While choosing what to study is already a significant decision, selecting the right university and country can make the journey even more challenging. Yet, for Ketevani Inasaridze KTU student from Sakartvelo, Lithuania was an obvious choice from the very beginning.
“I’ve always been aware of the historical friendship between Lithuania and Sakartvelo, so when I decided to study abroad, Lithuania was one of the first countries I considered,” says Ketevani, who chose New Media Language studies at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) and later spent a semester on an Erasmus+ exchange in Portugal.
Exploring New Horizons Through Erasmus+
Faculty of Social Sciences, Art and Humanities (FSSAH) provides students with many international opportunities, and Ketevani eagerly took advantage of them. During the spring semester, she went on an Erasmus+ academic exchange to the University Institute of Lisbon (ISCTE) in Portugal.
However, finding equivalent modules abroad and ensuring that they match the requirements of both universities can sometimes be a complex process.
Thanks to KTU’s supportive approach and willingness to find solutions, Ketevani was able to take one class online from KTU while studying in Portugal.
“When my host university in Portugal did not offer a specific required linguistics subject, the International Relations Coordinator at our Faculty seamlessly arranged a hybrid solution with a lecturer, allowing me to take the class online while completing my other modules physically on campus in Portugal,” she explains.
Learning and Growth
Studying at ISCTE allowed Ketevani to discover a different academic environment, where open discussions, interactive classes and close engagement with professors shaped her learning experience.
Student associations played an important role in creating a vibrant community, organising cultural weeks, social events and music gatherings. In addition, networks such as Erasmus Student Network (ESN) offered students opportunities to explore the region through various tours, participate in activities like cultural nights and surf clinics along the coast.
To those who haven’t gone on Erasmus+ academic exchange, Ketevani says not to be afraid. “At the end of the day, you will always gain so much more than you could ever lose,” she says.
Going on this exchange was completely transformational for Ketevani as a person. “It entirely changed my worldview, my belief system and made me realise how beautiful it is to enjoy life to the fullest. If you are unsure about Erasmus+, you are essentially being unsure about having some of the most wonderful experiences of your life,” she says.
