Yelyzaveta Rychalovska is a 4th year student majoring in Biomedical Engineering (Internet of Things). Her studies are related to electronics and programming, and it is this knowledge that has enabled her to participate in prestigious international exchange and internship programs. Yelyzaveta told about her experience of studying in the United States and interning in Italy and gave useful advice to other students.
Academic specialization and university studies
Yelyzaveta notes that Biomedical Engineering at the university is represented by two areas:
– One specialization at the Faculty of Chemistry has appeared last year, and my specialization is more related to electronics, programming and a little bit of chemistry.
She is studying at ITRE and is actively developing her professional skills.
Exchange program in the USA
Yelyzaveta took part in the Global Ugrad program funded by the US Embassy in Ukraine. This program gives students the opportunity to study at American universities. To participate, you need to meet several criteria.
– The main selection criteria are to be a full-time student, be 18+ and have experience in leadership and volunteering, explains Yelyzaveta.
It is important to note that the program independently selects universities for students based on their major and level of English. Yelyzaveta studied at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire.
Her studies covered complex engineering disciplines such as Clinical Problems in Biomedical Engineering and Physics of Medical Introscopy, as well as courses in data analysis and American politics.
Internship in Italy
After completing her exchange program in the United States, Yelyzaveta went on an internship to Italy through Lviv Polytechnic’s Centre for International Education. She became the first student to take advantage of the internship opportunity at UmbraGroup, an aerospace technology company.
Yelyzaveta worked as an intern in the Stress design engineering department, where she helped to implement new software based on artificial intelligence.
Advice for other students
Yelyzaveta emphasizes the importance of awareness and action for those who want to participate in international program but have certain fears:
– The vast majority of fears arise from a lack of awareness, and almost all of them are cured by action.
She advises to contact students who have already had such experience, as well as the Centre for International Education.
– I would also advise students, especially juniors, not to waste time. Most exchange programs require careful preparation, so the sooner you start preparing, the better. Ukrainian students probably have more opportunities now than ever before, and I have never seen a student who regretted taking the plunge and going, she says.
