If You Have the Chance to Go on Erasmus, Take It!

Why miss out on an opportunity to study abroad when it's right there? That was exactly the mindset of Veronika Molnárová, a student at the Faculty of Information Technology (FIT), who spent a semester at Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. “I always planned to go on Erasmus during my studies and didn't want to waste the opportunity,” she explains.

After completing most of her mandatory courses, Veronika decided it was the perfect time for a little “study-related vacation.” While she was initially drawn to Nordic countries, her final choice was influenced by a combination of affordability, recommendations from friends, and positive feedback from former students. “Lithuania might not be the most common choice, but that’s exactly what appealed to me—trying something different,” she adds.

FIT provided her with all the necessary information about the program, making the application process smooth. However, after arriving, she faced some minor confusion regarding accommodation. “We found out that other Erasmus students had similar issues, so it was more of an organizational misunderstanding on the part of the Lithuanian university,” she explains. Otherwise, she was pleasantly surprised by both the environment and the people.

According to her, the teaching style differed only slightly from her studies back home. “Some courses were entirely online, which is no longer common here after COVID. Overall, the studies felt more flexible, with a greater emphasis on independence. It was easy to get used to all the differences,” she says.

Although the host university didn't organize many special events, the international students managed to bond on their own. They spent their free time playing games, doing sports, cooking, or simply chatting. “We spent our free time together—whether traveling or just talking about life,” Veronika recalls.

She says the experience primarily brought her greater independence and self-confidence. “When you don't even have the security of a shared language, you have to manage on your own and take care of everything you need,” she says.

At the same time, Erasmus sparked a desire in her to travel more. “During that semester, we managed to travel through Lithuania, Poland, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland. Many classmates even visited other European countries. Although I don’t travel as intensely now, I would definitely love to return to some of my favorite places or discover new ones,” she adds.

When asked how she would describe her stay in one sentence, she answers without hesitation: “An unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.” And her message to those still considering Erasmus? “Every Erasmus is different, but based on my experience and many other positive ones, I believe that if you have the chance to go, you should take it. It will bring you a wealth of experience, memories, and friends from all corners of the world—people that fate would otherwise never have brought into your path.”