UzhNU students took part in a week of summer studies at a partner university in Cyprus for the fourth time
This summer, a group of eight students from different faculties of Uzhhorod National University and a leading specialist from the UzhNU International Relations Department spent a rich and informative week at the branch of the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan Cyprus). The program has already become a good tradition, as Ukrainian students have been visiting Cyprus as part of this international initiative for the fourth year in a row.
The main goal of the trip was to improve their English to B2 level, as well as to get acquainted with the peculiarities of the educational process at a British university abroad. The course instructor, Poly Stylianou, prepared a diverse and interactive program that combined intensive language classes with practical exercises, creative tasks and teamwork. The students took part in debates in a simulated courtroom, where they discussed what has a greater influence on the formation of identity - culture or family. Another time, the training took place in a university café: each participant drew a card describing a certain situation, imagined themselves in it and told how they would act. A separate stage was work on projects, when teams created and presented their own companies, and the winners were chosen by voting. All this took place in a relaxed atmosphere, where English sounded natural and became the main tool for communication.
No less exciting was the cultural acquaintance with Cyprus. The participants visited Larnaca, where they visited the beaches of Finikoudes and Mackenzie, walked along the embankments and old streets, and visited the church of St. Lazarus, a medieval castle and a mosque. In the resort town of Ayia Napa, they enjoyed a vacation by the sea. Limassol impressed with the modern Limassol Marina embankment and the atmospheric streets of the old town, and ancient Kourion presented a meeting with ancient ruins and an amphitheater, which offers a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea.
The impressions of the participants were extremely warm. Leading specialist of the Department of International Relations of UzhNU Victoria Petrushka noted that the week-long course was a great opportunity to enrich knowledge, expand your worldview, get to know new people and culture, and also combine studies with the discovery of a new country. Student of the Faculty of Information Technologies Ksenia Myronyuk noted comfortable living conditions, delicious food, interesting couples and the opportunity to spend several hours at sea every day. Victoria Sichak, a master's student of the Faculty of Social Sciences, emphasized the high level of organization, exciting lessons that took place in the form of interactive learning, and a unique opportunity to combine learning about the culture of Cyprus with improving English. Anastasia Gaboda, a 3rd year student at the Faculty of Information Technologies, spoke about interesting interactive classes, daily trips to picturesque locations, swimming in the sea and evening meetings with classmates, noting that this atmosphere was special and will be remembered for a long time.
For many participants, this trip was not just a short educational journey, but a valuable experience that combines academic development, intercultural communication and new friendly ties.
Uzhhorod National University expresses its sincere gratitude to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan Cyprus) for many years of fruitful cooperation, high level of organization and warm welcome of Ukrainian students. Such projects are an example of how international partnership opens up new horizons for students, makes learning alive and inspires further development.
Anastasiya Lendel
Information and Publishing Center
