New acquaintances, improved language skills, new learning culture and the most memorable adventures – this is how the students of KUAS Faculty of Business, who had spent the semester in foreign higher education institutions under the Erasmus+ programme, describe the experience. International Business students who studied in Finland and the Netherlands add that it is one of the best ways to develop communication and professional competencies in an international environment.

Speaking about her experience at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences in Finland, a second-year student Viktorija Mankutė expresses that she realized the advantage over other international students due to the wide range of mobility opportunities offered at the KUAS. “When talking to foreign students, I realized that they have to put a lot of effort to enter this institution, which surprised me. In other higher education institutions, not everyone has such opportunity, and when it comes through, you can’t help but to feel special as the level of education in Finland is extremely high,” says the student.

Viktorija had a slightly different idea of Finland. The climate surprised her the most: “If you ever think that the weather in Lithuania is unpredictable, then you should visit Finland. One minute the sun is shining, the other it starts raining cats and dogs”. However, the beautiful Nordic nature redeems it all, which is undoubtedly one of the most unique treasures of Finland.

The second-year student lived near the centre of Helsinki and was surprised that it was full of greenery “As soon as you leave the house, there is a forest nearby, where you can take a walk, go for a run or even pick berries and/or mushrooms.” Viktorija says that there is a reason Finland is called a country of a thousand lakes assuring us that the bodies of water in the country are extremely clean and the water is fresh.

Simona Akavickytė, a third-year International Business student, selected Vaasa University of Applied Sciences in Finland to participate under the Erasmus+ programme.  According to Simona, she was fascinated by the offered activities for the students, such as various trips, many meetings, themed evenings and even trips on a cruise. The future International Business specialist praises teachers’ communication with the students; the presentation of theoretical material and the encouragement of discussion, involving labour market professionals in the process.

Simona would like to point out that those considering mobility in Finland are advised to prepare financially ahead of time as the country is not cheap. Simona agrees with Viktorija emphasizing that warmer clothes will come in handy as the weather conditions are unpredictable.

Meanwhile, Andželika Kasperavičiūtė, a second-year student who has decided to travel to the western part of Europe to study at NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, is over the moon. “I didn’t think I’d say that, but I’m very happy to have the opportunity to participate under the Erasmus+ programme,” she said.

Andželika puts it straight that the start was not a walk in the park. “Finding a place to live in the Netherlands is quite challenging, so I would advise other students to come here after you have secured a place to stay,” the student adds that for the first few weeks she stayed in a hotel, which cost a fortune.

“I didn’t find it difficult to adapt to the new environment nor to get into a routine. It was quite the opposite experience and I’d say that I have found the perfect country where I would like to stay for a long time,” said Andželika joyfully. According to Andželika, people here are always happy, pleasant and does not overwhelm themselves. They always greet each other, which isn’t a usual practice in Lithuania.

Students who have tried Erasmus+ mobility opportunities encourage other students of the KUAS to dive into this adventure. More information on international opportunities can be found here.