International academic mobility opens up new opportunities for students to foster professional and personal growth, enhance language skills, and gain insight into different educational systems and cultures.<\/span><\/p> During the 2025\u20132026 academic year, Hanna Tkachenko, a student at the Oleh Balatskyi Department of Management at Sumy State University,<\/strong> studied in Latvia under the Erasmus+ program. Her academic mobility period lasted ten months. Studying abroad offered her not only a chance to gain new educational experience but also served as a true test of her independence, adaptability, and willingness to step outside her comfort zone.<\/span><\/p> Over the course of two semesters, Hanna balanced intensive studies with an active international student life; she interacted with students from various countries, improved her English proficiency, and explored European cultures. She noted that the second semester was particularly demanding academically, yet she successfully completed all her assignments.<\/span><\/p> However, the best person to share the story of this Erasmus+ experience is the participant herself\u2014Hanna Tkachenko.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t “It was one of the most difficult, yet at the same time one of the best periods of my life.”<\/strong><\/span><\/p> When I received the offer to participate in an academic mobility program, the decision wasn’t easy. At the time, I had an established life, a job, and my friends and loved ones close by. I was also worried about my English proficiency and realized I would have to balance studies at two universities simultaneously. However, the opportunity to study abroad, improve my English, travel, and gain new experiences ultimately outweighed all my doubts.<\/span><\/p> I had only about two days to make up my mind. I am deeply grateful to the people who supported me and told me to “go pursue my dreams.” Then the preparation began\u2014followed by the long-awaited news: “You\u2019ve been accepted.”<\/span><\/p> The first semester was a time of getting to know a completely new international environment. Students from various countries studied together, so initially, I had to overcome the language barrier and adjust to cultural differences.<\/span><\/p> At first, speaking English constantly felt a bit unusual, but it gradually became second nature. I am so glad I met all these people; with some of them, I formed truly close bonds. I have fond memories of university classes, exams, various events, and the everyday moments of student life.<\/span><\/p> Intercultural interaction was a key part of the Erasmus+ experience. During the first semester, I also took part in a competition where my team and I won a grant, giving me the chance to gain a closer look at the operations of the company Smiltenes Piens. The second semester proved to be more challenging:<\/span> Making new acquaintances was equally important. Group outings, sports activities, trips, and simply spending evenings with friends helped foster a genuine international student community.<\/span><\/p> We truly became a little family. I never imagined it was possible to form such close friendships with people in such a short time. Constant interaction significantly improved my English skills.<\/span><\/p> Travel was another highlight of the experience. Over the course of ten months, Hanna visited 13 countries, including Sweden, Estonia, Norway, Belgium, Finland, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, and Denmark. However, the program’s most significant outcome was not the number of places visited, but the personal growth I experienced.<\/span><\/p> During these ten months, I made countless new acquaintances, and some people became true friends\u2014even family\u2014to me. I significantly improved my English, became more independent, experienced authentic student life, and gained a wealth of valuable experience. If you are offered such an opportunity and are open to new things, seize it. It offers unforgettable impressions, experiences, challenges, and memories. I can say that this was one of the most difficult, yet at the same time one of the best, periods of my life.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
The studies were truly intense\u2014both physically and mentally. There were many assignments, and time was always in short supply. Yet, I managed to cope, completed everything required, and successfully finished the semester. This period taught me to organize my time better and become more independent.<\/span><\/p>
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