Hear from Mariia
‘No stress, no panic. And just do your best.’ This is how Mariia Nikolaichuk concludes her interview after her first undergraduate year in Electromechanical Engineering Technology. Last summer, she passed all subjects with flying colours on her first attempt and she has many reasons to be particularly proud and satisfied about her achievement.
After all, Mariia is Ukrainian and has not been in Belgium for long. She first spent a year learning Dutch so that she could study in Dutch. Moreover, in her second year, she stood as a student representative (known as a rep among students, or stuver in Dutch) and will soon represent the student voice in the Linguapolis Institute Board meetings. We were keen to hear how she handles it all.
Which languages do you speak?
‘My mother tongues are Russian and Ukrainian (Eastern Ukrainian). I lived very close to the Russian border, and so historically residents there speak Russian. With friends and family I spoke Russian, but at school I spoke Ukrainian. I also learnt English.’
In March 2022, her family fled to Belgium. Languages are - by her own admission - not really her forte, but circumstances forced Mariia to learn Dutch. From 2022 to 2023 she attended the Linguapolis One-Year Dutch Preparatory Programme for non-native speakers who plan to study in Dutch, with a scholarship for student refugees. ‘Anything is possible, if you want it and work hard,’ Mariia says.
What was the biggest challenge about the One-Year Dutch Preparatory Programme?
‘In a very short time, you have to learn a lot of new and difficult words. You should also have the discipline to practise your vocabulary every day. I used the Quizlet app, a flashcard app.’
Have you got any tips for other students starting the One-Year Dutch Preparatory Programme?
‘They have to be prepared to put in a lot of time to complete the year. They also need to find their own method that works for them to study. Otherwise, studying and memorising so many words isn’t going to work. What works for me is reading Dutch fiction books in a genre that interests me. Definitely try the One-Year Dutch Preparatory Programme if you want to learn Dutch intensively, it’s the best way.’
Choosing electromechanics
After the Dutch Preparatory programme, Mariia opted for the Bachelor of Electromechanical Engineering Technology at UAntwerp. She always liked maths as a subject, and chemistry - which is more covered in the other fields of study - is less her thing. Moreover, in Ukraine, Mariia had already spent a year studying Physics & Technology at Karazin Kharkiv National University, with a lot of mechanics and mathematics. So, it was an easy choice.
To start the programme, Mariia, like all new Electromechanical Engineering Technology students in Flanders, had to pass the placement test. She got 19 out of 20! So, her knowledge of mathematics was enough to start the course, a nice boost to her self-confidence.
It did take some getting used to, switching to the rhythm of studies and exams here in Belgium. Indeed, in Ukraine, she had half as many subjects and more mid-term tests. ‘I had to find a different approach,’ Mariia says. ‘A lot of self-study was required.’
How has the Dutch preparatory programme helped you in your current studies?
‘At the end of the language year (levels 4 and 5), you read a lot of popular science articles and listen to podcasts, such as those from the University of Flanders. It was in one of them that I also heard professors from the University of Antwerp speaking. It was quite tough Dutch but that's how I learnt a lot of academic vocabulary. I then recognised it in classes and lectures. In the beginning, it was still difficult and took some adjusting, but if I didn't understand something, I could ask my classmates for help. They help me with language, I help them with maths,’ she laughs.
What do you want to do in the future when you get your degree?
‘I want to work once I’ve graduated, but don't really know what I want to do yet. I don't know yet which of the four majors I want to choose.’ And there’s a number of sectors to choose from, for sure.
What’s been the biggest challenge of studying engineering technology so far?
‘I had already partly forgotten the basics I learnt in secondary school, after a year of intensive Dutch study in the preparatory programme. Your brain has to switch from studying Dutch to a whole bunch of subjects in engineering technology. That was pretty heavy.’
What’s your favourite subject?
‘Maths and electricity are my favourite subjects. The teachers in those classes are great. In general, I’m very grateful to teachers who treat me well, also when they hear that I’m non-native. I was a bit afraid of reactions from teachers and fellow students, but everyone is very open-minded here. They get it, they don't judge me.’
You’re also a student representative now, what would you like to achieve?
‘I applied because, from my experience as a student of this programme, I know exactly what difficulties current students may face and how we can help them complete this programme as successfully as possible. During my studies, I not only improved my language skills, but also learned how to work well with others in an international environment like Linguapolis. I’d like to be a bridge between the students and the Board so that I can pass on experiences and ideas and help with improvements. To be honest, I don't quite know yet what to expect from my experience as a student rep and what exactly my responsibilities will be, but I believe that with my background and enthusiasm, I can make a good contribution!’