I came to Kaunas to study from Dubai and would like to stay here: Lithuania is more conservative than other western countries, and living is inexpensive.
Lian is of Egyptian descent but grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The girl sought a European education, and since the Lithuanian economy is growing rapidly, she is always convinced that the demand for educated workers will only grow, the media said.
“I am not studying in my country because I want to get a European education. My older sister is studying that university program in Germany, but I like Lithuania more, ”says a student of Kaunas Technology (KTU).
In addition, she is not the only family member studying at KTU – a few years ago, Lian’s brother came to Kaunas to study and offered to join him.
“Since I was already in Kaunas, and my brother and dad shared their experience, photos and videos from here, I learned what to expect. I liked what I saw, ”Lian smiles. She adds that the way of life in Lithuania is close to its culture. The student notices that Lithuania is a more conservative country compared to other European countries.
However, the student admits to missing her parents, her cat and a variety of dishes such as mahshi (stuffed vegetables), kofta (grilled lamb and beef) and more.
“I have to admit that I have not tried any Lithuanian dishes. There are reasons for this: quarantine was introduced last year and there are few opportunities to find friends of Lithuanian origin who would get acquainted with Lithuanian cuisine. There are also cultural reasons – my food should be halal / kosher, but it is difficult to find one in Kaunas, ”says a KTU student.
– Why did you choose KTU’s Renewable Energy Program?
– Global warming due to fossil fuel use threatens the earth. Renewable energy is the right choice to save life on earth and maintain the ecosystem.
First of all, the program that interests me at KTU is offered in English. The university has a lot of available student resources, the laboratories are equipped with advanced technologies, and the lecturers are friendly. I had visited Kaunas – I was fascinated by the city because the people here are friendly and pleasant. Also, I really enjoyed the snow – I came from a country that is much warmer.
My older brother is studying KTU Mechatronics and recommended that I join. The older sister studies the whole program like I do in Germany, but I like Lithuania more.
– What is your experience of studying during quarantine?
– Due to the pandemic, I did not have the opportunity to establish stronger contacts with my group members, but I am sure that there will be more opportunities to communicate with them in the future. In addition, I think young people are keen to interact with international students.
I have a good Lithuanian friend in Kaunas. My brother also lives here, we interact with students from Dubai and other countries.
– Completion of the first course this year. How do you evaluate your study program, university, country?
– Although it was my first year, I feel I have chosen the right path. KTU responds well to global demand by offering a relevant study program. I also started with the activities offered by the university – I enrolled in the gym.
People in Lithuania are nice and friendly, but I didn’t have enough opportunities to communicate with my generation. Although it is a Western nation, the values and manners are close to mine – conservative.
I came from an extremely hot country to a cold climate, from a desert to a park. People living in the Persian Gulf dream of holidays in countries like Lithuania, and Lithuanians – about holidays in my country.
– What are your future plans? Would you like to stay in Lithuania after graduation?
– I prefer to live in a small and quiet city to communicate more easily, but when it comes to business, it is better for larger cities. I really like Kaunas. I did not have the opportunity in other parts of Lithuania, but I would like to stay here for many reasons.
First, the way of life is close to my culture – Lithuania is more conservative than other countries in the evening, more family and people oriented. Second, living is not very expensive compared to other countries. Third, the economy in Lithuania is growing rapidly, so the demand for educated workers will increase.
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