Cooperation between UNFU and the University of Sustainable Development of Eberswalde (Germany) under the Erasmus+ program has been going on for more than 8 years. During this period, it was possible to jointly implement more than 100 student and teacher mobilities for the purpose of study and internship, including the admission of German students for internship at the Ukrainian National Forestry University. Increasing the number of students and scientific and pedagogical workers participating in academic mobility programs is a key priority of the "Strategy of Internationalization of the Ukrainian National Forestry University for the period until 2026".

Two students, Sofia Bublei, a student of LG-31, and Sofia Skrypets, a student of MO-61m, are currently studying at the University of Sustainable Development in Eberswalde under the Erasmus+ program. Feedback from Sofia Bublei regarding the peculiarities of studying in Germany is in this material.

Sofia, tell us about your studies at UNFU. What are your impressions of studying forestry?

Sofia: "Now I am studying in the 3rd year of my bachelor's degree, majoring in "forestry" at UNFU. In 2019, she graduated from the Zaporizhia Lyceum EIT; after that, she entered the Zaporizhia College EIT, majoring in "Tourism," and graduated with honors in 2022. In 2021, she entered the Zaporizhia National University majoring in forestry, but in 2022, she transferred to the Ukrainian National Forestry University for the same major in connection with military operations in my city. At the same time, I always had a desire to study at a highly specialized university. The impressions of studying at UNFU during this period are only good. This university is inspiring! A very professional teaching staff that is always ready to support the student and continues to work during such a difficult time in the country. I have never once regretted that I studied at UNFU."

How did you get the Erasmus+ scholarship? What is the size of the scholarship, and where do you live?

Sofia: "I learned about this project from the official Instagram page of the Department of International Relations at UNFU. On the same day, my academic supervisor (I.I. Delegan) informed me about the possibility of studying abroad. Together with him, we decided to submit documents for participation in the competition. The first stage of the selection was an interview with the Selection Commission. A week later, the results were announced, and I was nominated to study at the University of Sustainable Development in Eberswalde. Later, a study agreement was reached, and now I am studying for a semester on exchange, majoring in International Forest Ecosystem Management. The amount of the scholarship per month is 1,050 euros (including the cost of accommodation and travel, student insurance, and student tickets). I live in a student dormitory."

What are your impressions of the host university?

Sofia: "Eberswalde University has a very family atmosphere. For help and easy adaptation by international students, there are buddy friends. International students were provided with all the necessary documents regarding the organization of their studies, and meetings were held with representatives of the international department, faculty, and specialty. Many measures are being taken to integrate new students into the university environment."

What subjects are you studying in the current semester?

Sofia: "I have the following disciplines this semester: Environmental Policy and Economics, Adaptive Ecosystem Management, Forest Ecology and Mensuration, Academic Writing and Presenting, German, Applied Silviculture, Ecosystem Development and Restoration."

What are the main differences between studying in Germany and Ukraine?

Sofia: "There are many differences. These are two different education systems. The main feature of studying in Germany is that the student is as independent as possible in choosing to attend classes; most of the study is devoted to independent work. There is a maximum focus on the student."

Did you manage to make friends? Do you have time for rest and travel?

Sofia: "It's quite easy to make friends in Germany by attending events for students. I have time to rest on weekends, but I'm not traveling yet."