With several hundred students from abroad arriving at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences every year, it becomes of great importance to take into account the traditions and customs of different countries, accept other cultures, get acquainted with different perspectives, and provide help for integration. Masroor Ahmad Qamar, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Medicine General Practice Nursing graduate from Pakistan who chose Lithuania as his new home seven years ago, reveals the impressions and experience he gained during his integration in Lithuania.

What motivated you to choose the path of a nurse and enter the General Practice Nursing study programme at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences?

I was working for a long time as a volunteer: we used to have medical camps in remote villages of Pakistan. Helping people always provided me with inner peace and happiness: I feel relaxed physically and mentally when I am able to help others in any way. I heard about Kaunas University of Applied Sciences from one of my friends, then I did my research about this university and the General Practice Nursing study programme and it left me a great impression, so I filled in the application form.

How was your first day of studies at the Kaunas University of Applied Sciences?

I joined the lectures two weeks later than usual due to a delay in getting the visa. My first day was way better than I expected as I was worried that I must have missed a lot in two weeks. But all my classmates gave me a warm welcome and told me that they will share their notes and even help me to catch up with my studies in their free time.

What is most memorable for you from General Practice Nursing studies until this day?

I believe it is really hard for me to choose one memory as there are so many of them. But I believe the support which we had from the lecturers of Kaunas University of Applied Sciences was amazing. As a foreigner, they supported me not only in the manners of studies but also helped me understand the norms and integrate into Lithuanian culture.

What helped you to adapt to the life of a student at that time?

I guess the most important thing which helped me was that I was motivated to learn the Lithuanian language. From the first day after arrival, I was always trying to talk in Lithuanian with local people and the community of Kaunas University of Applied Sciences: later on, I have passed my B2 level Lithuanian language national exam. Also, I had so many local friends who helped me in understanding the cultural norms of Lithuania. I am a founding member of “Ahmadija” association – a volunteer organization helping foreigners to integrate into Lithuania. We have organized a number of clean-up campaigns, blood donation events, paid visits and given gifts to retirement homes, orphanages, and people who are living a difficult life. Also, we organize social events like exhibitions in art galleries, sports activities, social dinners, peace conferences and so much more. I believe organizing and participating in all these activities have helped me a lot in my integration both in Lithuania and at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences.

How was your integration process both in Lithuania and at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences? Did you get help from your study friends, lecturers, or administration?

Integration into a new culture and country is not a simple process: I had some difficulties with the manner of language, the difference between Pakistani and Lithuanian cultures, and developed beliefs of people about the Asian population based on social media. But I was fortunate enough that from day one of my studies until this day there were always people around me who are always ready to help me. We (foreign students in particular) were asked frequently by our lecturers and university administration if we have some problems or need any help, so I wasn’t left all by myself.

What message would you like to convey to prospective students of the General Practice Nursing programme at Kaunas University of Applied Sciences?

Your profession is more of a service to people than just a job. Be focused, humble, and smile more often. That will help you build up your career and your personal growth as a human being.