Every international student brings more than a different nationality or cultural background to the university. They bring individual experiences, languages, intellectual interests, ambitions, memories and unique ways of seeing the world. Their stories reveal how studying abroad can transform not only students themselves but also the academic community they become part of.

 

Through this series, we invite you to meet some of the people behind our international student community, discover their journeys, hear their perspectives and learn what studying, living and belonging in a different country means to them.

 

We will be continuing International Student Stories in the spring semester, with more students and more stories to share. In the meantime, we look forward to involving as many members of our international student community as possible in the many other projects and activities we have planned!

 

Meet 𝐈𝐫𝐲𝐧𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐧𝐚 from Ukraine, a fourth-year English Philology student at the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University.

 

What originally inspired you to choose Vilnius University and the English Studies programme?

 

Initially, I was planning on doing a degree in Psychology. However, one day I stumbled across ads on social media offering a degree in English Philology at Vilnius University. I got curious, as at that time I had already started my career as an emerging writer and poet. Eventually, I ended up applying, going through the interview, and choosing to study linguistics and literature at Vilnius University in order to embark on a beautiful journey of creative self-exploration. Soon after, I found myself invested in linguistic research. While I’m still actively pursuing poetry writing, with publications across Europe, the US, and Australia, I’m also conducting research in historical linguistics, psycholinguistics, and occasionally neurolinguistics while away on my exchange at the University of Melbourne.

 

What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Vilnius so far?

 

I’m deeply in love with the pace of Vilnius and its proximity to nature. It is not in a rush, but rather in a calm flux of how things are supposed to unfold. Besides, I also enjoy the food, as it is very similar in many aspects to Ukrainian cuisine, so it was not as difficult to adapt when I moved. I’m not the biggest fan of the weather, yet I get to brag around that I have experienced -32°C!

 

What was something that surprised you when you first arrived in Lithuania compared to your home country?

 

I remember finding it difficult to understand some of the cultural traditions, but other than that, I don’t think there was anything too shocking for me. I come from a neighbouring country, and we do share a lot of similarities and even a part of our history.

 

Have you had any memorable or fun intercultural experiences with fellow students during your time here?

 

I absolutely adore mentorship meetings. Specifically, there was this one time when we had a visit to an art gallery. Furthermore, the university provides multiple opportunities and language clubs. Last year, I also took part in the international conference held on our old campus. It was a perfect occasion to meet new people, exchange ideas, and share my research.

 

What key insight or lesson have you gained from studying in such an international environment?

 

Difference is an opportunity to learn.

 

What advice or recommendation would you give to future international students coming to Vilnius University?

 

I would recommend taking as much as you can from the academic and non-academic experiences that the university has to offer. I cannot praise enough the beautiful opportunity of going on an Erasmus exchange to Australia, which has turned my life upside down. It is very important that you reach out for support, attend conferences and social gatherings, and build your network. You might not end up exactly where you planned; regardless of that, you will have friendships and experiences for a lifetime.

Thank you, 𝐈𝐫𝐲𝐧𝐚, for sharing your story with us!

Prepared by Maria Dreer, a Year 4 English Philology student, as part of the Intercultural Communication Internship assignment.