Experience stories

International adoption: A Journey of Dreams Becoming Reality. Arina Cunningham

International adoption: A Journey of Dreams Becoming Reality. Arina Cunningham

While facing challenges in orphanages and foster care, Arina dreamt of a loving family. As she grew older, believing no one wanted to adopt a teenager, her dream faded. Suddenly, at 15, she met a loving family through international adoption and moved from Latvia to Texas, USA.
From Thailand to Lapland: Judy’s Inspiring Erasmus Journey | Stories from the North

From Thailand to Lapland: Judy’s Inspiring Erasmus Journey | Stories from the North

Discover Judy’s inspiring journey from Thailand to the Arctic in the latest episode of Stories from the North. Host Linda Paulauska delves into Judy’s experiences as an Erasmus Mundus student at the University of Lapland, exploring cultural contrasts, personal growth, and life in Lapland. Don’t miss this uplifting story of resilience and transformation.
From Pakistan to Lapland: Erum’s Inspiring Journey as a Single Mother | Stories from the North

From Pakistan to Lapland: Erum’s Inspiring Journey as a Single Mother | Stories from the North

Discover Erum Ali’s inspiring story in the latest Stories from the North episode. Host Linda Paulauska explores Erum’s journey from Pakistan to Finland as a single mother of two. Hear how she balances motherhood, education, and life in Lapland, showcasing courage, resilience, and determination.
From Ukraine to Finland: Mariia’s Journey of Resilience and Hope | Stories from the North

From Ukraine to Finland: Mariia’s Journey of Resilience and Hope | Stories from the North

Hear Mariia Kashych’s powerful story of resilience and hope in the latest Stories from the North episode. Host Linda Paulauska explores Mariia’s journey from fleeing war-torn Ukraine to rebuilding her life through studies in Germany and Finland. An inspiring testament to courage and determination—don’t miss it!
Five-Time Egg Donor: Helping Families During Infertility Treatment. Aleksandra Chernova

Five-Time Egg Donor: Helping Families During Infertility Treatment. Aleksandra Chernova

Aleksandra donated eggs bringing hope to anonymous infertility-struggling families. She navigated medical tests, hormone therapy, and oocyte punctures five times.
Building Bridges and Great Friendships

Building Bridges and Great Friendships

My passion for bringing people together and fostering cultural exchange led to launching the ‘Local Buddies’ program, connecting Erasmus Mundus students with local residents.
Yulu Liu: Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From China to Latvia

Yulu Liu: Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From China to Latvia

In this episode, we uncover the amazing journey of ⁠Yulu Liu⁠ from China. Passionate about service design, Yulu embarked on her Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in “⁠Service Design Strategies and Innovations.⁠”
Alopecia Doesn’t Kill the Person: Ieva Putnina’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Alopecia Doesn’t Kill the Person: Ieva Putnina’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Empowerment

Meet Ieva Putnina — diagnosed with Alopecia Areata at 12 years old. For years, she hid behind wigs and fear. But everything changed when she chose to embrace her true self.
Joshua Oluwatobi Olulowo: Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From Nigeria to Latvia

Joshua Oluwatobi Olulowo: Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From Nigeria to Latvia

Joshua Oluwatobi Olulowo⁠ is from Nigeria. In this podcast series, Joshua shares his life journey from childhood to the present as a student in the Erasmus Mundus master’s degree program “Service Design Strategies and Innovations.”
A family of show performers traveling around Europe and beyond: The Winter Family

A family of show performers traveling around Europe and beyond: The Winter Family

Patrick is a 6th-generation show organizer from Germany. Yuliya is a professional show performer from Ukraine. Their daughter, Nika, is part of every show across multiple countries. They share an inspiring life, but deep inside, their hearts and plans for a home in Ukraine have been broken.