1. Hello Berfu, welcome! How did you decide to participate in the Erasmus program, and why did you choose Vilniaus Kolegija?
Hello! My decision to participate in the Erasmus program stemmed from my desire to explore new cultures, experience a different education system, and develop myself both academically and personally. Studying abroad seemed like a great opportunity to gain a new perspective and improve my language skills in an international environment. I chose Vilniaus Kolegija because of Lithuania’s high-quality education and the various advantages it offers to students. The university’s supportive environment for Erasmus students, its curriculum aligning with my field, and Vilnius being a student-friendly city were key factors in my decision. Additionally, Lithuania’s geographical location, providing easy access to different parts of Europe, was another appealing aspect.
2. What surprised or challenged you the most when you first arrived in Lithuania?
The most surprising thing for me was how reserved and calm people seemed at first. Initially, I perceived this as coldness, but over time, I realized that people are actually very kind and respectful; they just have a less expressive way of communicating. The biggest challenge was adapting to the weather conditions. During the winter, it gets dark quite early, and the cold can be quite intense, which took some time to get used to. Also, hearing and trying to understand Lithuanian, a completely unfamiliar language, was initially difficult. However, since most people speak English, it made the adaptation process much easier.
3. How does the education system and class structure at Vilniaus Kolegija differ from our university?
The education system at Vilniaus Kolegija is more practice-oriented and student-focused compared to the university system in Turkey. Classes integrate theoretical knowledge with hands-on applications, emphasizing group work, projects, and presentations. Another major difference is the approach to teaching—professors act more as guides, encouraging students to generate their own ideas and actively participate in discussions. In Turkey, education tends to be more lecture-based, with a stronger focus on theoretical knowledge. Regarding assessments, I didn’t have any exams at Vilniaus Kolegija; instead, students are evaluated through assignments, projects, and presentations throughout the semester. This system keeps students engaged year-round and allows them to demonstrate their performance without relying on a single exam. Overall, the education here is more flexible and practical, offering students more opportunities for self-improvement and creative thinking.
4. What can you tell us about social life, cultural activities, and opportunities for Erasmus students in Lithuania?
Social life and cultural activities in Lithuania are vibrant and enjoyable, especially for Erasmus students. Vilnius, as the capital, is a fantastic city with a rich historical background and modern attractions. There are plenty of museums, concerts, art galleries, and theaters to explore. Compared to other European capitals, the city is more affordable, which is a significant advantage for students. There are numerous events organized specifically for Erasmus students. Student organizations like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) arrange orientation weeks, city tours, language exchange programs, international parties, and trips. These activities make it easy to meet new people and form friendships. Additionally, Lithuania is known for its beautiful nature. Weekend trips to Trakai, a famous historical and natural landmark, or exploring the Baltic Sea coast are popular activities among Erasmus students. Overall, Lithuania offers a dynamic social environment with plenty of opportunities to create unforgettable experiences. Being open-minded and actively participating in events allows students to build strong international connections and make the most of their Erasmus experience.
5. Can you share a memorable experience or a fun moment from your Erasmus journey?
One of the most unforgettable moments for me was during our trip to Finland with a group of Erasmus friends. We decided to try a traditional Finnish sauna experience. While sitting in the hot sauna, the locals encouraged us to jump into an icy lake, which is a common practice. At first, we hesitated, but after motivating each other, we all took turns diving into the freezing water. The sudden cold shock was intense, but after returning to the sauna, we felt incredibly refreshed and full of energy. We repeated this cycle a few times, and by the end, we all felt amazing. What made this experience truly special was the emotional aspect—despite only knowing these people for a few months, it felt like we had been friends for years. That’s the magic of Erasmus: people are open to new experiences, take risks together, and build strong friendships through shared adventures. That night, we laughed endlessly and promised never to forget this experience, and we truly haven’t!
6. What advice would you give to students considering the Erasmus program?
My biggest advice to students considering Erasmus is to fully embrace the experience. Moving to a new country, living in a different culture, and making new friends might seem intimidating at first, but the best part of Erasmus is stepping into the unknown. Keep an open mind—the lifestyle, food, and social dynamics of the country you go to might be completely different from what you’re used to, but the more open you are, the more you’ll learn. Over time, you might start enjoying things you never expected and find yourself adopting a whole new perspective. Being social is another key aspect. From the very first days, make an effort to talk to people, introduce yourself, and join events. Since everyone is in the same situation, people are very open to making new friends. Those who stick to their own country’s group often miss out on the best experiences because the true value of Erasmus comes from spending time with people from different cultures and seeing the world from a broader perspective. Additionally, be ready to be spontaneous. Plans can change in an instant—someone might suggest a weekend trip, a last-minute event, or an unplanned night out. Some of the best Erasmus memories come from these unexpected moments. Instead of saying “no,” just go with the flow. Lastly, time flies incredibly fast. At first, it might seem like you have a long time ahead, but before you know it, the experience will be over. So, make the most of every moment, explore as much as you can, meet as many people as possible, and fully immerse yourself in the adventure. Erasmus can truly be a life-changing experience, and the more open you are to it, the more unforgettable it becomes.
We sincerely thank our student Berfu Özcan for sharing her experiences and wish her success in her future career!
