{"id":9170,"date":"2025-02-14T07:34:53","date_gmt":"2025-02-14T09:34:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/?p=9170"},"modified":"2025-02-27T07:47:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T09:47:05","slug":"students-from-turkey-journey-to-lithuania-from-isolation-to-intercultural-connections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/students-from-turkey-journey-to-lithuania-from-isolation-to-intercultural-connections\/","title":{"rendered":"Student\u2019s from Turkey journey to Lithuania: from isolation to intercultural connections"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Necmettin Erbakan University student Ebrar Kadioglu from Turkey studied Pre-School and Pre-Primary Education and Design study programmes at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) during the fall semester under the Erasmus+ programme. The student shares her inspiring international experience studying in Kaunas in an interview. Her story reveals how studying abroad can become a journey of not only professional but also personal development.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Studying abroad often involves not only academic learning but also cultural integration, personal development and acquiring new skills. How would you describe your experience at Kauno kolegija HEI?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Studying at Kauno kolegija HEI has opened up many valuable opportunities. First of all, the lecturers were not only <\/span>professional,<\/span> but also helpful, which <\/span>makes<\/span> you feel supported. This attitude of the lecturers greatly helps not only to overcome academic <\/span>challenges,<\/span> but also to establish personal relationships with them. In addition, the coordinating staff was always ready to help and advise so that I could concentrate on my studies without additional worries. This atmosphere of warm and professional relations was <\/span>very important<\/span> for my academic development.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Transitioning to a new environment and culture often poses many challenges. What difficulties have you experienced adapting to another culture and how have you <\/span>managed to<\/span> overcome them?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2013 Adapting to Lithuanian culture was fairly smooth, but at the beginning, as often happens to many, I experienced a feeling of isolation. This was natural when moving to a new environment where everything seemed foreign and unfamiliar. Most of the students I spoke to also experienced this feeling, but it is <\/span>very<\/span> important<\/span> not to give up. Gradually, I began to communicate more actively with the local community and<\/span> participate in various activities, which helped me find my place. The most important thing is not to be afraid to make new connections and try new things.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Studying abroad provides a great opportunity to improve academic and practical skills. These can be language skills, communication skills or the ability to work with different people. What new skills did you acquire while studying at Kauno kolegija HEI?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Studying at Kauno kolegija HEI <\/span>gave me the opportunity<\/span> to improve not only my academic but also my everyday skills. Using English in everyday situations significantly expanded my language skills and gave me more confidence. In addition, getting to know a different education system allowed me <\/span>to better understand different learning methods<\/span> and fostered openness to new ideas. This experience helped me appreciate various pedagogical practices and enriched my approach to education.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Lecturers abroad are often distinguished not only by their competence but also by their attention to students, becoming not only academic guides but also assistants in everyday life and study issues. What support did you receive from your lecturers?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>\u2013 I felt constant support from my professors throughout my time at the Kauno kolegija HEI. They were very attentive and ready to help, which was a key factor in helping me achieve good academic results. This constant support allowed me to be confident in myself and focus on my studies, knowing that I could always get help if <\/span>I needed it<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Every student faces various social challenges but <\/span>also<\/span> discovers new friends and like-minded people. What was your impression of the social life in Kaunas and how did it contribute to your overall experience?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 It <\/span>was difficult<\/span> at first but after creating my social circle and actively participating in the events organised by the Kauno kolegija HEI, the social experience became much more meaningful. Kaunas, although it seemed foreign at first, over time became a city where you can not only study but also enjoy life, and<\/span> explore history and architecture. Stories about Kaunas’ hospitality and warm people were often heard from other Erasmus+ students, and this also became an integral part of my experience.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u2013 Studying abroad is not limited to academic subjects. Intercultural connections, new friendships and life experiences often become one of the most important aspects of studies. What valuable things did you learn from this international experience?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 In Kaunas, I made a very valuable friendship with a Lithuanian student, which was not only personally but also academically very important. This connection helped me adapt to life in Lithuania more easily, and<\/span> get local advice and insights about the country. I am sure that I will maintain contact with this person in the future. I believe that intercultural connections and friendships are one of the most important aspects of studying abroad, as they provide not only professional but also personal growth.<\/span><\/p>\n

Take the opportunity to deepen your knowledge in your chosen country, make friends from all over the world, get to know other cultures and gain international experience. Until 10 March apply for studies abroad in the fall semester of the 2025\u20132026 academic year and\/or internship in the 2024\u20132025 spring semester under the Erasmus+ or NordPlus programmes. More information can be found\u00a0<\/span><\/em>here<\/span><\/a><\/em><\/strong>.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Necmettin Erbakan University student Ebrar Kadioglu from Turkey studied Pre-School and Pre-Primary Education and Design study programmes at Kauno kolegija Higher Education Institution (HEI) during the fall semester under the Erasmus+ programme. The student shares her inspiring international experience studying in Kaunas in an interview. Her story reveals how studying abroad can become a journey […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":9171,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9170"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9170\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9175,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9170\/revisions\/9175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kaunokolegija.lt\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}