Find opportunities that are right for you to continue your education outside your home country.
Connect With Us
© 2025 Freedom Degree
Freedom Degree, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. © 2025 | Powered by Strapi
Find opportunities that are right for you to continue your education outside your home country.
Connect With Us
© 2025 Freedom Degree
Freedom Degree, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. © 2025 | Powered by Strapi
Aug 16, 2025
Forced emigration, university re-entry and financial difficulties could not stop the hero of this story
Pyotr studied psychology in St. Petersburg and completed two years. He has also been working as a journalist for several years, which is his primary profession, while training as a psychologist as an additional skill.
However, working as a courageous journalist in an authoritarian country Pyotr faced serious threats from the security forces. He was subjected to physical violence, including an attack by unknown assailants near his house that resulted in a broken nose. Later, he received threats of being sent to the army.
After the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Pyotr began to look for options to study in another country. He then enrolled in the European Humanities University in Vilnius, to study media communications, which is closely related to his main professional activities.
However, like many forced migrants, Pyotr has been experiencing financial difficulties. Due to this, he sought help from Freedom Degree: "I'm working, but my salary is spent mostly on rent, learning the language, and bare necessities. I can't afford to pay for my studies independently. Fortunately, Freedom Degree guaranteed to support me financially if necessary."
Pyotr was unable to transfer to the second or third year of his Bachelor's degree. As a result, he had to start all over again from the first year. The psychology program he studied in St. Petersburg was vastly different from the media and communications program at EHU.
Pyotr notes that it is not difficult to gain admission to EHU, as the application is submitted online, and the university only requires the confirmation of English language test results. During his admission interview, Pyot was asked about his experience and motivation: "Everything went quickly and easily, as my life revolves around media and communications. I have identified as a journalist since my school years."
After February 22, 2022, Pyotr has been cautious about making any big future plans. Nonetheless, he is considering pursuing master's programs that are related to his primary profession in the media.
"It's wonderful that Freedom Degree supports students who sometimes have to flee their countries with only shorts, slippers, and a robe. Without access to education abroad, the experience can be unpleasant and limiting. Legalization opportunities are reduced and individuals must rely solely on themselves."