International academic mobility opens up new opportunities for students for professional and personal development, the improvement of language skills, and exposure to different educational systems and cultures.
Anastasiia Zahrebelna, a student at the Oleh Balatskyi Department of Management at Sumy State University, spent 10 months studying at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences in Latvia as part of the Erasmus+ academic mobility program, specializing in Business and Management.
Studying abroad gave Anastasiia the chance to gain international academic experience, improve her English, discover new approaches to learning, and test her abilities in a completely new environment.
But the best person to tell the story of this Erasmus+ experience is the participant herself—Anastasiia Zahrebelna.
“Erasmus+ became a significant milestone in my personal development.”
Participating in the Erasmus+ program was one of the most important experiences of my studies. I wanted to gain international experience, improve my English, get to know a different education system, and challenge myself in a new environment.
During the preparation phase, I felt supported by both Sumy State University and the host university in Latvia. Erasmus+ coordinator Anastasiia Nesheva assisted with the paperwork, study plan, and organizational matters. An orientation week upon arrival also helped me quickly adapt to the new environment. Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to discover new teaching methods, participate in international projects, improve my teamwork skills, and significantly enhance my English proficiency. This experience made me more independent, responsible, and self-confident.
Meeting students from Latvia, Georgia, Spain, France, Moldova, and other countries was particularly valuable. Interacting with people of different nationalities helped me better understand cultural diversity and build friendships that I hope will last a long time.
Travel was also a significant part of the experience. Thanks to the program’s financial support, I was able to visit Sweden, Estonia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Denmark, France, Poland, and Spain, explore new cultures, and practice my English even more.
My main advice to future Erasmus+ participants is not to be afraid to apply, to remain open to new experiences, and to make the most of everything the program offers. Stepping out of your comfort zone yields the greatest rewards: new knowledge, connections, experience, and self-confidence.
For me, Erasmus+ was not just an academic exchange but a crucial stage in my personal development. I am sincerely grateful for this opportunity and encourage every student who has the chance to take advantage of it.
Novēlu veiksmi! — I wish you every success!
Participation of students from the Oleh Balatskyi Department of Management at Sumy State University in international academic mobility programs fosters expanded educational opportunities, the development of intercultural communication, the enhancement of language skills, and the cultivation of competencies essential for future professionals in today’s international environment.
We wish Anastasiia continued academic success, new international opportunities, professional growth, and the inspiration to use the experience she has gained to achieve her future goals!