From dream to reality: How a Ukrainian student conquers European universities

Kateryna Zhebrivska, a student majoring in International Relations at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv Metropolitan University, shared her experience of participating in international academic mobility programs in France and Lithuania.

Her story is a vivid example of how the pursuit of knowledge, openness to new opportunities, and hard work can pave the way for success in international education.

First steps towards a dream: French language and international relations

Kateryna's passion for the French language began in her childhood, and it was inspired by a seemingly small event.

When I was a child, I used to watch the cartoon 'Lady Bug'. I was very fascinated by the song that sounded at the beginning of each episode. I didn't understand it, but I felt it was special. That was the moment when I decided that I wanted to learn French to understand these words,” Kateryna recalls fondly.

This desire to learn French later grew into a greater interest in cultural diplomacy and international relations. The university became a platform for her to realize this dream.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

When I entered the International Relations program at the university, I immediately realized that I wanted to gain more international experience. For our specialty, this experience is of great importance, as we must not only study theory, but also understand different cultures through communication and cooperation with foreigners, explains Kateryna.

First international experience: France and the French-Ukrainian Diploma program

Kateryna was actively looking for opportunities for international academic mobility, and her persistence paid off when she got the opportunity to study in France under the French-Ukrainian Diploma program.

It was a unique program that allowed for a double degree - French and Ukrainian - and included a mandatory internship in a French company.

The program was really interesting. Half of the teachers were Ukrainians, and the other half were French. In addition to theoretical classes, each student had to do an internship in a French company. It was an extremely useful experience, because we not only studied but also worked in a real business environment, says Kateryna.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

The city of Metz, where she studied, was her first window into French culture. Its architecture, atmosphere, and lifestyle made a lasting impression on her.

Metz is an incredibly atmospheric city. Every corner seemed special. I was fascinated by the ancient architecture and cozy streets. Even ordinary shops seemed special to me, she recalls with a smile.

However, studying in France was not easy. Kateryna faced several challenges, the main one being the language barrier.

The training was quite intense: we had classes for four hours every day, and some of them were in French. It was difficult at first, but I adapted very quickly. French culture, like the language, fascinated me, and it gave me the strength to work even harder, she explains.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Volunteering as part of life abroad

Volunteering has become an important aspect of Kateryna's life in France. She actively helped the Ukrainian community abroad by participating in the organization of various events in support of Ukraine.

We organized fairs, raised funds for the Ukrainian military, and held concerts in support of Ukraine. For me, it was not only a way to help my country, but also an opportunity to tell the French more about our culture, Kateryna says.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Volunteering helped Kateryna keep in touch with Ukraine and became an important way to integrate into the new environment. She was able to share Ukrainian traditions and find support among the local population.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Forced return to Ukraine: personal circumstances

After her first successful semester of study in France, Kateryna was forced to return home due to family circumstances.

I had a situation in Ukraine when my mother could not quit her job and my younger sister needed help. It was a very difficult decision, because I had already adapted to life in France and began to feel part of this country, Kateryna explains.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

This decision was difficult, but necessary. She realized that her family was more important to her than anything else, and although her studies in France were cut short earlier than she had planned, the experience remained invaluable to her.

Lithuania: a new chance with the Erasmus program

After returning to Ukraine, fate gave Kateryna another chance. She found out about the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus program and applied to study in Lithuania literally on the last day of the deadline. Unexpectedly, she was selected to participate in the program.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

I applied on the last day of the deadline, not hoping for a positive result. But when I was told that I had been selected, I was extremely surprised and, of course, happy, Kateryna recalls.

Lithuania was a new discovery for Kateryna. Unlike France, which was dominated by a large number of people and the dynamics of large cities, in Lithuania she felt the calm and measured life.

Everything was completely different in Lithuania than in France. There is less noise, less fuss, and people were very friendly. I immediately felt comfortable,” she says.

Studying in Lithuania also had its differences. It was more focused on practical assignments and group work, which helped Kateryna develop her cooperation and leadership skills.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Teachers in Lithuania are very open to students. They are always ready to help, to explain something further, and I felt particularly supported here. This was very important because the training was more practical than theoretical, which gave me confidence, explains Kateryna.

Social activity and integration into student life

In addition to her studies, Kateryna took an active part in student life and extracurricular activities, which helped her integrate into the new environment faster. She also had the opportunity to meet other students from different countries, which added to her experience in intercultural communication.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

In Lithuania, there were many events for Erasmus students where we could communicate with other students from different parts of the world. It was great, because I could learn a lot about other cultures, discuss different topics and study not only Lithuanian society, but also the peculiarities of other countries, she explains.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Changing outlook and plans for the future

Studying abroad was an experience for Kateryna that changed her view of the world and herself. She realized that she could adapt to any conditions and find her place in any country.

After all this experience, I realized that I can adapt to any conditions. It gave me a lot of confidence. I'm no longer afraid of difficulties, and this is an extremely important result, she says.

From dream to reality: How Ukrainian student Kateryna Zhebrivska conquers European universities/photo from the personal archive of Kateryna Zhebrivska

Kateryna plans to continue her studies abroad, but she is also confident that she will return to Ukraine in the future to use her knowledge for the development of her home country.

I will return to Ukraine! My vocation is to work in international relations and do my best for the good of my country! Kateryna concludes.