Academic mobility is an experience that can seem scary at first, but it really changes you for the better. For me, it was a chance to step out of my comfort zone, try a new learning format, and see my future profession from a different perspective.
All the knowledge we gained truly helps with personal growth. Business English, learning some German, and communicating with people from different countries gave me confidence and the ability to express myself freely. This experience is already influencing my professional mindset.
The most valuable part is the people and the atmosphere. Talking with students from different cultures helps you understand the world and yourself better. Over time, you realize that new things aren’t scary—they’re actually very exciting.
My advice is simple: don’t be afraid to try. Even if it feels like “this isn’t for me,” give it a chance. Every new experience makes us stronger and wiser.
Participating in the summer program at the Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (Germany) was a special experience for me, as it was my first international program. It was there that I first learned not to be afraid to express myself as an individual, to set my own boundaries, and to step outside my comfort zone.
The program helped me become more open to communication: I began to feel more confident about meeting and talking to people from different countries, something that had previously seemed difficult for me. In addition to gaining new knowledge and experiencing cultural exchange, I made wonderful friends with whom I’ve stayed in touch even after the program ended.
Advice for students: Apply even if you’re not sure you’ll be accepted—your chances are always better than they seem. Your language level isn’t a reason to give up; it will improve during the program. The first few days might feel awkward—that’s normal, and you shouldn’t take feeling lost as a sign that something is wrong. Don’t stick only with fellow countrymen, no matter how tempting it may be—that’s exactly what robs you of most of the benefits of the trip. And say “yes” more often than usual: to invitations, new foods, and plans you know nothing about in advance. It’s precisely these “yeses” that make up a memorable experience.
Participating in the academic mobility program was a truly important event for me, filled with various experiences and new acquaintances. From the range of courses offered, I paid particular attention to the discipline of “International Trade,” which gave me an understanding of the basics and principles of trade organization in the modern world. Studying the subject “German Language” also gave me confidence in communicating and using this language for further development.
My advice to future participants: the hardest part is taking the first step — if you do it, you won’t regret the opportunities you missed. It’s common to have doubts, everyone goes through this, and it’s very important to learn not to cut yourself off from the opportunities the world offers you because of these worries. And take your embroidered shirts with you, they will definitely come in handy.
