Student: Dinara Akhmetova, Kazakhstan
Programme: Erasmus Mundus Student
University: UKF Nitra
Name of article: Slovakia – exploring the new land…

Slovakia – exploring the new land…

During the period of 2011-2012 academic year, I was lucky to have an opportunity to study at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovak Republic. This opportunity was given to me with the help of Erasmus Mundus MANECA program. Here, I would like to share some experience and my impression about my studies in Slovakia. 

My studies started on the 19th of September, I was a student of the Department of English and American studies. The professors and the lecturers were very competent and had the great experience in their teaching field. Moreover, one of my classes was co-taught by the Fullbride scholarship holder professor from the USA, which gave me a chance to practice my English skills with a native speaker. During The Humanistic language teaching course I was lucky to participate in teaching and observation practice at Fatranska school in Nitra.

 

University degree for future English teachers is based on well-structured, modern, scientifically based and high quality materials, plans and programs. Our faculty was “well equipped” with all hi-tech technologies that are needed to acquire particular skills for teaching, all presentations were accompanied with the usage of World wide web, other creative and modern technics and technologies. The methods that were used by the teachers were new for me, despite that I have managed to get used to them quickly and bravely. The classroom management at the University is more likely student oriented, with the regard of student’s needs and thoughts. I was glad to see that teachers respect their students and their own minds as individuals which helps students to find their own “human sense”, i.e. to become a dignified citizen of their country. Moreover, the evaluation system was clear, fair and square, the grades were given according to the results of students’ really hard work.

During my studies at Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, I had a great opportunity to have an European knowledge, meet new people and make friends, exchange cultural habits and customs. Besides of the studies, I was also one of the organizers of some events and activities devoted to the introduction of Kazakh culture and traditions (Kurban Bairam, Nauryz celebrations) for the foreign students. 

I would like to mark out the work of my coordinators Zdenka Gadusova and Lubos Torok as they were helping and supporting me a lot during my stay. 

In general, MANECA Erasmus Mundus gave me a great chance, which I believe wasn’t wasted for nothing. I made a great contribution in my future career. At the end, the results are as follows: I have developed my English language skills, learned new language (Slovak), made a lot of international friends, introduced Kazakhstan to European culture (sadly, some people didn’t even know that this country exists), had a good studying experience. As a future teacher I have acquired new teaching skills and techniques. Thanks to MANECA Erasmus Mundus I was even able to get more mature and responsible for myself.