This autumn, 67 students from 13 countries (Spain, Belgium, South Africa, the Netherlands, Turkey, Germany, Serbia, Portugal, Kazakhstan, France, Greece, Finland and Kosovo) came to Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) under the Erasmus+ exchange programme. In order to familiarise them with Kauno kolegija HEI, the city of Kaunas, Lithuanian culture and facilitate integration, a Welcome Week was held on 2–5 September.

‘Welcome Week starts every year with the official greeting of students upon their arrival at Kauno kolegija HEI. Students are also introduced to the faculties’ international activity coordinators, heads of departments, the employee responsible for the dormitories and, of course, ESN KK mentors,’ shares Incoming Mobility Coordinator Deimantė Vaičiulytė.

During the first meeting, students are introduced to the evaluation system and other relevant issues related to the study process, as well as Kauno kolegija HEI premises: auditoriums, library, recreation areas and sports halls.

‘One of the most memorable events is always the cultural exchange evening. During it, each student briefly introduces the country they came from, and introduces others to their country’s traditional dishes and music. This event is a great opportunity for students to get to know not only Lithuanian but also cultures of other countries, to make new friendships,’ says D. Vaičiulytė.

Meanwhile, during the sports day, students participated in various sports events and activities, thus strengthening not only their physical health but also developing teamwork skills.

The majority of students are from Greece, Spain, and Turkey

D. Vaičiulytė reveals that a larger number of Erasmus+ students will start their studies at Kauno kolegija HEI this autumn semester compared to last year. Meanwhile, Greece, Turkey, and Spain continue to rank among the most popular countries from which students come.

‘Several students mentioned that Lithuania is a very clean country, with a lot of greenery. Some students were pleasantly surprised by how easy and inexpensive public transport services are to use. However, every year many students have to face the challenge of the language barrier because not all Kaunasians speak English,’ shares D. Vaičiulytė.

She notes that Welcome Week is a great opportunity for incoming students not only to get to know Kauno kolegija HEI and its employees but also to get to know each other better: ‘Welcome Week is a time when new friendships are born and new opportunities open up.’