphere of mutual respect and partnership between students and professors. Together with criminal and civil law professors, we conducted a comparative analysis of Ukrainian and Romanian legislation in these areas.
The city of Alba Iulia itself and the university environment deserve special attention. The campus is located on the territory of the historical Alba Carolina Citadel, which daily reminds one of the deep historical context of this region. Studying in such a place is a special combination of an academic atmosphere and cultural heritage.
Student life is extremely intense thanks to the active work of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN). Exchange students organise a Welcome Week, cultural events, trips, international dinners, and various integration events. This helps adapt quickly, find friends from around the world, and constantly practice English in lively communication.
Outside of studies, I had the opportunity to get to know Romania closer as a country with a rich history, beautiful architecture, and hospitable people. Trips to other cities and getting acquainted with local traditions and culture made this period even more intense and unforgettable.
Participation in the Erasmus+ program was an important step in my professional and personal development. This experience taught me independence, openness to the new, and confidence in my own abilities. I sincerely recommend that every student take advantage of the opportunity for academic mobility, as it is a unique chance to become part of a large international community and gain knowledge that cannot be obtained within the borders of a single country! Special thanks to my native Poltava Polytechnic for its constant support, provided opportunities, and belief in the success of its students”.
Daria Lavrenko, student of group 402-FF, major 035 “Philology”: “My participation in the Erasmus+ credit academic mobility program in the city of Alba Iulia became one of the most valuable and vibrant stages of my student life. It was not just an academic semester abroad – it was an experience that changed my perception of the world, people, and myself.
Alba Iulia is a small but extremely atmospheric city with a rich history and incredible architecture. The ancient fortress, which creates the feeling that you live daily in a place where the past and present combine, is especially impressive. The city is very cosy, safe, and comfortable for students. It is easy to adapt here because the residents are open and welcoming, and the international student community creates a sense of a big, friendly family.
Studies began quickly, and I immediately felt this semester would be nothing like the previous ones. The program was structured so that theory and practice were constantly combined, and every class required active participation. We worked with various text formats, analysed linguistic features, improved both written and oral communication in English, developed translation skills, and studied German. It became especially valuable for me that the studies took place in an international environment. This created an atmosphere of constant language immersion, where translation ceased to be just an academic exercise and became a living process. We practised a lot in consecutive and simultaneous translation, learned to react quickly, structure what we heard, and convey the content as accurately as possible. These classes helped me overcome the fear of public speaking and feel more confident in my own abilities. Thanks to studying in Romania, I discovered new, unexpected areas of a translator's work for myself. Working with non-standard materials showed how creative and multifaceted this profession can be. As a result, this educational experience became not only an academic achievement but also an important step in my professional growth.
However, Erasmus+ is not just about lectures and academic achievements, but also about an exciting journey to discovering the world. The semester in Romania became a starting point for great travels across Europe for me. I had the opportunity to see with my own eyes the grandeur of the Colosseum and the magic of the Vatican in Italy, to feel the refined atmosphere of France while walking near the Eiffel Tower and in the halls of the Louvre. Each country unfolded its unique story before me: fairy-tale Prague with its Christmas markets and museums, cosy Vienna, warmed by the aromas of national cuisine, and orderly Germany, where traditions harmoniously intertwine with progress.
The discovery of Romania itself became no less vibrant: the mysterious castles of Brasov, the enigmatic "eyes of the buildings" in Sibiu, energetic Cluj, and the capital Bucharest with its majestic architectural ensembles and atmospheric bookstores. Each trip became a separate chapter of my personal history, filled with new acquaintances, bright emotions, and a sense of the world's boundlessness. These trips taught me to be flexible, independent, and open to everything new, giving me an experience that cannot be obtained in any classroom. This semester taught me independence, responsibility, and flexibility. I learned to make decisions quickly, adapt to new conditions, and plan budgets and trips. However, the most valuable thing is the people I met. Friends from different corners of Europe have become a true international family for me, and I am sure these bonds will remain for the rest of my life.
Erasmus+ is an opportunity to step beyond the familiar, broaden your worldview, and believe in your own strengths. I am infinitely grateful to Poltava Polytechnic for this experience and sincerely recommend every student to take advantage of this opportunity. It is more than an exchange – it is an adventure that remains in the heart forever! Thank you to my native university for opening the doors to Europe for us and giving us such a powerful start for professional realisation!
Diana Savchenko, student of group 302-FF, major 035 “Philology”: “The Erasmus+ credit academic mobility program is not just studying abroad, it is a whole universe of new opportunities and an experience that changes your worldview. For us, the autumn semester in the picturesque Romanian city of Alba Iulia, where we studied at the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia, became such an adventure. This town, full of history and a special cosiness, became the ideal backdrop for our professional and personal growth.
The international community at the university introduced us to students from all over the world. We shared stories, overcame cultural barriers, and found true friends. Evenings over a cup of tea, joint trips, and a multitude of sincere moments captured in photos turned into warm memories that will stay with us forever.
The educational process at the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia impressed with its flexibility and thoughtfulness. The study was dynamic: from deep lecture courses such as Discourse Analysis to intensive practical work with foreign languages and terminology. For us, as future translators, creative tasks became especially valuable: adapting comics, compiling terminological dictionaries, and writing translation commentaries. Such an approach helped us harmoniously combine theory with practice and feel the real taste of our future profession.
The assessment system also had its own features. The examination session after the winter holidays encouraged a uniform distribution of efforts throughout the semester. The university professors became not only mentors for us but also true guides: their openness, professionalism, and willingness to help in any situation created an atmosphere of trust in which it was easy to study and develop.
In addition to academic achievements, this time became a true “journey of a lifetime”. We discovered the beauty of Romania for ourselves and managed to see Europe: from the streets of Prague and Vienna to the grandeur of France and Italy. Each new city brought new museums, architectural masterpieces, and the festive magic of European fairs, inspiring us to new accomplishments.
Summarising, participation in the Erasmus+ academic mobility program became an important step into adulthood and independent life for us. We learned to be responsible, confident in our own abilities, and open to the world. This semester gave us not just academic credits, but an understanding of how diverse and beautiful the world we live in is! I sincerely thank Poltava Polytechnic for implementing this project and for the invaluable support that made our “dream semester” possible!
Olesia Suzdaltseva, student of group 301-FF, major 035 “Philology”: “My name is Olesya, I am a third-year student of the 035 Philology major, and this semester has become one of the most vibrant stages of my studies and life thanks to the Erasmus+ academic mobility program. My trip to the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia turned out to be not just a change of location, but a deep immersion into a new professional environment. As a future translator, this experience became invaluable for me because a language is best mastered through live communication and the need to overcome linguistic barriers daily.
The educational process at the “1 DECEMBRIE 1918” University of Alba Iulia differs significantly in its emphasis on the practical application of knowledge and partnership interaction between professors and students. During the semester, I focused on studying such disciplines as English language practice, Written and Oral Communication Techniques, and Discourse Analysis. A special place in my schedule was occupied by oral translation classes, where we worked with real speeches and modelled complex professional situations. Professors use highly effective methodologies, teaching us to respond immediately to linguistic challenges and to conduct a deep comparative analysis of different language systems.
The university provides excellent conditions for self-development, where every student feels supported, and the professors' attitude, as if toward equal colleagues, creates the most comfortable atmosphere for creative and professional growth. The logical conclusion of this intensive stage was the successful passing of the winter session. This confirmed that the Ukrainian philological base, in combination with European methodologies, yields excellent results. The knowledge assessment system proved extremely flexible: in addition to classic examination cards, we prepared large-scale research projects that allowed us to delve deeper into the analysis of specific linguistic aspects and establish ourselves as true scientists in this field.
Outside of classrooms, this semester opened my eyes to the grandeur and multifaceted nature of Europe, allowing me to undertake a true grand tour of five countries. Each stop was a separate chapter of my personal history: majestic Rome, awed by its monumentality and ancient energy, and Paris, enchanted by its refined architecture and unique atmosphere of art. In Prague, I felt the magic of the gothic streets, while Vienna met me with its aristocratic elegance and musical heritage. The final chord was Munich, where the modern rhythm of life harmoniously combines with Bavarian traditions. Besides these trips, I explored Romania in depth by visiting the picturesque cities of Sibiu and Brasov, as well as the legendary castles of Transylvania. These trips taught me to be mobile, more confident in using the language in a wide range of situations, and to appreciate every minute in a new environment. Over these months, my gallery was replenished with hundreds of photographs, which now remind me of this wonderful time and the people who became close to me. A separate warm memory was the New Year's celebration in Alba Iulia, in an atmosphere of a true winter fairy tale. It was a special time when we had the opportunity to get acquainted with colourful Romanian traditions and celebrate the holiday in the circle of our big international family. The joint celebration united us even more strongly, as everyone shared their country's customs.
Today, having completed my studies in Romania, I feel like a completely different person – more confident, brave, and part of a large international community. This experience taught me to appreciate every minute and not to be afraid of challenges. I sincerely advise every student to take part in the Erasmus+ academic mobility program, as it is the best way to step beyond the familiar, improve their language, and see the world with their own eyes! I express my sincere gratitude to Poltava Polytechnic for providing such a unique opportunity, for support during my stay abroad, and for the constant desire to develop the international potential of its students!
The stories of Orest, Daria, Diana, and Olesya once again prove: academic mobility is the shortest path to forming a global worldview and professional maturity. The gained experience, acquired applied skills, and an expanded circle of professional acquaintances will become a reliable foundation for their successful career in Ukraine and the world. Poltava Polytechnic is proud of its students who have represented the university abroad and continue to expand horizons in international cooperation actively. We invite everyone who strives for new challenges and qualitative changes not to delay and join the Erasmus+ program, because your “dream semester” is already waiting for you at leading European universities!
Let us recall that Poltava Polytechnic professors can participate in academic mobility programs and internships. Students can study abroad through Erasmus+ credit-based academic mobility grant programs for a semester or an 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 on current internship, teaching, and academic mobility programs abroad, please contact the International Relations Department (office 213-C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua).
