Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution students have the opportunity to take advantage of international exchange programmes and spend part of their study period abroad at a chosen foreign higher education institution or to do an internship at a foreign company. This experience not only allows one to gain new professional knowledge or deepen existing but also to get to know the cultures of other countries better, to get to know students from all over the world, and to gain the international experience that is so valued by employers.

Ugnius Vizbaras, a student of the Applied Communication study programme who took advantage of the Erasmus+ exchange programme, shares his impressions of the semester spent at the Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Belgium.

Why did you decide to participate in the Erasmus+ exchange programme? Why did you choose Belgium?

I decided to participate in the Erasmus+ exchange programme to test myself in a completely new and unfamiliar environment, find new friends, and get to know another country and its culture.
I chose the Thomas More University of Applied Sciences, located in the town of Mechelen between Antwerp and Brussels. I decided to go to Belgium because its capital Brussels is also called the Heart of Europe; it is home to two out of the three main institutions of the union and the headquarters of NATO, and it has a developed railway infrastructure that connects many capitals of European countries; this allows to travel comfortably and provides an opportunity to broaden worldview not only during studies but also while travelling.

How did the studies go?

The studies were conducted in English; the lecturers knew this language perfectly and spoke clearly, so it was not difficult to learn and understand the taught study subjects. When studying under the Erasmus+ exchange programme, it is important to remember that studies are just as important as getting to know the culture and social events, so it is important to devote time to learning. If there were any questions or uncertainties, it was always possible to turn to the lecturers, who always helped, explained, and made sure that all questions were answered.

Did you travel alone?

I travelled alone, so I was worried it would be difficult to find new friends, but I got a place in the university dormitory where the majority of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) members lived, so I got to know them very quickly.

Information on events and other activities was published on social networks and was therefore quickly and easily accessible. For example, the first activity organized by the ESN was Speed Friending, during which I had an opportunity to meet many interesting people from all different parts of the world, so already after the first week there were some fellow people with whom I spent time studying and leisure, taking part in other ESN events and traveling together.

Did you have the opportunity to travel?

Traveling was one of the most memorable experiences of Erasmus+. I saw architecture that I had never seen anywhere before, interesting urban plans, small but cosy towns with pleasant locals. Since travelling from Brussels to other countries was very easy and sometimes extremely cheap, I spent the last week traveling to Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Warsaw, and eventually returned to Lithuania.
To conclude, I want to encourage anyone who still has doubts to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ exchange programme because it may become one of your best experiences. Don’t worry about the hardships, leave your comfort zone and set out for the most exciting adventure in your life!