The Belarusian National Technical University consistently provides its students with high-quality education, as well as a wide range of opportunities for professional growth and international experience. One of the key areas of this work is international study programs that allow students to gain practical skills, broaden their horizons and make valuable contacts in various countries around the world. Polytechnic students who have recently mastered foreign programs told about their experience of studying in India and Uzbekistan.
Nikolay Budeyko, a student of the Sports Engineering Faculty, who studied at the Uzbek State University of Physical Culture and Sports, shared that before going to study abroad, it was necessary to make considerable efforts in his studies, as well as actively participate in the life of the university. The "colleague" was supported by Daniil Shishlov, a student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, who also studied in Uzbekistan at the Tashkent State Technical University named after Islam Karimov.
– Initially, the training was offered to the head of the group, but he refused, so my candidacy was put forward. Due to my high grade point average, achievements in the form of participation in scientific conferences and writing student papers, I was accepted without any problems. I agreed without hesitation, because there is no reason to give up such an invaluable experience.
Participation in international training programs for BNTU students was conditioned by certain goals: professional development, becoming active participants in international cooperation, and personal growth through exposure to new cultures and working methods.
– The purpose of the trip was to study Uzbekistan's experience in logistics, participate in events of Tashkent State Transport University, visit logistics facilities in Tashkent, exchange experiences with local students and teachers, as well as inform about educational programs and research at BNTU, – said Natalia Ropot, a student at the Automotive and Tractor Faculty.
– The main task was to study the model of development of the machine-building industry in Uzbekistan with an emphasis on the impact of modern economic and environmental threats and methods of overcoming them. As a result, I gained a deep understanding of this model, studied various aspects of the development of the logistics industry in Uzbekistan. Although I originally planned to focus more on logistics, studying mechanical engineering turned out to be incredibly useful and expanded my professional horizons," said Marjan Lobach, a student at the Automotive and Tractor Faculty, who studied at the same university.
Studying abroad is not only about acquiring skills, but also about the ability to adapt to new conditions and overcome emerging difficulties. Students Daniil Kazyro, who studied at Mavrodi University (India), and Marjan Lobach noted that the main difficulty for them was adapting to a new environment and climate.
– Personally, I did not encounter any difficulties, because both students and teachers were ready to help, Natalia Ropot shared her experience.
The students studying in Uzbekistan also stressed that there was no language barrier, as Russian is spoken almost everywhere in Tashkent. That is why working in a team with representatives of different cultures not only did not cause difficulties, but also helped to improve communication skills and the ability to effectively interact with people with different experiences and views.
Anastasia Andrukh, a student of the Sports Engineering Faculty, who studied in Chirchik at the Uzbek State University of Physical Culture and Sports, believes that her studies have given her more confidence to continue studying at BNTU in her specialty. In the future, the girl plans to enroll in a master's degree and work in her specialty.
Daniil Kazyro, a student at the Faculty of Energy, also spoke about how studying abroad has affected professional skills.:
– During my studies, I improved my technical English proficiency, learned about the specifics of India's energy system, and gained new knowledge in the field of thermal engineering. Also, thanks to studying abroad, I became culturally enlightened: I studied the peculiarities of local cuisine, got acquainted with the style of clothing, religious symbols, and learned a lot about famous people in India, such as Mahatma Gandhi.
Immersion in a new culture during international studies forms a personality and expands a worldview. Communication helps to better understand the peculiarities of someone else's culture and the value of intercultural dialogue.
– We were very well received everywhere. We are still in touch in a general chat with the students who accompanied us. We are really looking forward to seeing them in Belarus in the summer, – Natalia Ropot said about her new acquaintances.
The cultural experience gained while studying abroad is not limited to the narrow scope of professional activity. It also includes traveling, visiting historical sites, and getting to know art and literature, which helps broaden horizons, develop creative thinking, and form a more holistic perception of the world.
Alexey Eska, a student of the Automotive and Tractor Faculty, commented on his cultural development during his studies at Tashkent State Transport University.
– Since the program presented by the transport University was very diverse, in addition to attending lectures, the university management decided to acquaint us with all the flavor and beauty of Uzbekistan. A trip to the mountains and to the city of Samarkand fulfilled my childhood dream: to see the mountain beauty with my own eyes.
Alyona Voitkun, a student at the Automotive and Tractor Faculty, also studied in Tashkent. She said that one of the most vivid impressions was immersion in another culture. The girl was very impressed by the local architecture, traditions and cuisine. She also remembered meeting people who shared their experiences.
– To successfully complete your studies abroad, you need to be open, striving for new knowledge in all areas of life and ready to overcome difficulties. It is important to be flexible and adapt to new conditions, not to be afraid to go beyond the comfort zone. My experience has shown that even seemingly small problems can be solved, and the reward for efforts is unique impressions and invaluable experience," Marjan Lobach summed up.
Alyona Voitkun advised students who plan to study abroad to be open to new experiences, not to be afraid to ask questions and ask for help. She also stressed that it is important to study the culture of another country, for example, the peculiarities of mentality or cuisine.
Thanks to BNTU international cooperation, students have the opportunity to develop in their field and take steps to improve industries in our country.
