We learned about this traineeship opportunity through our professors, who are actively involved in the RESPOND Project. From the very beginning, we were highly interested in participating, primarily because of the exceptional location and the engaging activities that were planned. The challenging terrain of the Cinque Terre made the program particularly appealing, as it presented not only a professional challenge for vineyard management but also a personal challenge for us as participants.

We were accommodated in La Spezia, which proved to be an excellent base for all the activities we carried out in the Cinque Terre. The location allowed easy access to the fieldwork sites while also offering a pleasant environment to relax and explore. Our main activities focused on understanding the challenges that the rugged terrain of the Cinque Terre presents to local vineyard owners. Already on the first day, we had the opportunity to observe how the lack of proper road access is addressed, particularly through the use of helicopters to transport stone for building terraces, which we found especially interesting to witness firsthand.

We also learned how local producers overcome these obstacles through the construction of terraces and the implementation of vineyard management techniques specifically adapted to steep slopes. In addition, we were introduced to the region’s rich biodiversity and distinctive wine styles, gaining both practical and theoretical knowledge.
Beyond the academic and professional aspects, the experience was enriched by long walks through the stunning landscapes of Cinque Terre. Although these hikes were often physically demanding, the breathtaking views made every step worthwhile. Just as important were the moments of constant social interaction—talking, laughing, and bonding—which made the entire experience even more memorable.

We also had some free time, which we used to explore all five villages of Cinque Terre, as well as La Spezia and nearby cities such as Florence and Pisa. These visits allowed us to further immerse ourselves in Italian culture, history, and everyday life, while also practicing the Italian language.

In addition to the valuable practical knowledge and expanded professional network we gained, this experience was significant for cultural exchange and personal growth. Although it was a relatively short-term mobility, it was rich and fulfilling in every sense.

About Cinque Terre you can read more at following site: https://www.parconazionale5terre.it

Greetings from Valentina, Anusa, Magdalina, Tara, Ivan and Sofija

During the winter semester 2025/2026, my colleague, Ivan Bosic, and I participated in the Erasmus exchange program in Germany at Hochschule Geisenheim University. Our interest in this institution developed after our short-term exchange in Udine, Italy, where we first learned about the research projects conducted in Geisenheim. The innovative work and strong focus on viticulture and enology motivated us to apply.

Geisenheim is a small town located on the banks of the Rhine River in the famous Rheingau wine region. The area is particularly well known for its production of Riesling and Pinot Noir, two grape varieties that play a central role in the region’s winemaking tradition. Surrounded by vineyards and numerous wineries, the town has a strong connection to viticulture and wine culture. Along the river, there are pleasant walking paths and promenades that offer a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful views of the Rhine and the surrounding vineyards, making Geisenheim a charming and characteristic wine town.

Academically, the semester was highly enriching. The professors were approachable and supportive, openly sharing their projects and extensive knowledge. Their guidance inspired us to reflect on our own professional interests and helped us better define the directions we wish to pursue, as well as those we may choose to avoid in the future.

Throughout the semester, we were actively involved in research projects and laboratory work. We performed various laboratory analyses and became familiar with modern equipment, including vacuum distillation systems and other advanced technologies used in contemporary enology. In the breeding department, we practiced grafting and learned about grapevine improvement strategies. We also participated in vineyard walks, where we discussed the challenges of modern viticulture, such as climate change adaptation and sustainability.

Additionally, we expanded our knowledge of global wines through training sessions for WSET Level 3, gaining deeper insight into wine styles, evaluation techniques, and international wine markets. These experiences were highly valuable for our field of study and future careers in viticulture and winemaking.

Our class group was very diverse, consisting of students from countries such as Argentina, Mexico, China, Brazil, Italy, and others. This diversity created a stimulating academic environment in which we constantly exchanged ideas, career plans, and perspectives. Beyond academic discussions, we gained insight into different cultures, social systems, and global events through everyday conversations. These interactions broadened our worldview and enhanced our intercultural understanding. We also improved our language skills, practicing English daily and further developing our Italian, which we are currently learning. Participating in team projects strengthened our communication and collaboration skills, teaching us how to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and academic traditions. At the same time, informal gatherings, coffee breaks, and discussions with assistants created a friendly and motivating atmosphere. These moments balanced the academic intensity and contributed to building meaningful connections.

Erasmus is not only an academic exchange but also a cultural one. Our stay in Germany allowed us to experience the country beyond the classroom and laboratory. We explored several German cities, learning about the culture, history, and organization of society. By immersing ourselves in a different educational and social system, we were exposed to new habits, structures, and ways of thinking. This experience pushed us out of our comfort zone and significantly contributed to our academic, personal, and mental growth.

Overall, our Erasmus experience was transformative. It enriched our academic knowledge, expanded our cultural awareness, strengthened our teamwork skills, and contributed to our personal growth. The semester in Geisenheim was not only an educational opportunity but also an important milestone in our development as future professionals in viticulture and enology.

The program felt amazing to both of us, and we still cannot believe such a program and such involvement of the professors is possible. What is really outstanding is that the program successfully binds together technical knowledge with building thinking capacity and introducing the politics, governance and importance of the social aspect in addressing the climate change and nature protection. The mix of the given subjects are refreshing and a delight to participate in! It is also important that there is a lot of themes that are up to date. Topics like nature contribution to people, degrowth, rewilding which are “new” in academia were here present all the time – this gives a sense of the program keeping up to date with the new things and ideas. We are also extremely grateful for the professors being so attentive and caring. We for the first time in our academia life felt truly supported and encouraged. Professors are approachable and it seems they really take their time to provide important knowledge. Most importantly, there is no presumptions and diminution of students as “someone less”. We loved the applicability of knowledge immediately in the classroom – solving different problem questions and opening discussions. This is something worth maintaining. Field trips (we feel there could be a few more) are another great experience of the program, and they give the needed perception and reality checks.

The study for one semester was very intense for us and wishing to keep up with everything, we felt oversaturated and unable to absorb all the knowledge, especially since it was in Catalan which we were having trouble understanding.

We are glad we chose Girona over some bigger cities, since everything was accessible by bike and it still offers everything that you need for life. Housing can be hard to find and quite expensive (expect to pay around 300-400€ for a room in a shared flat). The city is very well connected with regional and international railways; it is situated between the sea and the Pyrenees.

At the end, thank you ALL again for this experience. The program in our opinion is a shining example in Europe and a rare find! The application proces was a not so demanding, especially because of all the help we received from Jana Beguš and Núria Roura-Pascual.

More info: https://www.udg.edu/ca/masters-en-mediambient-i-quimica/caits/informacio-general

Greetings, Nicoleta and Jakob 

During the winter semester of 2025, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in the Erasmus+ exchange programme in Ireland – IADT. It turned out to be one of the most enriching experiences of my academic and personal life.

My journey began on 9th of September, when I flew to Ireland, full of excitement (and a bit of nervousness). The semester officially started on 15th of September and lasted until 12th of December, with my return flight scheduled for 14th of December. From the very first days, it was clear that this experience would be something special.

I stayed with a host family during my time in Ireland, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better arrangement. They were incredibly welcoming, kind, and supportive, which made settling into a new country much easier. Living with locals also gave me a deeper insight into Irish daily life and culture, something you just can’t fully experience by staying in student accommodation.

Academically, the exchange exceeded all my expectations. I learned an enormous amount about animation, not just in terms of technical skills, but also in mindset. I was introduced to new animation techniques, fresh approaches to workflow, and different perspectives on how the animation industry functions. The academic support was outstanding. Lecturers and staff were always approachable, encouraging, and genuinely invested in helping students improve. This supportive environment gave me a lot of confidence and inspiration, and it pushed me creatively in ways I hadn’t experienced before. We even visited the Circus as a class to practice life drawing.

One thing that really stood out to me was how active student life is, especially through the many clubs or societies, as they’re called. I decided to join the volleyball society, and it turned out to be an absolute blast. We trained regularly, went to tournaments, and shared so many fun and intense moments both on and off the court. Those practice days were genuinely bombastic and easily became one of the highlights of my entire Erasmus experience. Being part of the volleyball society helped me meet new people quickly, who had the same interest in volleyball as me. It made me feel truly included in campus life. All in all, there is always something happening at IADT, and the energy, variety of activities, and sense of community make it an amazing place to study and live.

Although English was the main language of communication and I was already fluent, I still picked up a few new phrases and expressions along the way. More importantly, I made new friends from different backgrounds, which made the whole experience even richer. Exchanging ideas, cultures, and creative inspiration with people from all over was one of the highlights of my stay.

One thing that truly stood out to me was the culture of kindness in Ireland. Irish people are incredibly friendly, polite, and always ready to help. The contrast to what I was used to back home was striking in the best possible way. Interestingly enough, the only people who ever came across as rude were usually tourists or non-Irish visitors. The warmth and openness of the locals made everyday life much more pleasant.

Overall, I had an absolute blast and would 100% do it again if I had the chance. The only real downside was the cost of living there is that Ireland is very expensive, and I did find myself a bit short on money at times. So my main advice to future Erasmus students is: prepare your budget well before going.

Despite that, the experience was unforgettable. I returned home with new skills, new perspectives, new friendships, and memories I’ll carry with me for life. Erasmus+ in Ireland was truly worth it. 🍀

We spent about a week in Linz for Ars Electronica, and it turned out to be an intense but really rewarding experience. The festival was packed with works that connected science, art, and technology in ways that were sometimes playful, sometimes serious, but always thought-provoking.

Walking through the exhibitions, we kept running into projects that pushed us to think differently about everyday things — from how technology changes human behavior to how art can open new perspectives on research. There was a lot to take in, and at times it felt overwhelming, but in a good way. The variety of works made it impossible to see everything, yet that was part of the charm: you never knew what was waiting around the next corner.

What stood out just as much as the artworks were the conversations we had throughout the week. We met so many people — artists, curators, scientists, students — and each exchange added a new layer to the experience. Sometimes it was a short chat over coffee, sometimes a long discussion after a panel, but in all cases it felt like we were part of a community that is genuinely curious and open. Those connections already feel like seeds for future collaborations, or at the very least, friendships that will continue beyond the festival.

Linz itself added to the atmosphere. The festival spread across different locations, and moving between them gave us small breaks to take in the city. Sitting by the river in the evening, after a full day of installations and talks, became its own ritual — a way to process everything we had seen and heard.

By the end of the week, we were both tired and energized. Ars Electronica left us with new impressions, a lot of inspiration, and a sense that the conversations we started there will continue long after the festival. It’s rare to find a place where science, art, and technology come together so naturally, and we came back with both ideas and people we know will shape our work in the future.