KTU student about the exchange studies in Sweden – the most important thing is what you want to take from it

The opportunity to experience a study exchange programme is one of the motst attractive values of studying for students today. An opportunity to get acquainted with foreign cultures, learning a new language, gaining experience from international professionals and challenging yourself – such opportunities can enrich one’s study years and provide invaluable experience.

A postgraduate student of Strategic Communication at KTU, Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Vilija Uldinskaitė, has experienced these wonderful adventures herself after going away for a semester to Sweden, Linköping.

Vilija admits that she was interested in the idea of participating in an exchange programme when she was an undergraduate student; however, she lacked courage back then. “As a postgraduate student, I decided – this is my chance. I have heard many stories and memories from other students about this programme being an exceptional experience,” says Vilija.

When asked why she chose Sweden, Vilija says that it was a strange decision because she would rather spend time where the climate is warm.

Although Vilija is happy with her choice: “It was incredible to be there in fall – I witnessed the end of summer, picnics, Swedish sports activities; I explored forests and even tried to cycle to the university on the snow. I successfully balanced my studies and free time, traveled to Stockholm and other cities.

The most memorable were the challenges

Vilija also mentions the exceptional study model in Sweden – they study one module for about a month, then take the exam and move on to the next module. “I enjoyed this type of studying, while I could focus on one subject, complete my tasks and write papers right away,” says the student.

Although students take only one module at a time, Vilija reveals that during her studies on the exchange programme, she realised that you need to work hard to achieve your goals. Therefore, the most memorable modules were those that were challenging.

“To this day, I don’t understand how I managed to master the theories of philosophy. In English, too! The public speaking classes were also thrilling – we had to deliver a new speech in every lecture. I feel like I have been to 10 TED talks, so the Master’s defence is not an issue now,” talks Vilija.

It is not a secret that Vilija had to study with international students; however, language was not an obstacle.

On the contrary, Vilija says that people in Sweden are fluent in English.

She shares a memory of an encounter with an elderly Swedish woman: “I smiled and explained politely that I don’t understand her. She immediately switched to English, as she would speak English daily. She told me she knows about Lithuania because she heard that the best IT specialists live there. Not only I was delighted but also proud.”

Active student communities

Vilija notices that Swedes and Lithuanians are more culturally similar than one might think. “They like to stick to the rules and are pretty private, but they also can socialise easily when they are enjoying themselves,” says the student. Vilija adds that in Sweden, just like in Lithuania, professors like to assign group tasks.

Vilija says that such group work is a great opportunity for students to get together and spend time with each other, which is where she sees the biggest difference between student communities. “Students spend time together before or after classes – they drink coffee and have a Swedish coffee break called “fika”. A multi-storey library at the university always packed with students was a surprise for me too. There is also a café run by students and various events take place nearby,” Vilija shares her memories.

Swedish study years are not only for studying but also for being a student. Vilija shares that Sweden’s student communities are very active and these young people like to be „real“ students: they spend a lot of time outside, ride bicycles as their primary vehicle and participate in activities organised by the university. “I have seen how all undergraduate students at the university came to the park, changed into their colorful “partying” uniforms and participated in various tasks such as swimming through the city’s pond,” says Vilija.

Once in a lifetime experience

Vilija says that before she went to Sweden, her motto was “to represent KTU and Lithuania”. However, Vilija is grateful for her mentor Ramunė Danilevičiūtė, who helped her understand that the most important thing is what Vilija wants to take from this experience herself.

“I wrote my personal goals on paper and stuck to them. I have managed to improve my language skills, improve communication and gain experience to last a lifetime.” For those, who want to go abroad with the exchange programme, Vilija advises to “relax, set your goals and come up and talk to others.”