Not your regular university experience: A Ukrainian student shares his journey with ECIU University

Illia Filipas has recently finished his bachelor’s degree in Materials Physics and Nanotechnologies at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and is now starting a gap year before applying for a master’s – a break after a few event-filled years.

That said, he’s no stranger to change and new experiences. Back in Ukraine, Illia was used to travelling and living in different cities, from Sevastopol to Kyiv. He’s also been constantly looking for new opportunities. This search has led him first to Kaunas, Lithuania, then to KTU and, finally, to ECIU University – together with their multitude of ways to grow.

During his time as an international student, Illia participated in various study programs, including SKILLed AI at KTU, contributed to multiple projects such as SustAInLivWork at TUHH and joined over 12 micro-modules and Challenges. He visited 5 different countries, connected with peers and experts, explored new perspectives, became a co-founder of a startup – and is now ready for the next chapter.  

We sat down with Illia to talk about how his journey from a student to an entrepreneur unfolded, what stood out to him most throughout the years and why exactly ECIU University is different from your regular university experience.  

Q: How did you find out about ECIU University?

Illia: During my first year at KTU, I wanted to broaden my horizons in the field of Artificial Intelligence, so I decided to take a closer look at available opportunities – including ECIU University. I then chose to give it a try and signed up for a few micro-modules at Linköping University. They all took place online and only required 1-2 credits, so getting started didn’t feel hard at all.  

I think it was what caught my attention and drew me to ECIU University – how easy applying and getting involved was. It’s just a few steps. You browse the courses, find what you like, apply, contact your home university for mobility support if needed, and go.  

Q: As you kept exploring the opportunities, did you find the ones that piqued your interest?

Illia: Yes. Overall, I took around 12-14 micro-modules and Challenges on various subjects –  from game development to AI in music. I got to work with several businesses and public organisations, too.

For example, for one Challenge, we collaborated with a real marketplace. There was also a time when we worked with the Barcelona municipality to help solve a housing crisis. It turned out a great experience because you could tell stakeholders really cared about what you had to say from your own country’s perspective.

There were a lot of travel opportunities as well, which I’m grateful for. Outside of KTU and ECIU University, mobility support often feels like a rare privilege, so I feel very fortunate to have experienced all these new things and perspectives, visited new countries and met new people.

Q: Did participating in ECIU University activities and courses feel different from your usual university experience?

Illia: In a way, definitely. My time at ECIU University offered me a new perspective on things.

As you study at your home university, your perspective is often limited to it. You’re not experiencing what other universities have to offer – and, more importantly, their way of approaching things.  

Meanwhile, at ECIU University, you get to see each member university develop, structure and approach courses in its own way. Everyone brings something of their own to the table, and, as you explore their learning opportunities, you’re also able to find the approach that fits your goals.

Q: Speaking of broadening your perspectives, which part of this experience has felt most valuable so far?

Illia: For me, it was the ability and opportunity to explore – truly explore – the things that you like and experience them in different mediums.  

At ECIU University, there’s something for everyone. Say, if you’re more of an introverted person and would like to experience innovative learning without leaving your home, you can do just that. But if you’re more of an extravert and are looking to travel, explore new countries and connect with new people, you’ll be able to do it as well.  

Connections with interesting people are also an integral part of ECIU University, and the best thing is that you’re the one who decides how to experience it all. You have the opportunity to attend events, meetups, and informal gatherings, or you can connect with others as you study and collaborate.  

In a way, it’s a huge privilege – to be able to do all of these things, experiment and discover something new. This freedom really stood out to me, together with things like mobility and course selection.

Q: Not only are you a university graduate, but you are also an entrepreneur now. Can you share a bit more about what you’ve been up to?

Illia: During my fourth year of studies, I realised it was time to start thinking outside the box – and understand AI not only as something to study, but as something to build with.  

I’m now working on a context-management layer for AI applications. Its goal is to help make AI agents less like one-off chatbots and more like reliable work partners that can support real work over time.

Q: Do you feel like your time at ECIU University affected the direction your path has taken?

Illia: Absolutely. For example, AI-related micro-modules gave me a stronger foundation and new perspectives, while modules like Pitch or Ditch It made me more confident when it comes to public speaking and presenting my ideas.

But it’s not only about individual courses. KTU and ECIU University made ambition feel more normal. Through learning opportunities, international mobility and collaborations with external organisations, I met people who were also experimenting and creating opportunities for themselves. Seeing how different universities, companies and students approached problems made entrepreneurship feel less abstract. It showed me that you can start small, learn fast and create your own path.

Q: As you begin the next chapter of your journey, what would be your advice to fellow students who are just getting started?

Illia: During your time here, you’ll be offered mobility opportunities and flexibility you might not expect. Don’t be afraid of it – make the most of it.

Students often think that they have a lot of time, especially as they’re getting started, but the truth is, time is running out fast, so it’s important to seize the opportunities that you see. They’re just a click away. Apply for the courses and programs that you like; give things that pique your interest a shot. Go to new countries, experience different perspectives.  

Explore your options. Take the first step.

_{Interview by: Anastasia Bukhtiarova}

_{Photos provided by Illia Filipas}