Alisa Stanislavivna Kerlan

Faculty of Management 

Degree Programme: International Economic Relations 

Year of Study: 3rd 

Group: 292-22-1 

Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) 

Mobility Period: August 29, 2024 – December 28, 2024 

Field of Study during Mobility: Business Management

The direct speech from the participant

– Where did you stay (dormitory, rented room, hostel, other)?

During my mobility period, I lived in a dormitory, which turned out to be the most optimal option among all available. It was a 10-minute walk to the main university building, and the price-to-quality ratio was satisfactory. The kitchen, shared by four people, was well equipped with plenty of utensils. However, some of the kitchen appliances were not working properly. The room temperature was around 16–18 degrees Celsius; it was quite cold in the autumn before the heating season began.

– Were you provided with a scholarship for the mobility program? If so, to what percentage did the scholarship cover the minimum necessary living expenses?

A scholarship was provided that covered 100% of all expenses.

– Based on your experience, what should future mobility program participants pay attention to during preparation?

1. Weather conditions in the host country. 

2. It’s better to decide in advance about accommodation and roommates. 

3. Prepare yourself to stay positive and sociable; Erasmus students tend to be open and interested in communication, so always be open and engaged. 

4. Make copies of important documents such as your passport, insurance, invitation letter, for the visa center, bank, etc. 

5. If the host university is in Lithuania, it is BETTER TO OBTAIN THE VISA IN LITHUANIA rather than in advance.

– What unexpected issues arose during your mobility?

• Insurance was partially not translated into English. 

• The need to change courses due to schedule conflicts.

– Briefly describe your expectations for the mobility program and whether they were fulfilled.

I gained more impressions and experience than I had imagined. There was a lot of communication in English with university students, an opportunity to immerse myself in the cultures of different countries, and to hear perspectives on many topics from people living on other continents.

– What educational and cultural activities did you participate in during your mobility?

Hiking trips, lectures, excursions, sports events.

– Share your most vivid impressions from the mobility program.

The most vivid impression was interacting with diverse students full of energy, positivity, and a strong desire to learn and explore the world. These were people unafraid to express their opinions, who know how to listen, support others, and actively spend their time. They share the unique aspects of their countries — historical, political, cultural, and more.

– Would you like to participate in the mobility program again, and where would you go?

Yes, it’s an incredible experience that brings many new emotions, knowledge, and independence. It helps you better understand yourself and those around you, and it motivates you to work productively after returning. During the mobility programme, you get to interact with some of the best students from universities all over the world. I would love to take part in a mobility programme in Western Europe — Spain, Italy, Germany — to experience life and especially studying in that part of the world. Experience shows that Western Europe has a mentality quite different from Eastern Europe, so it would be fascinating to immerse myself in that lifestyle and observe the unique features and teaching approaches related to my field of study.

– Would you recommend participating in the mobility program?

Yes, it is an incredible experience that brings many new emotions, knowledge, and independence. It helps you better understand yourself and others, and motivates you to work productively after returning, as during the mobility programme you interact with the best of the best students from universities around the world.