The 2nd of September was not only the beginning of the new academic year; for the foreign students of Kaunas University of Applied Sciences it as well marked the start of a remarkable period in Lithuania. This semester, over 50 students from higher education institutions from Belgium, China, France, Germany, Greece, Jordan, Latvia, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Turkey and Ukraine are studying or having their practice here in our institution.
During the first month, students have got acquainted with the campus, met their teachers, and had to get accustomed to new academic environment. It is very pleasant that foreigners actively participated in Kaunas University of Applied Sciences event “Erasmus Days’19” which was held right away after their arrival to Lithuania.
Apart from studying, foreigners had a lot of fun during their free time: they were playing games to get acquainted, learnt the basics of Lithuanian language, tried Lithuanian dishes, shared their traditions and national food. Also, exchange students had a guided tour in Kaunas where they saw the historical presidential palace, Town Hall, castle, sculpture of the Chaser, spectacular street art, had a walk in Vilnius Street and the Confluence Park. As well, foreigners have already visited the capital where they wandered the old town streets, read the Constitution of Užupis Republic, listened to the history of Lithuania in the dungeons of the Cathedral. In September, the students also went to the sea side where they saw the beaches of the Baltic Sea and felt the peacefulness of the Curonian Spit. They listened to the legends on the Hill of Witches, spent a pleasant evening in Klaipėda and walked to the end of the Palanga Bridge.
It has been only a month, but students are already full of unforgettable memories. Even more academic challenges, adventures, sensations and trips are awaiting them in the upcoming months. It is great to know that from the very first days here in Lithuania foreign students are not alone – the mentors of Erasmus Student Network in Kaunas University of Applied Sciences (ESN KK) are taking care of them. After their mobility, the students will come back home not only having new academic achievements and great memories, but also having true friends from Lithuania and the whole world.
