Academic mobility programme for NUWEE students at the Newcastle University within the framework of the UK-Ukraine Twinning Initiative

Eight students of the National University of Water and Environmental Engineering have already started a semester-long exchange in the spring semester of 2022-2023 academic year at the Newcastle University, the UK, within the framework of the Cormack Consultancy/Universities UK twinning scheme.

NUWEE joined the initiative by signing a Cooperation Agreement with the Newcastle University on June 28, 2022. The main goal of the initiative is to establish cooperation between Ukrainian and the UK universities, support, restore and develop Ukrainian universities during the war and beyond, foster sustainable and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The Twinning scheme was initiated and coordinated by the leading British consulting company in the field of higher education Cormack Consultancy Group, and is implemented under coordination of the President’s Fund of Ukraine for Education, Science, and Sports and Universities UK International (UUKI).

The partnership with Newcastle University includes also implementation of a successful online English language programme “Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) English Language Development Opportunities for NUWEE Students”, students’ semester-long exchange programmes and development of research cooperation in the fields of IT technologies and cyber security, water engineering and water technologies, construction and architecture, economics, agriculture, agronomy and environmental protection.

The student exchange programme within the framework of #TwinForHope through the financial support of the Newcastle University Development Trust each semester provides 12-15 fully-funded studentships to cover travel, accommodation, tuition and a stipend for living. The first scholars of the exchange programme are: Viktoriia Mishchuk (major “Economics (Business Analytics)”), Oleksandra Levshuk (major “Management”), Anastasia Kudriavtseva (major “Computer Sciences”), Anastasiia Liashchuk (major “Computer Sciences”), Dariia Diachenko (major “Computer Sciences”), Danylo Lahodniuk (major “Computer Sciences”), Oleksandr Cherniuk (major “Automation and Computer-Integrated Technologies”), Yurii Novak (major “Transport Technologies”).

In addition to studying students actively participate in various cultural and scientific events, in particular: they took part in the integration week, Ukrainian parties “Ukrainian language taster sessions”, hubs, etc.

We are grateful to the Global Opportunities Office, Newcastle University’s Language Resource Centre and academic community of the Newcastle University for the considerate attitude, diligence and support of our students, University and Ukraine! Below there are participants’ feedback:

Oleksandr Cherniuk, major “Automation and Computer-Integrated Technologies”:

“To be honest, I can’t even describe my emotions and impressions concerning studying at the Newcastle University.

The first thing I would like to mention is that studying at universities in Ukraine and Great Britain is different. In the UK you can choose the subjects you think you need from a wide range of choices. Lectures are in face-to-face mode, but if for some reason you could not attend any of them, the ReCap system allows you to review the entire material and the lecture recordings. In my opinion, such software app or services are of need in our university.

So, after some time, I have drawn up an image of the Newcastle University concept. This is a place where you, as a young and energetic student, can spend time focusing on a variety of research topics, from fixing arm muscles through sensors and Arduino, to designing electric cars for racing like Formula E. It's super cool to watch and participate in such projects and this impressed me the most.

In general, this is an incredible experience: new acquaintances, traditions and customs, culture, and foreign language – all this forces you to be more fluent and adapt to a new environment. The effect of learning something new increases several times and this is probably the strongest emotion that I’ve personally experienced. This is cool :) "

Yurii Novak, student of the specialty major “Transport Technologies”:

“First of all, I would like to say that this exchange is an unforgettable experience for me. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to study in the United Kingdom, at the Newcastle University, and to get acquainted with such a rich and diverse culture.

One of the most impressive things during my studies at the Newcastle University is meeting students from all over the world. I have the opportunity to see different approaches to learning and life in general, and this has really broadened my horizons. I was also impressed by the great attention paid to Ukrainian students.

This also is a great chance to improve my English knowledge in a short time thanks to constant communication with teachers/lecturers and other students.

The academic exchange programme is also exciting, as the city of Newcastle upon Tyne boasts a large number of museums, galleries and other cultural institutions. I’ve already visited a lot of interesting exhibitions and performances.

I am very happy to have the opportunity to study at a leading UK university, the Newcastle University. So, if there are students who have doubts about this exchange programme, cast aside them and let's study and travel with NUWEE!”

Notes: The Newcastle University is a world-class leading research university, a member of the member of the Russell Group,[5] an association of research-intensive UK universities. (the British equivalent of the Ivy League). The university has 12 research centres and several specialized research groups. The peculiarity of this university is that each faculty is equally strong, which is constantly confirmed by ratings. Newcastle has been named the best student city in the UK, and the university campus is located in the very heart of it. Main Faculties are: Humanities and Social Sciences, Medical Sciences; and the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering.