Nataliya Valentynivna Mamayeva, mother of Yuliya Mamayeva, first-year student at the University of Prešov

Hello!

I decided to share my experience and impressions because I understand—or rather remember from experience—how difficult it is to choose your first step after school. Our family spent a long time considering universities. My daughter dreamed of Europe, but we thought it was only for very wealthy people. We therefore did not study another language and simply sat the Ukrainian external examinations.

In early June, friends told us that education in Slovakia could be free. We were amazed, but we did not know Slovak. It turned out that there were courses in Slovakia lasting about three weeks; we attended one in Banská Bystrica. The paperwork was completed fairly quickly and without problems. Entrance exams and an interview took place in late August. Of course, we were worried: our classmates had already been admitted to universities in July and August, while we had not even taken our exams. Not every specialisation requires exams; some accept students without them, depending on the popularity of the specialisation. We passed the exams on 28 August, and my daughter was admitted to the University of Prešov to study management the following day. During the first month, students had to choose one of three specialisations: trade management, tourism management, or HR management and recruitment. We chose recruitment.

Prešov is a few hours from Uzhhorod, which is convenient, and quite close to Košice—20–30 minutes by bus or train. There are many Ukrainian students. Slovaks like Ukrainians and treat us sincerely and warmly. Despite being a small city, it has a Ukrainian theatre and kindergarten, and even a Ukrainian school where Slovak children learn Ukrainian from the first year.

Students have dormitory accommodation costing€135 for three months. The small rooms are nothing special, but they have everything necessary. There is a kitchen with an electric stove on each floor and a room with washing machines. Food is also straightforward. With a student card, students can buy a€3 meal voucher for the special price of€1.95 and use it in many cafeterias and some pizzerias around the city. As a mother, I am particularly pleased that they can use these vouchers for dinner and takeaway lunches. My daughter says the food is good—and she is a picky eater—with large, varied portions. Slovak, Ukrainian and other European students on Erasmus exchanges live together; the programme also operates successfully at our university. The students are friendly and happy to talk to one another. University policy encourages this through frequent festivals, initiation ceremonies and celebrations. It seems to me that the administration really tries to entertain its students.

Near our university there is a football pitch, stadium, sports complex with an ice rink, and swimming pool. My daughter attended fitness classes. Most services are free or cost a nominal amount, so there is plenty to do. As for studies, my impression is that the workload is not excessive. Some teachers are very friendly towards our students; others are stricter. Nobody forces the students to study, but if they fail an exam three times, the subject is not credited. They discipline themselves because they understand that bribery will not work here. A failed subject can be taken again the following year, with three more attempts. Slovak is a Slavic language with many similar words: everyday communication is fairly easy, and the language improves during study.

Another benefit is the ISIC card, which makes travelling around Europe easy. My daughter has visited Bratislava several times and spent a weekend in Prague. The journey cost very little, and the hostel was€20, so you can see the world even on a small budget. Students who are already 18 find hourly work, and many stay over the summer to earn some money.

I am grateful to Nataliya Viktorivna and everyone at Avers for their help, good work and support, and for helping our children's dreams come true!