ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business is one of Denmark's leading higher education institutions, specialising in practice-oriented programs in technology, construction, design, and business. The university is known for its focus on close collaboration with regional and international industries, ensuring the high relevance of its curricula and the direct application of theoretical knowledge in practice. Its educational philosophy is based on intensive project work, in which students tackle real-world case studies to simulate future professional challenges.
During the Fall semester of the 2025/2026 academic year (August 19, 2025 – January 31, 2026), four students from the Educational and Research Institute of Architecture, Construction, and Land Management of the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” are studying through the Erasmus+ Credit Mobility Program at the partner university in Denmark – ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business. The participating students from group 302-A, specialising in 191 “Architecture and Urban Planning”, are Yeva Domkina, Maria Parasotska, Ruslana Kravchenko, and Polina Khlystun.
Particular attention in ZEALAND is paid to the principles of Sustainability and innovative engineering, which are key elements of the Scandinavian construction model. The program chosen by the Ukrainian students integrates modern BIM (Building Information Modelling) methodologies and focuses on energy efficiency and material sustainability. This approach allows the Poltava Polytechnic students to gain unique experience in “green” architecture and European design standards. The stable partnership between Poltava Polytechnic and the ZEALAND Academy ensures not only academic exchange but also the transfer of cutting-edge engineering and educational practices.
The students shared their impressions of studying through the mobility program at the Danish institution:
“Our arrival in Denmark, in the picturesque town of Næstved (as we were taught, this is precisely how the name is pronounced), for studies at Zealand University through the exchange program, truly felt like an initiation.
Naturally, the first days were shadowed by uncertainty. Although we had support and comprehensive answers from students in previous exchanges, the anticipation of the new experience remained acute, especially when you realise that home, friends, and family are now thousands of kilometres away, and a reunion is not expected soon. This was the price of our entry into this new world.
However, two months have passed, and the initial anxiety has dissipated. This town has opened its arms to me, making me feel like I have found a second home here. Our professors and the friendly administrator of our student residence made a decisive contribution to creating this comfort. They are people with an incredible wealth of life wisdom, which they willingly share, enriching our education not only with knowledge but also with invaluable personal experience. The dormitory rooms are sufficiently spacious, tidy, and friendly. They use a block system – one bathroom for every two rooms”, – says Yeva Domkina.
Having established a cosy base and overcome initial anxieties, the girls fully immersed themselves in the educational process. Ruslana Kravchenko shares details about the chosen program, which combines architecture and engineering, and the organisation of the academic week: “We arrived here as future architects to master disciplines under the program “Architectural Technologies and Construction Management”. This unexpected synthesis of the two fields quickly proved indispensable. We understand that engineering knowledge is a critically necessary foundation for high-quality architectural design. Gaining this technical expertise today eliminates the risk of professional incompetence in the future when job requirements demand a deep understanding of structural solutions. This is not just a substantial enhancement of our experienced portfolio; it is a necessary step toward developing a competent specialist capable of managing and executing complex construction projects.
Our academic week has a precise rhythm: classroom sessions are held daily, from 8:15 AM to 3:45 PM. Mondays and Thursdays are the exceptions. These days are dedicated to autonomous teamwork, which is a key element of our learning, especially in the first half of the semester. Students form intercultural teams (for example, my group includes students from the Netherlands, two Danes, and myself) and organise their schedules independently. Our team usually meets on these days from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, effectively using this time for joint projects”.
This intensive academic structure quickly transforms into a continuous process of practical immersion. Polina Khlystun talks about how lectures are combined with real objects, industry visits, and large team projects: “Our studies in Denmark are not just lectures but a continuous process of immersion into the culture and professional environment, organised through intensive excursions and practical visits. The dynamic began immediately. Literally, in the first days of our arrival, the lecturers helped us adapt by arranging an introduction to the local coastline.
Subsequent trips were guided by our “buddies” – local senior students who helped us settle in. Together with them, we travelled to the historic city of Roskilde and explored vibrant Copenhagen repeatedly.
Industry visits were especially informative. We visited the Taasinge Elementer factory, which specialises in manufacturing structural elements for buildings, including walls, windows, and roofing system components. We were warmly welcomed, treated to hot coffee, and given a thorough presentation. Although it was conducted in Danish, our lecturer acted as a skilful translator, calmly explaining all the key technical points to us in English.
The culmination of the first half of the semester (the so-called 1st project period) was a week-long intensive organised by our lecturer. We worked jointly with students from Belgium and Ireland who arrived specifically for five working days. Our task was to reimagine an old warehouse building, developing a project to transform it into an object that would generate more profit and aesthetic pleasure for the owner. To fully immerse ourselves in the context, we were taken directly to the site. We were allowed (of course, observing all safety regulations) to explore every corner of the structure. After a detailed study of the blueprints and all the information about the building, we divided into teams and began work. It is worth noting that teamwork is the cornerstone of learning here, effectively developing communication and collaboration skills. At the end of the week, we presented our ideas to the lecturers and other groups. This was not a competition but a common space for correcting mistakes and mutual inspiration from colleagues' unusual and creative solutions.
During the same week, we revisited Copenhagen and discovered new places. We participated in a small quest dedicated to finding interesting old buildings that have been restored, analysing their original appearance compared to their modernised appearance.
In addition, we were taken to an innovative production facility: a factory where building elements (and even furniture) are manufactured using a special 3D printer that uses recycled wood and plastic mass. This was an impressive testament to how engineering and environmental consciousness can combine in modern construction”.
Naturally, the cornerstone of learning – teamwork – is not limited to projects. This openness and hospitality permeate the entire university life, making Denmark a true melting pot of cultures. Maria Parasotska shares insights into the social component of the exchange and the informal atmosphere: “The atmosphere at the university is striking in its openness and friendliness towards communication. Everyone – from lecturers and students to (my favourite) cafeteria workers – speaks fluent English and is always ready to help or share advice.
Denmark is a true cultural melting pot. This environment allows you not only to immerse yourself in Danish culture but also to discover the world's mosaic: representatives of different nations coexist peacefully, eagerly sharing their life experiences, customs, and traditions from their home countries.
Our circle of communication quickly expanded. In addition to befriending the Dutch, our best friends became guys from Lebanon and India, with whom we now happily spend free time and work on joint projects.
However, the cultural and social life here is very active and not limited to auditoriums. Every Friday, after classes end, the university bar opens its doors for informal communication. This is an excellent opportunity to relax after the working week, play board games, table tennis, or even Twister. What is especially valuable is that academic hierarchy is almost absent here: professors also willingly join the students.
The teaching staff is incredibly friendly, even those who do not teach us any subjects. They always genuinely greet us in the corridors, smile, ask if we like everything, share their own stories, and are always ready to take time for a casual conversation.
Moreover, a special “café” functions in the dormitory every Thursday evening, serving as a centre of gravity for residents. This is the ideal space to get to know campus neighbours better, exchange news, and play a game of billiards”.
The same ease and hospitality are felt throughout the city. Ruslana Kravchenko continues, describing how the girls manage to combine intensive studies with active recreation, and offering a final summary of the experience: “The city itself has a small centre with cafes, pubs, clubs, clothing stores, and cosmetic shops. From where we live, the nearest grocery store is a 5-minute walk, the centre is 15 minutes away, and the university is 20 minutes away. Thanks to arranging bicycle rentals before our arrival, we were able to get around much more quickly, especially given the abundance of bike paths and motorists' respect for cyclists.
For now, this is our international experience in Denmark, which we are 100% (maybe even 110%) satisfied with, and we are grateful to both our home and host universities for this opportunity!
“I want to express deep gratitude to our Danish colleagues – Ole Kolling (Director of International Relations and Programmes), Marie-Josée Giasson Jensen and Anders Studsgård Winsløw (International Mobility Ambassadors and Per Mejer (Lawyer and Assistant Professor in Law, Project Management, and Construction)! Your comprehensive assistance in organising the mobility process – from the first stages to the successful completion of the program – and your personal, warm mentorship of our students go far beyond the scope of ordinary professional partnership and are truly priceless. This is a touching manifestation of genuine humanity, dedication, and deep commitment to a common cause. Your tireless work and sincere care for the success of mobility programs not only provide our students with opportunities but also instil confidence in their future. You make international mobility truly accessible and inspiring!” – says Poltava Polytechnic’s International Relations Anna Pavelieva, PhD in Philology, Associate Professor of the Department of Germanic Philology and Translation.
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” has been closely cooperating with ZEALAND Academy of Technologies and Business for 3 years, which cordially hosts Poltava Polytechnic students for studies under the Credit Academic Mobility programs. For example, in the fall of 2023, three Polytechnic students studied there – Iryna Hasan, Mariia Dykan, and Viktoriia Viazovska (you can read about their mobility experience here and here); in the fall of 2024, four students from the Institute of Architecture, Construction, and Land Management studied there (you can read about their impressions of mobility here and here).
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” continues to actively collaborate with European universities, offering students the opportunity to gain a high-quality education and invaluable international experience – a fundamental step toward developing globally competitive specialists.
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 the coordinator of international activities at the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” – 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).
Media Centre of
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”
