Left to right: Alina, Yuliia, Professor Honsalies-Munis, Ivanna, and Yelizaveta

Alina with fellow Ukrainian student Yuliia at Lewes castle

Four Ukrainian students and one faculty member from our partner university, Oles Honchar Dnipro National (DNU), were recently welcomed at Sussex for a summer of studying, and social and cultural events thanks to funding from the Sussex Fund.

We hear from two of them about their experience in the UK and visits to local sights.

Alina’s experience

I recently visited Lewes Castle and Lewes Priory with my course mates. What I liked most was the atmosphere of the castle, which truly immerses you in the history of those times, and the observation deck was especially amazing.

What I remember most are the souvenirs made by prisoners, especially the Mechelen Casket — it amazes me how talented people can be. I was also surprised to learn that they were connected to the Crimean War, which touches the soul, as Crimea has always been a place of power for me. It's nice to walk in a place where so many interesting people once walked.

We also visited Eastbourne, the Seven Sisters Cliffs, Brighton, Cambridge, London, and we are soon going to Arundel. So far, I have appreciated the Seven Sisters Cliffs the most because I love places with nature more.

I loved our last seemingly mundane trip with classmates to the beach in Brighton. It was very homely, fun, and at the same time very heartwarming.

As for the other landmarks, I was captivated by the unusual ponds with boats in Cambridge and the beautiful combination of skyscrapers and Gothic architecture in London.

I'm looking forward to more events with students, and maybe with teachers, to get a better feel for real student life while we have the opportunity.

I would like to express my immense gratitude to everyone who made this trip possible for us - it was an indescribable experience that became one of the best in my life!

Horulko Alina

Ivanna’s trip to London

I want to talk about our trip to London. This big city with an old history, mesmerising everyone who comes here. This journey gave us unforgettable memories and a magical travel experience. So now I want to tell you about the interesting and magical places we visited.

The day started early, because we had big plans for this large city. On the train, we were fascinated by the landscapes and views that opened up to us.

Leaving the station, we had to run to catch the changing of the guards. The city was like an orchestra, the policemen regulating traffic, and Buckingham Palace impressing the crowd with its majesty. All of this created a traditional picture of England and the idea of the royal family.

After our lunch break in St James's Park we went to see Big Ben (officially, “the Elizabeth Tower”). What a view there was there - London Eye, Thames, Westminster Bridge and souvenir shops. Of course we took a lot of photos.

We continued our trip by sailing on an Uber Boat. We saw so much beautiful architecture from there and bridges. There were Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridge, Waterloo bridge, Blackfriars bridge, Millennium Bridge, Southwark bridge, London Bridge and Tower Bridge. And then we saw Tower of London – the oldest historical buildings in Great Britain, which long served as a residence of English monarchs.

Then we headed to Baker Street. We did a little shopping in a souvenir shop. And here we are, in front of the door of the house where Sherlock Holmes lived in the novels by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The shop, which is also dedicated to this detective, was filled with a mysterious atmosphere.

We went to the Regent's Park and had some discussion. It was loud here, but interesting to speak and listen to others. We took a walk in the park and went home.

This city gave us so much good and positive emotions. London is such a special place that I would recommend a visit in every season, in every weather.

Fedosova Ivanna