Erasmus Student Coordinator Yuliia Myroshnychenko works at the International Relations Office (IRO) at WSB Merito Universities in Gdańsk.
From 3 to 10 January, she has been on staff exchange at the University of Inland Norway (INN) and Lillehammer campus, and she has taken part in the welcoming week for new exchange students.
Impressed by INN's work structure
– The new exchange students are so well taken care of here, and a lot of that has to do with preparation and communication. Relevant information is made accessible, digital meetings are held with the students in advance, and so many social activities are planned. This removes the potential fear students may feel before moving to a new country, Yuliia explains.
Yuliia thinks that being able to see how work is structured and carried out "from the inside" of another international office has been the highlight of her week.
– The staff members at the International Office work so well together in a team. It is great collaboration because everyone has their responsible areas and know what to do individually but also support each other with tasks and discussions.
WSB Merito Universities has around 50,000 students. Yuliia oversees all outgoing and incoming Erasmus exchanges at one of the twelve universities in the group, located in Gdańsk. The city hosts approximately 1,000 international students, and the IRO is responsible for providing support to all of these students.
Yuliia is inspired to implement the type of student communication she has observed at INN at her own university, demonstrating the positive effects of international staff exchange in our sector.
Norway as her first choice
– I could go on exchange to many different universities, but INN was my first choice. Because I am responsible for communicating with all of our partners, I already liked the Norwegian approach. And it has been even better than I expected! Says Yuliia.
When asked if there is anything from her own university that she thinks should be implemented at INN, Yuliia says the following:
– I cannot think of anything specific in relation to the work, but I do think that the Polish culture makes it easier for international students to get to know locals. Here in Norway, it seems like the exchange group mostly stick to themselves.
During the orientation day, the new exchange students were encouraged to participate in organised activities as this is the best way to get to know locals as a newcomer in Norway.
In conclusion, Yuliia encourages others to go on staff exchange as well:
– Although you can expect a great experience, there is always going to be something that surprises you. Exchange is important for relevant insight in your field but also for your own personal development.