Hello everyone!

I recently spent 5 days at the University of Ruse in Bulgaria for an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) called “Enhancing Future Skills through Artificial Intelligence, 3D Technologies and Robotics.” It was short, fast-paced, and an incredible experience.

Here is what you need to know if you are thinking about applying for a short-term mobility:

– Hands-on Tech: We didn’t just sit in lectures. We got to work directly with AI tools, cybersecurity, 3D printing, and actual robotic arms.

– Teamwork: Students from different countries were mixed into teams. We had to collaborate quickly to build a project and present it to a jury on the final day. It’s a great way to build your resume and practice your English.

– The Social Side: Even though we worked hard, we had plenty of time to explore the city of Ruse, try local food, and hang out with new international friends.

My Advice to UNG Students: Don’t worry if you don’t have months to spare for a traditional exchange. A 5-day BIP is the perfect way to travel, learn cutting-edge skills, and make international connections without falling behind on your regular studies. If you see an opening, just apply!

V tem šolskem letu sem pridobila možnost študija v Turčiji, na Univerzi za ekonomijo v Izmirju. Čeprav sem mesto enkrat obiskala že leto dni prej, so občutki navdušenja in zmedenosti in strahu prisotni pred vsakim večjim potovanjem. Sama misel na celoletno življenje v novem okolju, kjer ne govoriš domačega jezika, je zaskrbljujoča, a hkrati polna navdušenja.

Pred odhodom seveda nisem vedela, kaj natančno pričakovati, čeprav sem mesto že poznala iz krajšega obiska.
Ob prihodu v Izmir me je najprej navdušilo živahno mesto, polno ljudi, ki so zelo sproščeni in odprti. Prispela sem nekaj mesecev pred začetkom izmenjave, da sem si lahko vzela čas za spoznavanje kulture in mesta. Odpravila sem se ogledat znamenitosti kot so saat kulesi, Agora ter znameniti bazar, kjer sem posnela nekaj fotografij in vadila govorjenje turškega jezika. Že po nekaj ulicah so mi ponudili skodelico čaja in mi zastavili na stotine vprašanj o moji državi. V Turčiji se na splošno počutiš zelo dobrodošlega, kar je za nas Slovence precejšen kulturni šok, saj smo veliko bolj zadržani in nismo vajeni take komunikacije med neznanci na ulici. Seveda moraš vedno biti previden saj se po prvi tuji besedi cene zvišajo.
Študij na univerzi je potekal po drugačnem sistemu, kot smo ga vajeni doma, odnos med profesorji in študenti je veliko bolj sproščen, sploh na oddelku za film. Turški študentje so imeli veliko strahu pred govorjenjem angleškega jezika, kot sem pričakovala, zato sem se takoj vpisala na ure turškega jezika. To je odprlo veliko novih pogovorov med ljudmi, čeprav so moji stavki še vedno nepravilni in z močnim naglasom. Prav na urah tujih jezikov so se pokazale največje možnosti za prijateljstva, saj smo bili vsi tujci in smo se povezali prek spoznavanja nove kulture, jezika ter domotožja. Najbolj sem se zbližala z dekletoma iz Japonske in Koreje skupaj smo raziskovale mesto in si med seboj delile svoje kulture. Kasneje se nam je pridružila še Turkinja, kar nam je bilo v veliko pomoč, saj smo lahko Turčijo spoznavale skozi oči nekoga, ki tam živi.
Erasmus seveda ni le študij, čeprav sem veliko časa namenila učenju in predavanjem. Velik del izkušnje predstavljajo tudi nova medkulturna prijateljstva, spoznavanje države in kulture ter učenje novega jezika. V prostem času sem obiskala številna mesta, preizkusila tradicionalno turško hrano in spoznala običaje, ki se precej razlikujejo od naših. Prav ti trenutki in daljši čas, preživet v državi, so mi omogočili, da sem Turčijo spoznala na veliko bolj pristen način.
Seveda ni vedno šlo brez težav. Dnevno sem se srečevala z jezikovnimi ovirami, birokracijo, včasih tudi z domotožjem in kakšnimi predsodki. Kljub temu sem prav skozi te izzive postala bolj samostojna, prilagodljiva in samozavestna (velja za vse drugo razen za Turški jezik, ta me še vedno straši).
Zdaj, ko gledam nazaj, lahko rečem, da je bila ta odločitev ena najboljših glede študija in novih izkušenj. Poleg akademskega znanja sem pridobila nepozabne spomine, prijateljstva z ljudmi z vseh koncev sveta in predvsem drugačen pogled na življenje.

-Ana Tia Hohkraut

From 19th to 23rd of April we participated in Animacikl – a animation workshop in Banja Luka as part of a festival in which we had 48 hours to make a 1 minute animated short. Students from all over Europe got mixed into groups with other foreign students and in the 48 hours had to get to know each other, get familiar with each other’s skills, and think of and make a film based on the workshop’s theme.

The main rule of the workshop was that at least one person from the group needs to be on the premises working at all times, so we had to arrange shifts and separate the work well. However, the students weren’t the only ones awake as the organisers and representatives of the hosting school were providing us with food, drinks and snacks, and checking up on us no matter the hours. We were also located on a campus, so there was a cafe nearby and places to rest and hang out in between work.

The time before and after the workshop we spent exploring around the city and the campus. Upon arrival there was a collective lunch, and in the evening an organized gathering where we got the chance to mingle and talk to other students in a fun and pleasant atmosphere. We enjoyed discussing experiences because, in reality, not all students had worked in animation before, but actually came from other backgrounds (new media, contemporary arts, etc).

At the closing ceremony we received certificates for participation. Afterwards we walked around the city behind two student representatives of the Bosnian school who were biking with a projector and a DJ booth, playing music and projecting animations onto buildings around Banja Luka, for the public to see as well.

This intense experience, in some ways, also made us closer to our teammates enough to keep in contact even now, and our colleagues from Croatia are even planning a visit to Ljubljana soon 🙂

It was definitely one of the more interesting and most challenging experiences we got an opportunity to participate in. We had to combine our advantages and make up for each other’s disadvantages in the most efficient way in order to finish by the deadline. Brainstorming and arriving on the same page with complete strangers was a semi-stressful new obstacle, but a very useful experience as it forced us to confront our communication, problem solving and cooperation skills.

Overall, as a person who likes to test my own limits and push myself to improve as much as possible also in the field of animation, I think this was a very useful and unforgettable experience that I would encourage anyone to try at least once, even if not in the field of animated film 🙂

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