20.07.2025
From May 6 to July 10, 2025, Iryna GAVRIKOVA, a PhD student at the K. Niemets Department of Human Geography and Regional Studies, V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, took part in the Erasmus+ academic mobility program at the University of Oradea (Oradea, Romania). The host party was the Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning and the International Relations Office of the university.
The purpose of the internship was to familiarize herself with the scientific activities of the Department of Geography, Tourism and Territorial Planning. During the internship at the department, the PhD student carried out analysis of materials and data on the features of the demographic policy of Romania and EU countries, methods and techniques for studying demographic processes; visited the library and laboratory of the department; took part in the practices of second and fourth-year bachelor's students.
As part of the internship, 5 meetings were organized with Professor Cezar Morar and other lecturers. During the meetings the coallegues discussed the topic of the study devoted to transformational processes in the geodemographic structure of Ukraine. Particular attention was paid to the current demographic situation in Ukraine, in particular in Kharkiv, as well as the importance of studying the geodemographic system in the context of current challenges.
During the scientific work, analytical materials and preliminary results of the study were presented, which included a review of current sources, analysis of demographic processes, as well as methods for forecasting the development of the geodemographic system. The discussions were accompanied by active discussions on demographic trends in Ukraine and Romania, in particular in the context of population aging and the growth of demographic burden.
During the internship, consultations were held with specialists in the field of demography, in particular on sources of official statistical data in Romania and the countries of the European Union.
In addition to scientific activities, the PhD student took part in educational practices together with students, which took place in the central and southwestern regions of Romania. It allowed her to get acquainted with various cities of Romania, the features of the Romanian tourist complex, culture and traditions. According to the program of practice with 2nd year students, Iryna visited such cities as: Turda, Sighisoara, Sibiu, Brasov. As well she visited the salt mine in the city of Turda (Salina Turda), the Viscri Fortress (Biserica Fortificată Viscri), the Rupea Citadel (Cetatea Rupea), the Feldioarei Citadel (Cetatea Feldioarei), the Peles Castle (Peles Castle), the Bran Castle (Bran Castle), the Lower Rakos Geological Complex (Geologic Racosul de Jos Complexul), the Emerald Lake (Lacul de Smarald), saw the Romanian Sphinx in Bucegi (Sfinxul, Babele, Platou Bucegi), climbed to the top of Mount Ciucas, whose height is 1954 m.
The 4th year internship took place in the territory of the Retezat National Park (Parcul Naţional Retezat). It was a 4-day study. During this internship, the group conquered the highest peak of the Peleaga Park (Vârful Peleaga) 2509 m, as well as a peak such as Custura Bucurei (Custura Bucurei) 2370 m, visited Lake Pietrele (Pietrele) at an altitude of 1990 m, Lake Gales (Gales) also at an altitude of 1990 m, the glacial lake Tăul dintre Brazi (Tăul dintre Brazi) at an altitude of 1740 m.
During the internship, the graduate student had the opportunity to communicate with students, discuss the features of their educational process, their involvement in international programs, the most common for them are programs within the framework of Erasmus+ and Work and Travel USA.
This internship contributed to the preparation of a PhD thesis research. The Erasmus+ program provided an opportunity to improve the level of education, get acquainted with the culture and traditions of other countries, gain experience in international cooperation. This internship is an important stage in the development of scientific competencies, preparation of a thesis and scientific articles, improvement of communication skills and expansion of the circle of scientific contacts. Iryna GAVRIKOVA expresses her sincere gratitude to the K. Niemets Department of Human Geography and Regional Studies for the high level of organization, coordination, constant support and guidance during her stay in Romania.
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