Students from the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip are increasingly using the opportunities offered by the ACE2EU alliance for international exchange, practical learning and networking.
One of them is Elena Ribarska, a student of General Medicine at the Faculty of Medical Sciences, who recently participated in an international hackathon in Poland.
In the past period, Ribarska was part of a hackathon organized by the Medical University of Gdańsk, where students from different countries worked on real health challenges.
“We worked in teams of four participants, intensively for 24 to 48 hours, on developing innovative ideas and presenting them to an expert committee,” says Ribarska.
The hackathon focused on two key challenges – developing solutions for crisis situations and improving the quality of life of cancer patients. Her team, consisting of medical and pharmacy students, worked on an innovative product intended for use in resource-limited environments.
“The process included generating ideas, developing them, receiving feedback from facilitators and preparing a final pitch,” she explains.
In addition to practical work, students had the opportunity to visit medical institutions and learn about the functioning of the healthcare system in Gdańsk.
Additionally, educational sessions were organized that connect medicine and entrepreneurship.
“This experience allowed me to collaborate with students from different countries and get acquainted with different perspectives and ways of thinking,” Ribarska points out.
According to her, a modern medical professional should not rely only on theoretical knowledge.
“I learned that in addition to theory, creativity, innovation and an interdisciplinary approach are needed.”
The experience also provided her with direct insight into the process of creating a startup – from the initial idea to the final presentation.
“I realized that success does not depend only on a good idea, but also on dedication, teamwork and continuous improvement,” she adds.
For Ribarska, participating in the hackathon is more than an academic activity – it is a personal and professional step forward.
“This was an inspiring and motivational experience that helped me broaden my horizons, step out of my comfort zone, and gain new knowledge and contacts.”
In addition to the academic part, the stay in Poland also included getting to know the local culture and the atmosphere of the city, which further enriched the overall experience.
This mobility is another example of how the ACE2EU alliance opens up concrete opportunities for students – not only to learn, but also to create, collaborate, and position themselves in the European academic space.
