Erasmus+ Traineeship in Cyprus

At the Faculty of Environmental Protection, we encourage students to participate in the Erasmus+ programme, which enables them to gain international experience, develop professional competences, and grow personally. Within this programme, student Lučka Juhart is currently undertaking a two-month internship in Cyprus at the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute (Taskent National Park). The organisation is dedicated to the research and conservation of sea turtles as well as the protection of the natural environment.

Conservation tasks

Lučka is involved in research and conservation activities taking place on several coastal locations. Her work includes:

  • recording sea turtle tracks and monitoring their nesting,locating and measuring nests and recording coordinates,

  • marking and protecting nests from external threats,

  • documenting non-nesting attempts,

  • monitoring hatching events and conducting nest excavations.

Fieldwork starts early in the morning and occasionally continues into the evening, especially at the protected Golden Beach area. Participation in these activities contributes to the conservation of one of the most endangered marine species while providing a valuable hands-on experience.

The knowledge and skills acquired during the internship allow the student to strengthen her expertise in the field of nature conservation and environmental research. At the same time, the placement helps her develop personal skills such as teamwork in international settings and adapting to challenging working conditions.

In her short report, Lučka emphasized that she sees the internship as an extremely positive and valuable experience, one she would gladly repeat. The programme enables her to complement theoretical knowledge with practical work, while also encouraging personal growth and the ability to overcome challenges.

Erasmus+ mobility offers students the opportunity to connect with international research environments, gain practical competences, and acquire experiences that will significantly support their further studies and professional careers. The example of Lučka Juhart is a clear demonstration of how important such opportunities are for the development of young professionals.

The photo gallery presents some moments of work and everyday life in Cyprus. The images show beautiful beaches, the research team at work, and the island’s natural treasures. Unfortunately, they also capture less pleasant scenes of pollution, which serve as a reminder of pressing environmental issues and the importance of responsible behaviour towards nature.