Shaposhnyk Oleksandra

Field of Study – Philology 

Linköping University, 20.01.2025 - 08.06.2025, field of study during the mobility – Philology 

The direct speech from the participant

– Where did you live (dormitory, rented apartment, hostel, other)?

The dormitory had a private room and bathroom, a shared kitchen for 8 rooms with all amenities, and a laundry room with dryers. There was no iron, and the heating in the room was not working.

– Did you receive a scholarship for the mobility program? If yes, to what extent did it cover the minimum necessary expenses for accommodation?

100%.

– – From your own experience, what should a future mobility participant pay attention to first during preparation?

It is very important to read the syllabi and all the information about the course you choose, as well as how the course grade is determined. Make sure that courses do not overlap in schedule and that exams do not conflict. It is better not to choose a course related to a field you are not familiar with.

–  What unexpected challenges did you face during mobility?

I didn’t encounter any major difficulties because I tried to research all the information before the trip. However, when I received the schedule, I saw that some courses overlapped, and I had to miss one lecture.

– Briefly describe your expectations from the mobility program and whether they were met.

For the first time, I expected to get acquainted with a European country, learn more about Swedish culture and teaching methods, and gain new knowledge from the selected courses. The teaching methods turned out to be different from what I had expected, and it was not very easy for me to adapt to them. I was mostly concerned about studying, but for a successful mobility experience, the role of cultural exposure and interaction with other students proved to be more significant than I had anticipated. The opportunity to study offline, experience real student life, and communicate with people from different cultures was extremely valuable for me.

– In which educational and cultural activities did you participate during mobility?

Trips to cities near Linköping and visits to museums with friends, activities organized by Linköping student organizations: quizzes, a Scavenger Hunt around central Linköping, Speed Friending at a pub, International Night for Erasmus students at a club, a knitting club, dance classes, movie nights, board game evenings, watching the Eurovision final at a pub, Arrival Dinner in dresses and tuxedos, bowling, barbecues, and celebrating Midsommar.

– What are your most vivid impressions from mobility?

I went on a trip organized by the Linköping student organization. We took a steamboat to Helsinki, visited Santa Claus Village, and also a village in Norway, where after the sauna we went into the fjord. I saw the Northern Lights, went ice skating, and did cross-country skiing. I also witnessed a live performance by the Swedish King in honor of the 50th anniversary of Linköping University. 

– Would you like to take part in a mobility program again, and if so, where?

Yes.

– Would you recommend participating in a mobility program?

Of course, it was a really great experience.