Experiences from the mobility

Hosti institution: Universitário Egaz Moniz, Portugalska & Catherine Ndong, Malaga Therapy, Španija
Period of mobility: 1st semster of Academic Year 2022/2023 & June-August 2023

"In the past year, I participated in the Erasmus exchange in Lisbon, Portugal, and the Erasmus practical training in Malaga, Spain. Both experiences are unforgettable and irreplaceable for me.

During the Erasmus exchange, I became acquainted with a different academic system and environment. I studied Forensic Psychology, a field that does not (yet) exist in Slovenia, and gained a wealth of information that I incorporated into my previously acquired knowledge of general psychology. During the Erasmus practical training, I familiarized myself with the working methods of a foreign organization, met many independent entrepreneurs, and gained insight into the possibilities of working in the foreign market.

The most important lesson I took from both experiences is undoubtedly a deeper understanding of myself. Living abroad, independently and through constant interaction with interesting people with completely different perspectives and experiences, opened up new dimensions for me. I tried various leisure activities and embarked on adventures that I would have felt limited to in Slovenia. In a foreign country, I felt a sense of freedom."

Hosti institution: L-Università ta' Malta, Malta
Period of mobility: 1st semster of Academic Year 2023/2024

"I have to say I am really happy with how things are going so far on Erasmus. Malta is a beautiful country with so much to offer on various parts of life, from courses to parties to places to visit. There is always something that you can do!
In Malta, I got the chance to meet a lot of new people, from students, to assistants, professors and researchers. I really feel like I am a part of the student community here. As for the University, I’ve gotten a chance for the first time to attend a photography course, which is something that I’ve wished for my entire life, so I am very happy for that. Furthermore, the professors and classmates are really nice, and everyone is always helpful.
But the biggest part that makes me so happy here is the fact that I got an internship at the University in the field of bioinformatics, which I never expected to happen. So now I have the great honor to collaborate on two great projects - one regarding the improvement of bioinformatics databases and the other in MRI image processing of the human brain and data analysis. I am really excited to see how the projects will go! And I am also excited to see what new career opportunities await me back in Slovenia with greater practical knowledge. As for socialising, the people have been very welcome and warm. I’ve gotten a chance to meet students from all parts of Europe - Poland, Norway, Germany, Spain and even Moldova! There have been a lot of social events where I could expand my social network and create meaningful connections that will be a part of my life for a long time.
Erasmus is really a great opportunity for all students in every sense - social, professional, educational and spiritual. It is a great chance to see the beautiful world we live in, and meet new people and gather meaningful experience. I have to say in my final preparations days of the departure I was worried how my life will look like here, but I have to say now, after 2 months of living abroad, I wouldn’t change a thing."

Host Institution (Erasmus+ Internship): Futurismo Azores Adventures, Portugal
Period of mobility: July - September 2021
Further details about Jana's experiences are available here.

Host Institution: Marche Polytechnic University, Italy
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

"I decided to apply for the Erasmus+ exchange because I wanted to meet potential future colleagues and professors abroad, and gain experience of studying at another faculty (in addition to studying at UP FAMNIT). I chose UNIVPM in Ancona mainly because of the size of the faculty and the excellent offer of study programs for the exchange students. The city of Ancona is also known for many interesting events for Erasmus+ students. I met a lot of students from different parts of Europe, and with the support of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) we also visited different cities in Italy. Italy is generally a beautiful country in all seasons (not just in summer) and the Italians are very friendly.
I am glad that I chose UNIVPM because I am sure that I will gain knowledge that will be useful in my studies, and good memories and experiences."

Host Institution: UiT - the Arctic University of Norway, Norway
Period of mobility: 2nd semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

"The Erasmus+ exchange was one of the best learning experiences in my life, period. Having an opportunity to live in Norway for 6 months together with other students that come from different parts of Europe is truly unique. Besides spending time in a beautiful student campus in Tromsø I had plenty of spare time to do other activities. Seeing auroras, doing dog sledding and airplane flight above fjords are just some of those amazing things that this city offered me during the exchange. If I was not finishing my studies I would definitely go on another Erasmus+ exchange and I think that it speaks for itself."

Host Institution: The University of Information Science and Technology "Saint Paul the Apostle", North Macedonia
Period of mobility: 2nd semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

"When I arrived in North Macedonia, I did not encounter any major problems. Epidemiological measures in North Macedonia were somewhat more relaxed than in the EU (e.g. almost all shops and services worked, and no negative test was required when crossing the border), but the study was conducted online. At the time of the exchange, I was living in the Nikola Karev student dormitory in Ohrid.
Despite the current situation, I met a lot of new friends. I am glad that I decided for North Macedonia because, unlike other countries, life was quite normal, and Ohrid is a really beautiful city (the whole area around the lake is under UNESCO protection).
I could not define the selected courses as difficult, as studying does not represent a problem for me. I cannot classify the selected institution - the University of Information Science and Technology "Saint Paul the Apostle" (UIST) - as a well-known university, but it does not bother me personally, as the quality of online study is now mostly at the same level. If I get the feeling that I don't know enough or that I'm interested in something extra, I ask, I browse the web,… - just like most students do."

Host Institution: Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
Period of mobility: 2nd semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

"I came to Budapest in early February, a week before lectures started. I can say that everything went quite well. There were some administrative problems at the beginning, but their coordinators were helpful and the problems were solved in a short period of time.
At the beginning of the semester, the measures against COVID-19 were pretty strict (e.g. only pharmacies and supermarkets were open) and they remained the same for the next few weeks. On the bright side, it was much easier to visit all the tourist sites than in the period before the pandemic, it was also quite easy to find an apartment in a great location at an affordable price. Also, there were no restrictions for traveling within the country. So, we visited some smaller places during the weekends and some longer trips for the spring break.
Lectures will most likely be held online throughout the semester. I like how most of them are interactive and professors use different strategies to get students interested in their subject. Compared to those at Famnit, lectures are shorter (usually about 90 minutes long) and I think that is a good way to keep the student’s concentration at a high level, especially in this online format.
Although it is much harder to meet new people in this situation because almost all social events are not allowed, the three of us from Famnit came here for an Erasmus exchange and we knew some people who study here regularly. So we managed to meet some really nice people in a short time and I expect that there will be more of them until the end of the semester."

Host Institution: University of Coimbra, Portugal
Period of mobility: 2nd semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

"I opted for the University of Coimbra because of its high reputation in the field of Data Science and Engineering. I have chosen courses to improve my knowledge and skills in this area. I already met a lot of students from all over Europe. The current global situation does not prevent us from having a great time together."

Host Institution: Sigmund Freud University, Austria
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2020/2021

“My Erasmus exchange experience allowed me to broaden my views about my field of studies and discover new interests of mine as well as motivated me to work constantly on myself and seek knowledge as much as possible. I was especially pleased whit the huge number of practical classes, the open approach from the professors on every topic, introduced to a different field of work from the one I was introduced to in our department, and above all meeting some highly dedicated and proactive students who awaked the urge in me to act accordingly in the future as well.
I consider this experience to be highly profound above all for my additional academic and professional career. Regarding the socio-cultural aspect, I would firstly point out that my experience was partly unique concerning the current Corona situation but even so I had the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and experience and discover new cultures, mentality, and day to day dynamic of functioning.
All in all, I would conclude that even though the current circumstances (having the CVID-19 pandemic going on and on), my not so regular Erasmus experience considering all the positive perspectives and all the downsides, I would describe it as “an expensive life lesson in life experience, knowledge, and wisdom while I was lucky enough to pay a cheap price for it (in non-material value)”, as well as one of my best life decisions. “

Host institution: Istanbul Gelisim University, Turkey
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2018/2019

“I'm spending my winter semester in Turkey, as a student of Istanbul's Gelişim University. Upon arrival, I was first caught off guard by the cultural difference. This feeling faded shortly, as I met lots of fantastic people. The Turks are an incredibly warm and welcoming nation. This applied to my professors, too. They greeted me with open arms and a preparedness to help at any time. I was most impressed by the lecturing style of my psychotherapy professor Hatice Güneş, who regularly included examples from her practice into lessons – making the curriculum exceptionally perceptive and lively. Her approach captured me to such an extent that I am now considering continuing my studies by enrolling into a Master in Psychotherapy. I warmly recommend an Erasmus exchange to anyone, who wishes to expand their comfort zone, encounter new friendships and enrich their repertoire of experiences.” 

Host institution: Universidad del Pais Vasco, Spain
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2018/2019

"In September I left for Bilbao, to study at the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the Basque Country. All the courses I attended were in English. The course about Vertebrates, as well as Ecology impressed me most. In addition to lectures by excellent professors, they also offered interesting field trips and lab exercises. The campus is huge and offers numerous extracurricular activities (such as cheap diving or surfing course…). My “study buddy” Beñat, a former Famnit exchange student, helped me upon arrival to find accommodation, navigate the timetable as well as translate what I couldn’t understand. Students here are nice and open to hang out – you can expect to learn how to order a beer in Basque, since Spanish is rarely spoken here. ¡Agur!"

Host institution: University of Coimbra, Portugal
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2018/2019

"I am currently finishing my study exchange at the University of Coimbra. In my postgraduate studies in Ecology, I was lucky to gain new knowledge in areas such as Ethnobotany and Behavioral Ecology, and to have gained new insights into Nature Conservation. Here I met exceptional people with whom we share a love of nature, crazy ideas, and a drive to work. Getting to know different cultures and new people is certainly one of the most important factors in my personal development. Besides of that, there is always time for a spontaneous trip, surfing or simply having fun while socializing. In short, an unforgettable experience!"

Host institution: Eötvös Loránd University, Hungary
Period of mobility: 1st semester of Academic Year 2018/2019

"I chose this University due to its exceptional selection and recognition of the study of Mathematics – helping me to discover new frontiers of fields I have not much ventured into before. What struck me most though was the friendly and close attitude of the staff and professors towards the students.” Why would she recommend an exchange? “Because it offers a great combination of expanding your knowledge and getting in touch with new people and exploring their culture."