‘In Tanzania, it’s almost second nature to greet strangers on the street, whether you’ve met them before or not,’ says a Tanzanian who has been living in Lithuania for a little over a year.

According to the Official Statistics Portal, the number of foreign citizens choosing to study in Lithuania is growing every year: in 2021–2022 8,754 foreign citizens studied at the country’s universities and higher education institutions, and in 2022–2023 this number rose to 10,507.

Among these students is Sajad Arshad Jetha, who came to Lithuania from Tanzania last year. He admits that before arriving he only knew that Lithuania has cold winters and a strong basketball culture. Today, the boy says that he has discovered much more in Lithuania and despite the cultural differences, he feels great here.

Sajad Arshad Jetha: ‘Kaunas lifestyle suits me perfectly’

Sajad Arshad Jetha says that his choice to study in Lithuania was determined by several simple reasons – high quality of studies and benefits for international students. However, upon arrival, the boy was no less impressed by the chosen city.

‘Kaunas is youthful, warm and welcoming, and the lifestyle here suits me perfectly because it is not too fast. Kaunas also has wonderful parks, various entertainment, and the best public transport system,’ Sajad Arshad Jetha, who chose International Business studies at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI), shares his impressions.

Speaking about Lithuania, he remembers that before arriving he imagined the landscape of Lithuania as somewhat bland and monotonous, but he was pleasantly surprised when he arrived.

‘Lithuania boasts stunning landscapes, a rapidly growing technological industry, and a truly unique cuisine. Lithuania’s scenery is lush and vibrant, with countless shades of green that add to its beauty,’ says the student.

Like many other foreigners, Sajad Arshad Jeth says that learning the Lithuanian language is quite a challenge. However, he points out that of the Lithuanians he met speak English well, so the language barrier does not pose huge obstacles.

In Tanzania, it’s almost second nature to greet strangers on the street

However, Sajad Arshad Jetha admits that he feels the cultural differences between Tanzania and Lithuania, especially in people’s communication. According to him, in the East African country, it’s almost second nature to greet strangers on the street, whether you’ve met them before or not.

‘In Tanzania, there’s a shared openness, and it feels like everyone is part of a larger, extended family. Meanwhile, people in Lithuania are more reserved. However, what fascinates me most about Lithuanians is how they might seem distant at first, but once you strike up a conversation, they are remarkably open, and friendships with them are deep and meaningful,’ shares Sajad Arshad Jetha.

He says that he needed time to adapt not only to the more closed communication of Lithuanians but also to the cold Lithuanian winter and the lack of sunlight: ‘In Tanzania, the temperature rarely drops below 16 degrees. Meanwhile, Lithuanian winters are not only cold – they are bone-chilling.’

Despite the cultural differences and the language barrier, Sajad Arshad Jetha says he is happy that he is currently living in Lithuania and what opportunities are opening up for him here.

Kauno kolegija HEI provides numerous opportunities

The student says that he chose to study in Lithuania because Kauno kolegija HEI offered a programme that truly caught his attention, blending economics, business, and modules designed to prepare him for a career in international corporations.

‘Kauno kolegija HEI is a fantastic institution that offers a wide range of courses. It provides numerous opportunities for international students to engage in extracurricular activities, including Kauno kolegija HEI’s Erasmus+ Student Network, Erasmus+ mobility programmes, and chances to present projects at conferences held abroad,’ says Sajad Arshad Jetha.

He adds that Kauno kolegija HEI also boasts excellent sports facilities and a variety of stunning faculties spread throughout Kaunas, with the Faculty of Arts and Education being particularly impressive.