Academic mobility is more than just an opportunity to acquire new knowledge at European higher education institutions; it is a vital stage in the professional development of future specialists. This is exactly the kind of valuable experience gained by the students of the Poltava Polytechnic who successfully participated in the Erasmus+ program.
Throughout the 2025/2026 academic year’s autumn semester, students Tetiana Holub (group 301 FM) and Maryna Kostenko (group 302 FM) studied at the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA) in Valmiera, Latvia. Participation in this program allowed the students to integrate into the European educational space, deepen their professional expertise, and broaden their career horizons.
Upon returning to Poltava Polytechnic, the students shared their impressions of this rewarding semester. Beyond intensive coursework and practical case studies, their time in Latvia was a period of personal growth, intercultural networking, and new acquaintances, all of which will undoubtedly support their future careers in international economic relations.
Maryna Kostenko, student of group 302 FM, International Economic Relations: “Our autumn semester at the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences was a period of intensive professional development for me. The curriculum was highly practical: mastering the intricacies of international marketing and EU economic processes was harmoniously combined with modern fintech tools. Working on real-world cases – from developing an investment app prototype to strategic analysis of the challenges faced by leading Latvian companies – was particularly valuable.
Beyond academic achievements, this semester provided me with priceless cross-cultural experience and opened new horizons for my career in the EU. Our travel-filled program allowed me to visit the capitals of Norway, Sweden, and Estonia, each of which impressed me with its unique culture and rhythm of life.
Living in the university dormitory holds a special place in my memories. Although adjusting to daily life took time, it became a time of forging friendships with people from all over the world. We explored new cities, exchanged culinary traditions in our shared kitchen, and organised events that brought us closer. These warm, sincere, and energetic moments turned ordinary student life into an unforgettable adventure that will stay in my heart forever.
Time in Latvia flew by incredibly fast. Although I had to adapt to the local climate, the “northern” chill was more than compensated for by the warm atmosphere of learning and the genuine communication with my new friends. I want to express my sincere gratitude to my home university, the National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic”. Thank you for your support and for this unique opportunity to gain professional experience at leading EU universities!”.
Tetiana Holub, student of group 301 FM, International Economic Relations, shares her insights as well: “The study semester at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences was a special chapter for me, filled with bright events, professional discoveries, and unforgettable trips. It was a period that not only enriched me with new knowledge but also gave me invaluable experience in adapting to the European educational space.
Within the academic program, I was able to explore diverse disciplines – from modern media and economic strategies to the basics of the Latvian language. A particular professional challenge was developing an investment app prototype, which allowed me to integrate theoretical knowledge into real-world practice. I am confident that this experience will become a solid foundation for my future career.
Beyond intensive study, this semester was a time of great travel. Thanks to the mobility program, we visited four countries: enjoying the panoramas of Oslo, Norway; exploring the majestic Stockholm, Sweden; being inspired by the historical architecture of Austria; and deepening our understanding of the Baltic region during a trip to Estonia.
A special atmosphere also prevailed in our dormitory, where 13 Ukrainian students gathered. Our evenings, culinary experiments, and travels turned studying abroad into a heartwarming story of friendship and mutual support. These people became my true foundation.
Despite Latvia’s harsh northern climate, my time there was incredibly “warm” in a professional and emotional sense. I sincerely thank the Poltava Polytechnic for this unique opportunity to broaden my horizons, receive financial support through a scholarship, and take another confident step toward becoming a better version of myself!”.
The success of Tetiana and Maryna proves once again that academic mobility is a powerful tool for developing competitive professionals capable of global thinking. Poltava Polytechnic continues to actively expand its international partnerships, opening doors to the world’s best educational practices for its students.
Read more about Maryna and Tetiana’s first impressions from their studies in Latvia here.
National University “Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic” actively develops international cooperation with Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (Latvia), which has already laid the groundwork for several successful academic mobilities. Specifically, within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA171 program, Poltava Polytechnic associate professors Lyudmyla Svystun and Yuliia Khudolii participated in the E3UDRES2 science festival, researchers Olha Harkava and Lyudmyla Shevchenko presented their scientific work on frame structural systems of buildings and the landscape and spatial organisation of the city of Poltava at the event “ViA's Research Evening 2024”. In addition, university lecturers and students participated in the “WOOD TECHNOLOGY HACKATHON”, where, together with international teams, they developed innovative projects, gaining valuable experience and new contacts. Such fruitful interaction strengthens institutional partnerships, facilitates the exchange of advanced expertise in higher education, and integrates Poltava Polytechnic into the European scientific and educational space.
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).
