Exchange studies offer an opportunity to develop academic, social and cultural skills in an international environment, make new friends from all over the world and, perhaps, even learn a new foreign language. However, the most authentic insights into exchange experiences come from those who have taken the opportunity to study abroad themselves.
From 24 to 27 November 2025, Gintarė Baranauskaitė, International Relations Coordinator at the Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), took part in the Let’s Go Staff Days events at the University of Twente in the Netherlands. The meetings focused on strengthening institutional partnerships, presenting university infrastructure and innovations, and discussing the application of Artificial Intelligence in academic settings.
The University of Twente, a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities (ECIU), brings together technology, engineering and social sciences. The university places particular emphasis on student career development and entrepreneurship.
These towns, like the Netherlands as a whole, are well known for their highly developed cycling infrastructure. Almost everything can be reached by bike, making it the primary mode of transport for both students and senior residents, regardless of the weather. Cycling not only promotes physical activity but also contributes to cleaner air in cities.
Currently studying at the University of Twente under the Erasmus+ programme is Rusnė Tursaitė, a third-year student of Communication Studies and Information Management Technologies at KTU.
Exchange studies – an opportunity to learn in an international environment
Rusnė explains that the University of Twente was already mentioned as an exchange option in her study programme description and became one of the reasons she chose these studies. She was particularly attracted by the opportunity to study in an international environment and to deepen her knowledge of communication in a modern, high-quality academic environment.
“It seemed like a great opportunity to study internationally, and now I can confidently say that I have not regretted it for a single moment. If I had the chance, I would choose it again,” says the student.
A different learning system and new experiences allowed Rusnė to view university studies from a new perspective. “Critical thinking here is developed through intercultural experiences, which greatly enrich the studies,” she notes.
The Erasmus+ experience has helped Rusnė get to know herself better, test her independence and strengthen her adaptability skills. She shares that living alone abroad for the first time clearly reveals one’s personal strengths and weaknesses — there is hardly any other situation where you get to know your capabilities so well.
Accommodation resembles a fairytale
The University of Twente is located between the cities of Enschede and Hengelo, allowing students to choose their place of residence according to their preferences. Rusnė chose the quieter and cosy city of Hengelo, from which it is convenient to commute to the university.
“During the first weeks, walking through the streets felt like being in a fairytale — everywhere you look, there are small, tidy houses,” the student shares.
Finding accommodation in the Netherlands remains one of the biggest challenges, and Rusnė advises starting the search at least four months in advance, especially when using Facebook groups.
Would you like to go on an Erasmus+ exchange as well?
Students wishing to participate in exchange studies during the autumn semester of 2026 should submit their applications in February 2026. This is the main selection period for the 2026–2027 academic year autumn semester abroad.
Participants in the Erasmus+ programme receive a monthly grant ranging from €606 to €700, depending on the host country, as well as travel cost reimbursement calculated according to the distance to the selected university.
More information about exchange opportunities in different countries and application procedures can be found at: https://en.ktu.edu/erasmus/
This is a great opportunity to study at recognised universities around the world, broaden your horizons and enrich your studies with valuable international experience.
