Beyond borders, closer to oneself: Erasmus+ mobility of student Liviu Mereacre in Estonia
For Liviu Mereacre, a student of the Faculty of Computer, Informatics and Microelectronics, the “Information Security” study program, the Erasmus+ academic mobility in Estonia meant much more than a simple study internship. It was a transformative experience, a journey of self-discovery, of overcoming limits and of building a new perspective on the world and on his own career.
The mobility internship at Tallinn University of Technology harmoniously combined academic rigor with the freedom of cultural exploration and the challenges of personal development. The Estonian university environment, oriented towards autonomy, innovation and critical thinking, led Liviu to fully exploit his potential. Among the notable academic achievements is the development of his first programming language – an important step in his professional maturation and a proof of the skills consolidated during the mobility.
Beyond the classroom, the Erasmus+ experience was a true cultural immersion. Liviu discovered authentic Estonia – from traditional markets and concerts by local artists, to celebrating New Year’s Eve in Tallinn’s Freedom Square, alongside people from all over the world. His desire to explore also took him to other corners of Northern Europe, where he visited symbolic places such as the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania or the Republic of Užupis, each with its own story, identity and energy.
The highlight of the mobility was, without a doubt, the trip to Lapland (Sápmi) – an almost surreal experience. Here, Liviu saw the Northern Lights for the first time, a natural spectacle that gave him a lesson in humility and admiration for nature. The Arctic adventures continued with visits to Santa Claus Village, snowmobile rides to the border of the three countries, ice fishing and the experience of a traditional sauna near the fjords. All of this deeply connected him to nature and redefined his perception of extremes and their beauty.
Equally valuable was the social dimension of mobility. The activities carried out alongside international students – karaoke nights, pub crawls, board games and late-night discussions about cultures, values and dreams – contributed to the development of communication skills, adaptability and intercultural openness. Each meeting became a lesson in diversity and a bridge between different worlds.
Liviu Mereacre believes that the Erasmus+ mobility in Estonia gave him not only academic knowledge, but also the courage to explore the unknown, confidence in his own strengths and a broader perspective on life. It is an experience that shapes characters, opens horizons and creates memories that last forever. With enthusiasm and conviction, Liviu encourages every student to take advantage of this unique opportunity – because Erasmus+ is not just about studying abroad, but about personal and professional development in a world without borders.
