NUBiP Ukraine Students Gain International Experience through the Erasmus+ Programme in Poland

Two students of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NUBiP Ukraine), Oleksandr Borodavko and Daryna Filatova, participated in an international academic mobility programme at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences in Poland in 2026, from 1 of March to 30 of July supported by the Erasmus+ programme.

The mobility programme provided students with an excellent opportunity to deepen their professional knowledge, develop practical veterinary skills, and experience an international academic environment.

Combining Theoretical Knowledge with Practical Training

During their studies in Wrocław, the students selected courses in andrology and artificial insemination, toxicology, equine diseases, and cattle diseases. The programme combined engaging lectures with intensive practical sessions conducted at the university and its farms.

Particular attention was given to practical training in andrology and surgery. Under professional supervision, the students learned techniques for semen collection from various animal species, including bulls, boars, stallions, roosters, dogs, and rabbits. They also gained experience in semen dilution and cryopreservation, as well as the artificial insemination of cows.

Another important component of the programme was equine practice, during which the students learned the principles of proper hoof trimming and horseshoeing. Before performing procedures on live animals, they practised their skills using training simulators, helping them prepare for practical work while maintaining high standards of animal welfare.

Building International Connections

Beyond academic and professional development, the Erasmus+ experience enabled the students to meet fellow students and future colleagues from France, Brazil, Germany, Italy, South Africa, and other countries. These interactions offered opportunities to exchange experiences, learn about different traditions, and explore approaches to veterinary education and professional practice in an international context.

The students also had the opportunity to discover Polish culture and traditions, travel, and broaden their cultural horizons.

A Shared History Connecting Ukraine and Poland

The visit also highlighted the historical ties between Ukrainian veterinary education and the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The history of its Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is closely connected with Lviv, as many distinguished professors and academics from Lviv were relocated to Wrocław in 1945 following the Second World War and changes in national borders. These scholars contributed significantly to establishing the academic foundations of veterinary and agricultural education in Wrocław, preserving and transferring valuable academic traditions.

This shared heritage provides a meaningful foundation for continued academic cooperation between Ukrainian and Polish veterinary institutions.

Investing in the Future of Veterinary Medicine

Reflecting on their experience, Oleksandr Borodavko and Daryna Filatova emphasised the value of international academic mobility for both professional and personal development. Their participation in Erasmus+ helped them strengthen practical competencies, gain international experience, establish new contacts, and discover new perspectives on their future careers.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at NUBiP Ukraine encourages students to take advantage of international mobility opportunities, which contribute to the development of professional competencies, intercultural communication, and the internationalisation of veterinary education.

Erasmus+ is more than an opportunity to study abroad — it is an investment in the next generation of veterinary professionals and in stronger international academic partnerships.