Studying abroad in Lithuania: between bureaucracy and e-mobility
- Why did you decide to study at one of our partner universities in Lithuania?
I found it exciting to spend a semester in a relatively young member of the European Union. My personal interests matched the profile of the study program, and I always wanted to have a European network. I only knew very little about Lithuania last summer, however. I expected some cultural differences, as this Baltic state was a member of the former Soviet Union just decades ago. I learned a lot in this respect during my semester abroad.
- What are the differences between Kufstein and Vilnius and what do the two cities have in common?
The university appeared to be a magnet of bureaucracy, which was in many cases unnecessary. And the generally relaxed manner in which services were delivered may have been a relic of communism. But this contributed to my personal development. I was able to improve my self-management skills and enhance my assertiveness. On the other hand, the country and its people seemed progressive, future-oriented and Western-minded. For example, Lithuania has one of the fastest mobile networks in the world, and also e-mobility is quite advanced in the capital city of Vilnius.
- What have you learned for your studies?
Thanks to the generous attitude of our Director of Studies in Kufstein, I could attend classes from different faculties. I was registered at the Business Management faculty and took classes there, but I also attended additional classes, for example on urban studies, and Master classes on subjects such as photovoltaic energy systems. That was really interesting and I learned a lot.
- How did you like Vilnius as a city?
From a tourist perspective, Vilnius is like a rough diamond. The city is beautiful with a rich history, and there is a lot to see even with a small budget. Flights are cheap and the airport is close to the city center, which makes Vilnius a perfect starting point for trips to Scandinavia or other states of the former Soviet Union. I would like to thank the European Union for bringing students closer together.
