As the new academic year begins, international students have arrived at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Vilnius University (VU MIF). This semester, under the "Erasmus+" exchange program and bilateral university agreements, the faculty will host 56 young people from different countries, including Azerbaijan, Belgium, Greece, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Latvia, the Netherlands, France, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Hungary and Germany.
Exchange students. Photo by VU MIF
VU MIF international studies coordinator Justina Krauledaitė invited the international students to an introductory meeting, where she shared essential information about their studies, answered student questions, led icebreaker games, and gifted faculty souvenirs to the attendees. Rokas Baltrušaitis, a member of the Students' Representation (VU SA MIF), introduced the exchange students to the activities of the representation and gave a tour of the faculty spaces located on Naugarduko and Šaltinių streets.
Exchange students from Romania (front row). Photo by VU MIF
Andrei, a master's student from Romania, is studying computer science and mathematics. He shared that the Baltic states are very well loved and respected in his home country. Although this is his first time living abroad, he says that the people in Vilnius are kind and helpful, so he hasn’t faced many difficulties. Andrei speaks very positively about Lithuania and says he is proud to wear the official VU T-shirt.
Thomas from Denmark is studying mathematics and economics at Copenhagen Business School. When choosing an exchange destination, he was looking for something new, young, and inspiring – Lithuania seemed to fit that description perfectly for the Scandinavian student. Thomas says he had heard great things about Lithuanian culture, language, and people, and he was happy to meet kind locals and enjoy the warm weather. In Lithuania, Thomas will not only study but also work at the Vilnius branch of Danske Bank.
Icebreaker game. Photo by VU MIF
Alessandro from Italy is a student at the University of Milan, and this semester he decided to spend in Lithuania because he had heard it's a great place to study computer science, especially cybersecurity. “The city is nice, the architecture is beautiful, and the people are friendly,” he says, full of praise for the Lithuanian capital.
Martin, of Bulgarian and Canadian descent, is studying in Paris, France. At VU, he will deepen his knowledge in mathematics and finance. He says he chose Lithuania for his exchange because he had never been to the Baltic states before, and both the capital and VU seemed like interesting places to study. He’s actively participating in events for exchange students and says he feels happy in Lithuania.
Would you also like to go on an exchange semester? You can find information about applications here.
Curious to hear about this experience firsthand? Join the meeting organized by the Faculty with MIF students who have participated in exchange programs! The meeting will take place at VU MIF (Naugarduko St. 24, Vilnius) on September 9 at 4:00 PM in room 116.
For those who cannot attend in person, you’re invited to join an online info session about exchange opportunities on September 12 at 12:30 PM. The seminar will be held in English. Click here to join.