16 January 2025
Marta Beska: “I have always believed that Ukraine’s future lies within the European family, the European Union”
Marta Beska, Professional Integration HUB 2.0 Program Participant (Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection)
Intro
- Age: 28 years old
- City in Ukraine where you lived before the full-scale invasion (forced relocation): Ternopil
- Specialization: Expert in International Relations, EU integration and Public Affairs, Diplomat
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Right before the start of russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I was completing my (third) Master’s degree in Italy. At the end of December 2021, just before the Christmas holidays, I had finished my last exams and was heading home to Ukraine, excited to finally reunite with my family and friends after a long time apart. Since 2018, I had been studying and living abroad in different countries, so this visit was especially meaningful. I looked forward to spending quality time with my loved ones while working on my final Master’s thesis, which was due in February 2022.
However, life had other plans. Just as the submission deadline approached, I contracted COVID-19. This brought unexpected challenge, including making the final revisions to my thesis while battling a 39°C fever. I doubted whether I could meet the deadline, but, spoiler alert, I made it! Exhausted from both the aftereffects of the virus and the intense workload, I submitted my thesis on February 20, 2022, feeling a sense of relief.
But, as I mentioned earlier, life had its own plans; and you know all too well what happened just a few days later. The events that unfolded truly put everything I had previously considered challenges or obstacles into perspective.
I have always loved studying foreign languages and traveling around the world, discovering different cultures and traditions. Additionally, I have been deeply passionate about the European Union and the pivotal role Ukraine plays in the history of Europe. Combining these interests, I realized that the perfect field of study for me would be international relations and European studies, which I chose as my major.
Moreover, I have always believed that Ukraine’s future lies within the European family, the European Union. This belief has guided me throughout my life, from the Orange Revolution in 2004, when I was just a child but already aware of the values worth standing up for, to the 2014 Euromaidan, where I participated as a student, supporting Ukraine’s European path and advocating for its future.
FORCED EMIGRATION
As I already mentioned, the war found me during my visit back home to Ukraine, which was supposed to be my first longer break to spend some time at home since the start of the pandemic.
My journey in Austria began before the full-scale invasion, back in 2018, with the Erasmus+ educational exchange program while I was a Master’s student at Ivan Franko National University of Lviv. I was selected as one of the best-performing students and was admitted to Paris Lodron University of Salzburg (PLUS) for an exchange semester. I really liked the university, the city, and the atmosphere. Furthermore, I discovered a Master’s program that greatly interested me and decided to apply for regular studies there. I was accepted into the European Union Master’s program at the University of Salzburg (PLUS), which led me to stay for another two years.
In early 2021, I was admitted to a double-degree program in Italy and moved to Rome for one year. After returning to Ukraine at the end of 2021 (you already know the story), I moved back to Austria in March 2022, following the start of russia’s full-scale invasion.
LIFE IN AUSTRIA
During my emigration, what supports me in my daily life is believing in what I am doing and following my dreams despite the difficult circumstances. This belief is something that keeps me motivated and doesn’t let me down, no matter what. When I first started my journey in Austria, I told myself, “If you don’t try, you’ll never know! Keep trying.”
My advice to Ukrainians living abroad is to step out of your comfort zone. Speak with local people, learn about their country, traditions, and way of life, and share your own experiences as well. Believe me – they will be interested to listen! This is a great opportunity to present a positive image of Ukraine and its citizens, raise awareness about the current situation, and show that you care.
Professional Integration HUB
My key expectations from the internship were to gain more practice in my professional field in the country where I’m currently residing, to get an overview of core national policies, and to enhance my German language skills in a professional context. I wouldn’t say these expectations changed, but rather developed and became more precise over time.
If I were to describe the HUB in one phrase, I would call it “a possibility that gives you opportunity.” It truly offers a priceless chance to integrate into the labor market of the host country within your area of expertise, creating a life-changing opportunity to establish yourself professionally in this new environment.
One moment that made a lasting impression on me during my internship was from the very first minutes, when my colleagues made me feel equal. They treated me without any hierarchy, and I deeply valued this inclusive attitude.
I consider my greatest achievement in the program to be the ability to work in my professional field in German, on equal terms with native speakers. For someone who wasn’t born in the country but has lived there for only a few years, this is a significant accomplishment.
The most memorable and significant moment for me during the program was the cozy gatherings of our little community of Ukrainian women professionals. These gatherings empowered me and gave me a sense of home abroad, which was incredibly meaningful.
PLANS AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THE PROGRAM
The internship has significantly influenced my professional ambitions. As someone who has always wanted to work in the public sector and influence decision-making processes, my time at the Ministry provided me with new insights and expertise that I am eager to further develop and apply in my career.
I see great potential in using my skills and the knowledge I gained during this internship to support Ukraine’s integration into the EU. Specifically, I aim to contribute to the necessary reforms by providing consultations in my areas of expertise, such as social, labor, and health policies, to help accelerate this process.
Photos: Valerie Loudon