M. Godolja, AL

In the spring of 2023, I took part in the Erasmus+ program for the third time, joining Rhein-Ahr Campus (RAC) in Germany. The journey from application to placement in Remagen was straightforward, setting the stage for an insightful academic endeavor.

Upon arrival, the campus's welcoming atmosphere created a comfortable environment that echoed the familiarity of my home university. This sense of belonging eased my transition and set the tone for a productive stay.

During my time at RAC, I collaborated with Prof. Langenbahn and Prof. Neidhardt, co-teaching courses in Linear Optimization & Selected Topics and Game Theory within the Department of Mathematics and Technology. This collaborative teaching experience allowed me to share my knowledge while engaging with students' perspectives.

A significant aspect of my Erasmus+ experience was my involvement in the " Actuarial and Financial Mathematics Research Project," where I worked alongside master's students. Together, we conducted research, held discussions, and delivered weekly presentations. Our efforts culminated in insights that contributed to mortality rate modeling discussions and led to an application tailored for Balkan countries, presented at a regional scientific conference.
Central to my experience was a research project on "Impact of COVID-19 on Life Expectancies and Annuity Values in Balkan Countries," which gained recognition in a regional conference. This project underscored the academic value of my time at RAC.

Beyond research, this experience helped me introduce modern teaching methods in linear optimization and operational research at my home university, enriching its mathematics curriculum for computer science students.

My Erasmus+ journey at Rhein-Ahr Campus provided valuable academic experiences. The smooth integration into campus life, collaboration with professors, and contributions to research and teaching have left a lasting impact on my academic path.