Hello everyone!

This July, I had the opportunity to participate in my first Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). It was organised by the University of Białystok, one of the partner universities in the Across Alliance, of which our university is also a member.

The BIP consisted of an online and an in-person part. During the online sessions, we attended two days of classes where we not only learned about movement and physical activity, but also actively participated in discussions and group work. As part of the programme, we prepared a presentation about the history and the most popular forms of physical activity in our home countries, which we later presented during the in-person mobility.

The in-person part took place at the campus of the Bialystok University of Technology (Politechnika Białostocka), in Białystok, Poland. Our schedule was packed with activities. We attended lectures and presentations, participated in workshops, and took part in various physical training sessions. To make the programme more interactive and efficient, we were divided into two groups. The course was very dynamic, running from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. almost every day, so there was never a dull moment.

Throughout the programme, we experienced a wide range of activities, from Tai Chi and Nordic walking to body composition analysis and health assessments. We also explored the city and its surroundings through guided tours and walks, which made the seminar even more enjoyable. Overall, I believe the programme was exceptionally well organised.

Beyond the academic knowledge we gained, I think the most valuable part of any international exchange is the opportunity to meet people from different cultures and backgrounds, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. I can honestly say that this was one of the best groups of people I have ever had the chance to meet at an event like this. We connected from the very beginning. We collaborated, supported one another, shared countless laughs, and spent all of our free time together, whether exploring the city, discovering new places, or simply getting to know each other better. We created friendships that I truly believe will last a lifetime, and we have already promised to meet again in the future.

Experiences like this BIP enrich you both personally and professionally. They broaden your perspective, help you develop new skills, and allow you to grow as an individual. I would highly recommend participating in programmes like this to anyone considering it. You certainly won’t regret it, and I sincerely hope that this is only the first of many international experiences I will have the opportunity to be part of.

During my mobility at the University of Girona, I joined the Materials and Thermodynamics research group, where I completed a research traineeship titled Rare Earth Nd-based Magnets. My work focused on neodymium-based permanent magnets as critical materials for the green transition, linking this research with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), sustainability, and the circular economy.

At the beginning of my stay, I introduced my home institution, research activities, study programs, and my previous research work to the research group. This led to valuable discussions with researchers from different backgrounds about the potential of LCA in future collaborative projects. These exchanges broadened my perspective on how LCA can support research on critical materials and contribute to the development of more sustainable technologies.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the internship was the opportunity to work closely with my mentor and the research team in an open and collaborative environment. We discussed the environmental impacts of producing, using, and recycling permanent magnets, as well as their properties and applications in modern technologies. These debates helped me connect theoretical knowledge with real-world challenges and strengthened my understanding of the role of critical materials in the green transition.

Beyond the research, Girona offered a wonderful balance between academic life and cultural experience. The city’s historic charm, welcoming atmosphere, and vibrant university community made my stay especially enjoyable. I also had the opportunity to meet fellow researchers and students from different countries, building friendships and professional connections that I hope will continue well into the future.

This research internship has been an important step in my PhD journey. It strengthened my expertise in critical raw materials and Life Cycle Assessment, provided valuable international research experience, and opened new opportunities for future collaboration. I look forward to continuing research on the environmental impacts and sustainable use of critical raw materials while maintaining my collaboration with the University of Girona.

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