YSU student’s educational experience in Slovakia

From a professional perspective, Stella gained valuable experience by studying her core subjects in English in greater depth, which made the learning process more engaging and enriching.

"Studying abroad was a deeply held wish of mine, something I often thought about. Starting from my third year, I began looking into and researching exchange programs. I dreamed of going to Spain — it’s the country of my dreams — but due to course incompatibility, it didn’t work out. I didn’t give up, though. I applied to the University of Economics in Bratislava and fulfilled one of my biggest wishes. Just the thought of studying abroad made my eyes light up, because I knew I’d have the chance to gain new knowledge and to travel — and that’s exactly what happened.

In addition to achieving high academic performance at the university, I also managed to travel to ten European countries, making it a truly unforgettable semester. In short, it was my inner conviction and belief that I was on the right path — and would realize many of my dreams — that encouraged me to pursue my education abroad," says the student.

Stella shared that during her studies she developed new skills. She began conducting more detailed analyses, started paying greater attention to details in professional tasks, and became more organized — a quality she notes is especially important for the profession of a manager. 

"The university was very comfortable and beautiful. Some halls were perfectly suited for both informal discussions and studying. Overall, the university environment was motivating and inspiring. It fully matched my idea of what an academic setting should be like.

My main area of interest is project management. I enjoy planning and implementing different kinds of initiatives. I think this preference is linked to my personality — I believe I have leadership qualities and strong organizational skills," notes Stella, who studied subjects such as "Marketing," "Distribution Management" (which was new to her), and several others at the university abroad.  

Like any student studying abroad for the first time, Stella also faced some challenges. She mentioned that the biggest issue at the beginning was the lack of accessible information. Based on this experience, she suggests developing an informational guide or handbook to help Erasmus+ applicants better navigate the process and ensure a more organized experience. According to her, in addition to academic knowledge, the Erasmus+ program also taught her not to give up in the face of difficulties.

Stella noted that it was initially unusual to share a room with a Muslim roommate. However, by breaking the stereotypes she previously held, she came to understand that friendship and human connection go beyond religion or nationality. To this day, she stays in touch with her best friend, who is from Uzbekistan.

Studying in a multicultural environment gave Stella the opportunity to interact with people from many different countries. She is convinced that the friends and acquaintances she made from all over the world have broadened her worldview.

"Having genuine, kind friends in different parts of the world is simply wonderful," she says, adding that the greatest benefit of living in a multicultural environment was the opportunity for self-discovery.

"A new environment, new people, new experiences — all of this pushed me to get to know myself better," she emphasizes.

Since her school years, Stella has actively participated in non-formal education, joining various clubs and extracurricular groups, which influenced her choice of profession. She also volunteers, collaborates with humanitarian foundations, and often takes advantage of opportunities to gain new knowledge.

"For me, the most important aspect of education is acquiring practical and professional knowledge. That’s why YSU was clearly my first choice. Being a student at the country's leading university is not only a source of pride, but also a great responsibility. YSU offers countless opportunities — new connections, networks, projects, and exchange programs," says Stella, who plans to continue her studies and become a leading specialist in her field, with the goal of eventually launching her own business.