A networking event for students who have participated in the Erasmus+ student exchange programme was held at Goce Delcev University – Stip.
The event was organised by the UGD Centre for International Cooperation with the aim of encouraging connections among students, sharing experiences from international mobility, and developing ideas to improve activities for international students studying at the University.
Sanja Stefanova, Head of the Centre for International Cooperation, emphasised that students’ experiences and perspectives are particularly important in developing activities that will contribute to the better reception and integration of international students into the academic and student community.
“That is precisely why we are working together with them today to develop ideas on how we can become an institution that warmly welcomes these students, what activities we can organise, and to hear their perspectives on what more we, as a department, can do for these students and these activities,” Stefanova said.
She informed participants that approximately 40 international students are studying at UGD during the current academic year, attending the University’s study programmes for one semester. Most of them come from Spain, while others are from Italy, the Czech Republic and Poland.
As in previous years, the Faculty of Medical Sciences remains the most popular choice among international students. However, they are also participating in courses at the Faculty of Computer Science, the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Educational Sciences.
Ana Marija Minova, a sixth-year student at UGD’s Faculty of Medical Sciences, also spoke about the importance of international student mobility. She shared her experience of participating in a student exchange programme in the Czech Republic.
“That experience meant a lot to me because I learned many new things, gained practical experience, and it was truly wonderful. In addition to the Erasmus+ programme, I also participated in the AC2EU programme in Madrid, Spain, which lasted seven days and was another excellent experience,” Minova highlighted.
She announced that she is currently awaiting the opportunity to take part in an Erasmus+ traineeship mobility in Spain and encouraged her fellow students to make the most of the opportunities offered by the programme.
“I recommend this to everyone because it is a very valuable academic experience – something everyone should have the opportunity to experience,” Minova said.
Through initiatives such as this, UGD continues to promote international cooperation and student mobility, enabling students to acquire new knowledge, practical skills and valuable experiences in an international academic environment.
