National University “Yurii Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” confidently solidifies its status as a leading player in the global educational arena, demonstrating that there are no geographical or academic barriers for talented youth. The triumphant culmination of strategic cooperation with Canadian partners was the successful completion of studies for three Polytechnic students under the prestigious 2025 Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) program.
After an intense and productive semester at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto (Canada) – one of Canada’s leading applied institutions – their educational mission was completed by:
• Anastasiia Afonkina – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 201-FM);
• Oleksandra Kurylo – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 401-FM);
• Iryna Hasan – a student specialising in 076 “Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities” (group 401-EP).
Having gained unique experience in the world’s most multicultural metropolis, the girls returned to Poltava Polytechnic with a wealth of innovative knowledge, practical skills, and a European vision for business process development. In their concluding reflections, our students summarise their overseas studies, discuss professional hardening and cultural discoveries, and reflect on how the Canadian experience has forever changed their personalities and future professional direction.
Oleksandra Kurylo – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 401-FM): “At the end of August, upon arriving in Toronto, I was preparing for a special stage of life – and reality fully justified these expectations. This trip turned out to be absolutely unique, unlike any of my previous exchange programs. Expectations of Canada began to come true from the very first minutes, but the biggest discovery was the people – incredibly sincere, welcoming, and open. Here, the feeling of being a foreigner instantly disappears: you find yourself in an environment where origin doesn’t matter, and above all, your individuality and human qualities are valued.
Toronto itself impresses with its scale, at times reminiscent of New York’s architectural rhythm. The city pulsates with life, filling every week with vibrant events, festivals, and concerts. It’s amazing how, in this rapid pursuit of success, Canadians find time to enjoy every moment. It’s a city of amazing contrasts: mirrored skyscrapers and bustling office districts harmoniously coexist with cosy parks and picturesque embankments, where time seems to stand still. It is in this combination of metropolitan dynamics and natural tranquillity that Toronto’s special charm lies – a city where everyone can find their place.
The learning infrastructure evoked particular admiration: modernised classrooms equipped with the latest technology, interactive panels, and specially designed zones for teamwork. The learning process was extremely dynamic, with constant student engagement in lively discussions. Humber Polytechnic fosters a culture of openness, where students are encouraged to make mistakes, express their opinions, and ask bold questions. Teachers here primarily act as mentors, genuinely interested in ensuring that every student fully masters the material.
It is also worth highlighting the unique international environment. Students from different parts of the world bring their own experiences and traditions to their studies, creating a unique mix of worldviews. Every conversation with classmates became an opportunity for me to see the world from a different angle. It was here that I learned to listen more deeply, became more open and tolerant, and, most importantly, overcame the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.
Extracurricular life was no less intense: we explored the city’s colourful neighbourhoods, discovered Canadian cuisine, and travelled, getting acquainted with local traditions daily.
This exchange gave me not only academic knowledge but also unwavering self-confidence, new ambitious goals, and an understanding of how boundless our world is. Canada left a deep mark on my heart, and Toronto became a city I definitely dream of returning to. This was one of the brightest periods of my life, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to live this experience exactly as it was”.
National University “Yurii Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” confidently solidifies its status as a leading player in the global educational arena, demonstrating that there are no geographical or academic barriers for talented youth. The triumphant culmination of strategic cooperation with Canadian partners was the successful completion of studies for three Polytechnic students under the prestigious 2025 Study in Canada Scholarships (SICS) program.
After an intense and productive semester at Humber Polytechnic in Toronto (Canada) – one of Canada’s leading applied institutions – their educational mission was completed by:
• Anastasiia Afonkina – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 201-FM);
• Oleksandra Kurylo – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 401-FM);
• Iryna Hasan – a student specialising in 076 “Entrepreneurship, Trade and Exchange Activities” (group 401-EP).
Having gained unique experience in the world’s most multicultural metropolis, the girls returned to Poltava Polytechnic with a wealth of innovative knowledge, practical skills, and a European vision for business process development. In their concluding reflections, our students summarise their overseas studies, discuss professional hardening and cultural discoveries, and reflect on how the Canadian experience has forever changed their personalities and future professional direction.
Oleksandra Kurylo – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 401-FM): “At the end of August, upon arriving in Toronto, I was preparing for a special stage of life – and reality fully justified these expectations. This trip turned out to be absolutely unique, unlike any of my previous exchange programs. Expectations of Canada began to come true from the very first minutes, but the biggest discovery was the people – incredibly sincere, welcoming, and open. Here, the feeling of being a foreigner instantly disappears: you find yourself in an environment where origin doesn’t matter, and above all, your individuality and human qualities are valued.
Toronto itself impresses with its scale, at times reminiscent of New York’s architectural rhythm. The city pulsates with life, filling every week with vibrant events, festivals, and concerts. It’s amazing how, in this rapid pursuit of success, Canadians find time to enjoy every moment. It’s a city of amazing contrasts: mirrored skyscrapers and bustling office districts harmoniously coexist with cosy parks and picturesque embankments, where time seems to stand still. It is in this combination of metropolitan dynamics and natural tranquillity that Toronto’s special charm lies – a city where everyone can find their place.
The learning infrastructure evoked particular admiration: modernised classrooms equipped with the latest technology, interactive panels, and specially designed zones for teamwork. The learning process was extremely dynamic, with constant student engagement in lively discussions. Humber Polytechnic fosters a culture of openness, where students are encouraged to make mistakes, express their opinions, and ask bold questions. Teachers here primarily act as mentors, genuinely interested in ensuring that every student fully masters the material.
It is also worth highlighting the unique international environment. Students from different parts of the world bring their own experiences and traditions to their studies, creating a unique mix of worldviews. Every conversation with classmates became an opportunity for me to see the world from a different angle. It was here that I learned to listen more deeply, became more open and tolerant, and, most importantly, overcame the fear of stepping out of my comfort zone.
Extracurricular life was no less intense: we explored the city’s colourful neighbourhoods, discovered Canadian cuisine, and travelled, getting acquainted with local traditions daily.
This exchange gave me not only academic knowledge but also unwavering self-confidence, new ambitious goals, and an understanding of how boundless our world is. Canada left a deep mark on my heart, and Toronto became a city I definitely dream of returning to. This was one of the brightest periods of my life, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to live this experience exactly as it was”.
The experience of adapting to new learning standards and vivid impressions from travels across Canada are complemented by Anastasiia Afonkina’s account. For her, the semester at Humber Polytechnic became a story of the ultimate victory over language barriers and the transition from theoretical learning to a real sense of professional independence. Anastasiia summarises her journey, analysing her evolution from her first day in Toronto to her return home.
Anastasiia Afonkina – a student specialising in “International Economic Relations” (group 201-FM): “Concluding my exchange studies at Humber Polytechnic, I clearly see a striking contrast between my initial expectations and the result with which I return home. If, at the beginning, this journey seemed like a step into the unknown – a new country, a different educational model, daily communication in English, and absolute independence – I now feel a deep inner confidence that I have successfully coped with all the challenges.
The Canadian education system does not allow for pauses: it is impossible to “drop out” of the process for several weeks here, as the intensive rhythm requires constant involvement and self-discipline. However, the most valuable discovery is that test scores are not an end in themselves here. What you learned in practice and how you can implement this knowledge in real life is much more important. Group projects, teamwork, and finding solutions to applied business problems proved to be much more valuable than lecture material. It was this approach that gave me a sense of real professional progress, not just formally “closed” disciplines.
Along with my academic achievements, another important accomplishment for me was finally overcoming the language barrier. If at first, I carefully rehearsed every phrase in my head, fearing mistakes, over time, this fear disappeared, giving way to communicative freedom. I began actively initiating discussions, asking teachers questions, confidently presenting projects, and exchanging ideas with classmates. Mistakes no longer frighten me – they have become a natural part of learning. Most importantly, confidence emerged: you will be heard and understood, even if your language is not perfect. This feeling of freedom and independence became one of the most important results of the exchange for me.
No less valuable was the real practice of working in a multicultural environment. In group projects, we constantly encountered different work styles, visions of tasks, and approaches to responsibility. It was not always easy: we had to seek compromises and sometimes persistently defend our own position. However, it was precisely these challenges that taught me the art of negotiation and the ability to listen to others, while also maintaining my professional authenticity.
In parallel with my academic growth, my personal development was also taking place, as life in Toronto became just as important as studying at college. It was here that I mastered the art of independence: I learned to structure my day, make balanced decisions, and rely on my own strengths. I found inspiration in simple things: unhurried walks through the city, observing its multifaceted life, discovering cosy cafes, and warm conversations with new friends. It was these, at first glance, mundane moments that turned out to be the most valuable lessons, strengthening my confidence and independence.
I finally realised that academic knowledge is only one dimension of exchange. Live communication, cultural immersion, and the opportunity to see the world through others’ eyes are no less important. This experience taught me flexibility, the ability to prioritise, and the ability to perceive mistakes not as defeats but as integral parts of growth.
However, the most important achievement of this journey is a deep understanding of my own capabilities. I learned from my own experience that I am capable of successfully studying in an international environment, overcoming significant academic loads, and building effective communication with representatives of different cultures. This experience proved to me that international education is not an unattainable dream but a real, achievable path I can confidently pursue.
In conclusion, studying at Humber Polytechnic became a key stage of my development. This experience not only armed me with academic knowledge and practical skills but also gave me unwavering confidence, broadened my horizons, and set a clear direction for my future professional path. I returned, filled with deep gratitude to National University “Yurii Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” for this unique opportunity and belief in my potential. It is thanks to this support that I am ready to bravely accept new challenges, which now seem not like obstacles, but exciting opportunities!”.
As Anastasiia, Iryna, and Oleksandra testified, their Canadian experience proved extremely important for their personal and professional growth. Such a result demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation between our university and its Canadian partners.
“The successful completion of this strategically important project would not have been possible without the synergy between our university and our Canadian partners. We express our deepest gratitude to the President of the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic,” Volodymyr Onyshchenko, and the Rector, Olena Filonych, for their steadfast leadership in building a global educational network and creating conditions that enable our students to compete at the highest international level.
We extend our sincere appreciation to our colleagues at Humber Polytechnic (Toronto, Canada). In this incredibly challenging time for Ukraine, your support extends far beyond a typical academic partnership. You have provided our students not only with an opportunity to learn but also with a sense of security, professional support, and faith in the future. We are immensely grateful for your dedicated assistance at every stage – from grant applications to the daily care for our students across the ocean. We would especially like to thank the team of Rebecca Fitzgerald, Vera Beletzan, Kimmy Do, Maysa Mourad, Jennifer Cleary, Sonja Petrovska Mancheva, Rosie Lima, and Emily Riche.
Your openness and professionalism have enabled our students to gain invaluable experience that they will undoubtedly use to help rebuild and strengthen Ukraine. We are convinced that this partnership is a vivid example of how education builds bridges between nations, and we look forward to its further deepening and development!” – 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 contact the International Relations Office (office 213-C, interoffice@nupp.edu.ua).
