Parfeievets Sofiia Denysivna

Specialty: International Economic Relations 

Group: 292-23-1 FM Year: 2nd year 

University of Applied Sciences Wiener Neustadt 

Mobility period: 02.09.2024 – 14.12.2024 

Specialty during mobility: Business Consultancy International

The direct speech from the participant

– Where did you stay (dormitory, rented room, hostel, other)?

WIHAST Dormitory

– Were you provided with a scholarship for the mobility program? If so, to what percentage did the scholarship cover the minimum necessary living expenses?

I received a scholarship, and the entire amount was sufficient to cover my basic needs during the mobility period.Стипендія була, мені цілком вистачило всієї стипендії на покриття базових потреб під час мобільності.

– Based on your experience, what should future mobility program participants pay attention to during preparation?

I needed to figure out the transportation system and find out exactly which items were required for the university. I had some questions about the university, which led to some extra expenses. Also, it was important to carefully plan how medical treatment would be handled, since health is very important. Buying medicine at the pharmacy was difficult; although some medicines were available over the counter, they were not very effective.

– What unexpected issues arose during your mobility?

The most unexpected issue for me was a problem with the migration office. When applying for temporary protection, my room number was incorrectly entered, which caused a long delay in receiving my card. I had to visit the police, call the central migration office, contact the Ukrainian support center, and go to the regional migration office. I truly lacked sufficient German language skills, as they spoke very little English there. My case was an exception, but nonetheless, it was a problem that stretched over two months.

– Briefly describe your expectations for the mobility program and whether they were fulfilled.

My expectations were to understand what it’s like to be in an international environment, attend in-person classes every day, feel like a student 100%, and also experience another country from all sides. Indeed, all of this was fully justified.

– What educational and cultural activities did you participate in during your mobility?

I participated in an international fair, representing my home university to other students.

– Share your most vivid impressions from the mobility program.

The most vivid memories were all the trips with the group of students — when we climbed the mountain, the highest point of Lower Austria, the tour around Vienna, the Christmas markets, and more. Wherever there were cheerful and friendly people, that’s where the best memories were made.

– Would you like to participate in the mobility program again, and where would you go?

Yes, but now I would consider the option of a short-term mobility, either within Europe or to other continents, if that is possible, of course.

– Would you recommend participating in the mobility program?

100%