In the academic year 2022/2023 students of Master's degree program of the V.V. Popovskyy ICE Department NURE, Victoria Semerenskaya and Julia Tovkun had a unique opportunity to take a dual degree program ERASMUS+ at Blacking University of Technology (BTH, Karslkrona, Sweden).

The university made an incredible impression on the girls: BTH is located in a picturesque corner of the old city, on the beach, so often between classes the girls could relax on the beach, and in summer even bathe (the beach is next to the academic building). Julia and Victoria note that all the people in Sweden are very open, friendly and always ready to help.

Classes are taught in English. The University in Karlskrona has the most modern equipment in classrooms and laboratories, which is constantly updated and supplemented. The emphasis in training is made on practical classes and laboratory work. The number of practical classes is greater than in the Ukrainian program. And lectures can be attended remotely, tutors provide recordings of lectures.

A nice bonus was that BTH has the option to take any course you like, regardless of the course area. BTH is characterized by a more flexible approach to class organization, a focus on practical application of knowledge, and work on projects. Successful completion of the dual degree program will open new horizons for Victoria and Julia in their career and personal development. International experience and knowledge of different educational systems increases competitiveness in the labor market, allows a greater understanding of cross-cultural differences and cooperation with colleagues from different countries.

Also our students had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Swedish culture, to travel not only in Sweden, but also to visit Denmark, Poland, Germany, to get new interesting acquaintances. This will allow them to develop not only as professionals, but also as individuals, broadening their worldview and gaining valuable life experience. Girls are convinced that the training in the system of double diplomas will bring not only new knowledge and skills, but will be an impetus for the development of international cooperation in education and science.

It is worth noting that NURE and BTH have been cooperating on the academic mobility program for many years, providing students with the opportunity to obtain dual degrees, which increases their chances of a successful career in the future.

At BTH University, Elena Sayenko, lecturer at the V.V. Popovskyy ICE Department, coordinated the girls' work on their thesis project. Elena corrected the interaction between our students and BTH professors, who were responsible for the diploma project, helped the girls to solve the issue of timely defense, since the strategy for preparing diploma works in Ukraine and Sweden has certain differences.