MY STUDENT MOBILITY IN DRESDEN: Mihaela Vučinić

Mihaela Vučinić
University of Arts in Belgrade, Faculty of Fine Arts

Erasmus+ Mobility for Studies at:

Academy of Fine Arts, Dresden

Spending four months as an Erasmus+ exchange student at the Academy of Fine Arts (HfBK) in Dresden was a transformative experience that significantly enriched both my artistic practice and personal growth. The opportunity to study in a new academic and cultural environment allowed me to expand my perspectives and engage in artistic disciplines beyond my primary field of painting.

I was part of the class of Professor Helen Verhoeven, whose mentorship played a crucial role in my development during the semester. The discussions, critiques, and insights I gained in this environment encouraged me to experiment with different techniques and approaches, ultimately broadening my understanding of contemporary art.

Additionally, the academy provides access to numerous workshops, which enabled me to work across various media. Throughout my semester, I had the chance to engage with filmmaking, computer-aided design, photography and video editing, all alongside my studio practice. These interdisciplinary opportunities allowed me to explore new ways of visual storytelling and artistic expression.

Beyond academics, one of the most valuable aspects of my Erasmus experience was the people I met. HfBK Dresden hosted over 20 Erasmus students at the same time, which created an incredibly diverse and dynamic international community. I formed friendships with people from all over the world, and these interactions enriched my perspective on different artistic traditions, cultural influences, and ways of thinking about art.

Living in Dresden also provided a perfect balance between a vibrant art scene and access to stunning nature. The city’s historical and cultural richness offered inspiration, while its surroundings allowed for relaxation and exploration. I took several trips during my stay, visiting Berlin, Leipzig, Hof, Wurlitz (a beautiful and unique village), and the Saxon Switzerland National Park, where I went hiking. These experiences contributed to my overall understanding of German culture and allowed me to see different facets of the country beyond Dresden.

I am confident that participating in a program such as this would be invaluable to my artistic development and career. I would also love to see more international students and professors coming to my home university, as well as more international artists in Belgrade in general, since I am strongly convinced that it benefits us all.

Looking back, my Erasmus semester at HfBK Dresden was an incredibly rewarding experience. It not only helped me refine my artistic practice but also opened new perspectives and possibilities for my future career. The combination of a supportive academic environment, access to excellent technical resources, and the chance to collaborate with an international community has left a lasting impact on me. I am grateful for

the opportunity to have been part of this exchange program and would highly recommend it to any student considering studying abroad.