Life-changing education: our semester at PURPAN

Almost all of us have heard about international student exchange programs. However, for most people, it seemed unattainable — like something out of a science fiction movie. Thanks to the international department of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBIP), we were able to make this “movie” a reality and spend a full academic semester in France!

As soon as we saw the announcement on the university website about the competitive selection for the exchange program with École d'ingénieurs de Purpan (Purpan Engineering School), we immediately realized that this was exactly what we needed. We didn't just want to represent NULES abroad, but also to dive deeper into the study of the wine business. During our four months in France, we had the opportunity to study all the key components of this field — from the production process, tasting, and evaluation of wine to marketing.

As second-year students of the Faculty of Agricultural Management, we are convinced that winemaking is a promising industry that can be successfully developed in Ukraine. And we were absolutely right in choosing this program! This format of learning, which was new to us, required adaptation and openness to new knowledge and culture. Each lecture lasted three hours, but during the whole week we studied only one or two subjects, and then immediately had an exam. This format was completely new and unusual, but once we got used to it, we grew to love it.

During our studies, we gained not only academic knowledge but also valuable professional experience. We worked in modern laboratories, independently producing wine, beer, cheese, yogurt, and juice. We conducted research in the field of microbiology, studied fermentation processes, and even propagated bacteria. Classes in marketing and food innovation became a real professional practice for us — we created our own products, formed brands, and developed strategies for their promotion on the market.

Thanks to the wide range of topics covered in the courses — from quality management to business planning — we gained universal skills that we can apply in various fields: agribusiness, marketing, management, product quality control, etc.

In addition to learning, we discovered the rich French culture and introduced foreigners to ours, thus making friends from all over the world. This gave us an impetus to improve our foreign languages and helped us better understand the importance of intercultural communication in today's world.

Participating in the exchange program became a path to fulfilling our dreams, opening up new perspectives for development and opportunities. Despite the challenges and fear of the unknown, we overcame all difficulties together, representing ourselves with dignity as students of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine. It was an experience that not only broadened our horizons but also strengthened our confidence in ourselves and our abilities.

We are sincerely grateful to Erasmus+, PURPAN School, and NUBiP for their support and the opportunity to see a new approach to education, and most importantly, to see it together. While in France, we constantly remembered NUBiP and thanked it for this amazing opportunity. This experience not only broadened our professional horizons, but also changed us as individuals. We strive to use the knowledge and skills we have acquired for the benefit of our homeland.

And finally, we appeal to all those who are hesitant: do not be afraid to apply for the Erasmus+ program! All you need to do is take the first step, which could become the most memorable period of your life.