Experience stories

Turning Heritage into Community: Reviving a Historic Manor through Innovation. Janis Lazdans

Turning Heritage into Community: Reviving a Historic Manor through Innovation. Janis Lazdans

Latvian entrepreneur Janis Lazdans brings innovation to cultural restoration by reviving Padure Manor through equity crowdfunding — the first public share heritage project in Latvia. He shows how communities can co-own and restore historic landmarks together.
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.
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.
Timea Izsak's Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From Romania to Latvia

Timea Izsak's Erasmus Mundus Journey to Study Service Design - From Romania to Latvia

Timea Izsak⁠ is from Rumania. In this podcast series, she takes us through the story of her life, from her early years to where she is now. As a participant in the Erasmus Mundus master’s degree program “⁠Service Design Strategies and Innovations⁠”.
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.⁠”
Welcoming a Child with Down Syndrome through International Adoption: The Wimmer Family

Welcoming a Child with Down Syndrome through International Adoption: The Wimmer Family

An orphaned girl with Down Syndrome was offered for adoption to 127 families, all of whom declined. The girl’s story deeply touched the Wimmer family, leading them to embark on international adoption before even seeing a photo of the child.
Young Artist's Paintings Purchased Across the World: Marat's Dzjubenko

Young Artist's Paintings Purchased Across the World: Marat's Dzjubenko

Marats Dzjubenko began painting at just 2 years old. By his early teens, his artwork was exhibited and purchased worldwide, marking him as a rising star in the art world.
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!
Sharing My Story with the World

Sharing My Story with the World

My life in a magazine. That’s the perfect way to truly understand the people whose stories I publish in the media.
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.