Ukrainian doctoral students reflect on Erasmus+ exchange
This summer, three doctoral students in Theology from the Ukrainian Catholic University (UCU) – Kateryna Biletska, Nataliya Popovych, and Lidiya Moskal – spent time at the Protestant Theological University (PThU) in Utrecht, the Netherlands, as part of an Erasmus+ academic exchange. Their experience became a journey of academic enrichment, spiritual deepening, and human connection.
A place of belonging
“There are places that, despite the distance from one’s homeland, evoke a sense of belonging," Kateryna and Nataliya said. "For us, PThU in Utrecht became just such a place.” They encountered a community characterised by openness, sincerity, and respect. The hospitality of faculty and staff went hand in hand with solidarity for Ukraine, through moral support and ongoing prayers for peace. The university library offered them “an intellectually stimulating environment”, broadening their access to current theological literature and supporting the development of their research. They also valued the intercultural exchange with fellow doctoral students, particularly during meals and conversations. “These conversations became a platform to share insights about Ukraine and to shed light on the complex realities our country faces in times of war.”
Sincere interest
For Lidiya Moskal, the exchange was equally profound. During a visit to Chevetogne Abbey in Belgium with Dutch theology students, she took part in services of both the Latin and Byzantine rites: “It was a powerful moment of interconfessional dialogue.” Her time in Utrecht included life in a Christian student community, where weekly gatherings for meals, prayer, and reflection provided a rhythm of fellowship. She recalls: “I witnessed sincere interest in the war in Ukraine and experienced ongoing prayerful support.” She also cherished the natural beauty and quietness of Dutch life, as well as the kindness of a professor who organised a visit to the coast. “Lots of greenery, water, birds — it all created a calm and inspiring environment for study and restoration.”
Part of a community
What united the reflections of all three students was the sense of being received not merely as visitors, but as part of a community. “That's what transforms a temporary research stay into a lasting connection,” all three students agree. At the heart of their testimonies lies gratitude – for academic opportunities, spiritual encouragement, and human warmth. “We are sincerely grateful to the Ukrainian Catholic University for the chance to conduct research abroad, and to the Protestant Theological University for the warm welcome, the hospitality, and for creating a space where everyone feels at home.”
