My name is Tesfamariam Teklu GEBRETSADK (Ph.D.), academic and research staff from the Department of Chemistry at Mekelle University, Tigray, Ethiopia. My recent participation in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility program (2025/26) hosted by the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University (UPJS), Slovakia, provided a valuable academic and cultural experience. During my stay in Košice, I was warmly hosted by the International Relations and Internationalization Office and Dr. Vladimir Komanický. Their support created a welcoming environment that enabled meaningful academic exchange and collaboration. The visit offered an opportunity to engage with faculty members, PhD students, and postdoctoral researchers, which fostered productive discussions and strengthened professional networks within the research community.
A particularly inspiring aspect of the mobility was the strong effort made by the host institution to integrate visiting scholars into the academic life of the institute. Access to state-of-the-art laboratory instruments and advanced research facilities created a stimulating environment for scientific learning and exploration which reflects the institution’s strong commitment to high-quality research and innovation. Through seminars, informal discussions, and laboratory visits, the mobility facilitated knowledge exchange and encouraged potential future collaborations between researchers.
Beyond academic activities, the program also promoted intercultural interaction and social engagement. A memorable example was the hiking trip to the Lajoška site organized by the Institute of Physical Education and Sports at UPJS in cooperation with the EURAXESS Welcome Office. The event provided a unique opportunity to share experiences and cultures with international scholars and local participants while enjoying the beautiful natural landscape of Kosice, Slovakia. In addition, visiting historical and cultural heritage sites further enriched the overall experience. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr. Vladimir Komanický, the staff of UPJŠ, and the welcoming people of Košice, Slovakia for their exceptional hospitality and support, which made this Erasmus mobility both academically rewarding and personally memorable.
