Four students from the University “Goce Delcev” – Stip were part of an international student mobility in Madrid, Spain, during the past week, within the framework of the European University Alliance ACE2-EU Alliance, which unites nine European universities.
As they say, their mission was clear, but extremely important – through teamwork and interdisciplinary work to develop ideas and solutions that will help older adults more easily overcome everyday barriers and be more physically active.
For Marija Vangjelovska, participation in the project is a special honor and responsibility.
“It was a special honor for me to represent the University of Goce Delcev within the framework of the ACE2-EU Alliance. This participation was not only an academic experience, but also an opportunity to contribute to building European cooperation and knowledge exchange. The feeling of being part of a wider European university network brings additional responsibility, but also motivation for personal and professional development,” she says.
For Andrej Josifovski, this was the first experience of this type. “This project left a very positive impression on me, it opened up new acquaintances from other countries, as well as exchange of experiences and mutual cooperation,” he says.
From ideas to concrete solutions
During their stay in Madrid, the students worked with modern methodologies such as design thinking, focusing on identifying and analyzing the barriers that limit physical activity in the elderly. Through this work, they improved their analytical and research abilities, as well as their teamwork skills in an interdisciplinary and multicultural environment.
Marija emphasizes: “Professionally, I have strengthened my ability to work in a team in an interdisciplinary environment, communicate with different stakeholders and present ideas in front of an expert panel. On a personal level, mobility has contributed to increasing my self-confidence, adaptability and ability to work in a multicultural environment.”
Andrej, on the other hand, emphasizes that he has noticed the greatest progress in public speaking, accepting different ideas and collaborating in an international team.
“Above all, the biggest influence on my already acquired skills in terms of my public speaking was the collaboration in a group and the exchange and acceptance of ideas and advice as well as experiences,” says Andrej.
The power of intercultural exchange
Working with students from different European education systems allowed them to see how the same health and social challenge can be solved in different ways, depending on the cultural and urban context.
Marija says that this experience broadened their perspective and encouraged them to think more critically, more openly and more innovatively.
“The intercultural environment had a significant impact on my perspective. Working with students from different European universities allowed me to see how the same health problem can be perceived and solved in different ways, depending on the cultural, social and urban context. This experience taught me to think more openly, critically and broadly, taking into account different approaches and experiences. The exchange of ideas in such an environment stimulates innovation and creates the basis for better and more sustainable solutions,” she explains.
The differences in educational approaches, as Andrej notes, are obvious – but the common goal remains the same: creating higher quality and sustainable solutions.
“According to communication with other students from European universities, one can see how much difference there is in the way of education in terms of the diversity of programs compared to ours, but the ultimate goal and idea remains unchanged in comparison,” reveals Andrej.
Message to future applicants
Their message to UGD students is unanimous – to apply without hesitation.
,,I would advise them to take advantage of the opportunity and apply without hesitation. Such mobilities are not only an academic experience, but a process of personal and professional growth. They offer the opportunity to broaden horizons, create international contacts and acquire practical knowledge that cannot always be obtained in traditional teaching. Being part of a European alliance like ACE2-EU means being part of a community that encourages innovation, cooperation and academic excellence. Such an experience leaves a lasting mark on the way of thinking and professional direction,’’ says Marija.
“My message to other students is not to think twice, but to apply as soon as possible and to multiple projects, because you gain vast professional experience, new acquaintances, enrichment of knowledge, acquisition of skills for working in international groups and, above all, very positive experiences,’’ said Andrej.
