Students Kristijana Marušič (Software Computing) and Liliia Chanysheva (Accounting & Finance) took advantage of a unique opportunity by participating in the Brazilian Seminars exchange program at one of the most prestigious universities in Latin America – Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). The program, which brought together students from around the world, offered an in-depth look into Brazilian society, culture, technology, and developmental challenges through an interdisciplinary approach and close collaboration with local experts.
For both students, the experience went far beyond traditional academic boundaries – it opened new horizons, strengthened their personal and professional competencies, and placed them at the heart of a diverse intercultural environment.
When Kristijana Marušič learned about the opportunity for an Erasmus exchange in Brazil, she immediately recognized it as an exceptional chance, not only for personal growth but also for professional development in the field of computer science and informatics. Her decision to go to Rio de Janeiro was driven by the desire to broaden her horizons and to experience firsthand how information technologies impact society in a different cultural context.
At PUC-Rio, she took part in courses that explored Brazil’s social and technological challenges. She was particularly drawn to an essay assignment in which students were asked to identify a problem in Brazil and develop their solution. She chose to approach the task from a computer science perspective, focusing on programming and using technology as a tool for positive social change.
The program was distinctly interdisciplinary, offering students a great deal of freedom in choosing their topics and approaches to problem-solving. In her case, computer science served as the central theme, allowing her to connect her academic interests with current societal issues.
Beyond academic work, the exchange presented numerous challenges and learning opportunities. She quickly adapted to a new environment, improved her communication skills in English, and gained valuable experience working in an intercultural team. She met students from the USA, France, Peru, and many other countries, each bringing a unique perspective on the world and teamwork.
Another particularly meaningful aspect of the experience was gaining a deeper understanding of digital inequality in Brazil. While high internet accessibility is taken for granted in Europe, it was in Brazil that she truly grasped the importance of infrastructure and digital literacy for a country’s development. These insights further motivated her to reflect on how she, as a future engineer, can contribute to a more inclusive digital future.
The exchange allowed her to refine her technical skills, build confidence, and develop greater independence and patience. She traveled halfway across the world on her own, integrated into a new environment, and completed all academic obligations. This gave her a strong sense of readiness for any challenge, whether at home or abroad.
Overall, the experience became one of the most significant chapters in her academic life. It wasn’t just about earning credits, but about gaining knowledge and insights that will last a lifetime. She wholeheartedly encourages anyone with the opportunity to step outside their comfort zone – because that’s where great things happen.
Erasmus+ partnerships
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Academia
Design and development:
The investment voucher for digital marketing-web design is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.
