From March 1 to July 31, 2024, students Karla Vujičić and Marin Vitman spent five months at Aarhus University – Department of Ecoscience, in Aarhus, Denmark, as part of the Erasmus+ program. The mobility included work on several different projects in the field of ecology and biology, which provided them with a unique opportunity to develop research skills. They worked on the analysis of the diet of the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo by determining otoliths, studied the impact of human activities on the disturbance of the sea gull Charadrius alexandrinus and used qGIS and satellite images to assess the nesting success of different bird species. Their work was not limited to laboratory conditions; they also participated in extensive field work on the island of Fano, which provided them with direct experience in field research. Through these projects, they gained a deep understanding of the ecological challenges faced by different species of animals, as well as a broader picture of the impact of human activities on nature. In addition to scientific research, mobility gave them the opportunity to get to know the Danish culture and way of life better. They were particularly impressed by Denmark’s commitment to preserving nature and the environment, the balance between professional and private life, and their emphasis on the importance of an active lifestyle. During their free time, they travelled almost all over Denmark, from rural areas and national parks to urban centres like Copenhagen. They made many friendships and broadened their cultural horizons, which further enriched their mobility. This experience was extremely useful for them, not only on a professional level, but also on a personal level, and it motivated them to further engage in international projects and research.
