Choosing the Unexpected Destination
Although studying abroad was an option rather than an obligation, Omar approached the decision carefully. His home university offered several destinations through Erasmus exchanges and double degree programmes, yet Kaunas quickly caught his attention.
“After doing some research on all the host cities and universities, I chose KTU in Kaunas because it is one of the most important Baltic universities and is recognised at the European level,” he explains.
However, reputation was not the only factor behind his decision. Omar was also motivated by curiosity and the desire to step outside familiar paths. “I also didn’t want to choose the usual ‘classic Erasmus’ destination, but wanted to discover a new country and culture, and Lithuania seemed like an interesting option,” he says.
His first impression of KTU came even before arriving in Lithuania, when a professor from the university visited Insubria to introduce the partnership and present the double degree opportunity.
“Seeing the photos of the KTU facilities, they seemed to me to be of a very high standard, which I was then able to confirm in person,” Omar recalls. Once in Kaunas, those expectations quickly turned into reality.
Beyond the classroom, Omar quickly discovered that Kaunas offered far more than he initially expected. “As I said, I didn’t know Lithuania and Kaunas very well, but after this experience, I can say that it is a very underrated country and that Kaunas is a beautiful, small city, well connected and with a lot to offer,” he says.
Daily life in Kaunas also brought pleasant surprises. Omar especially appreciated the flexible study schedule, with many classes taking place in the evening and some available remotely, which allowed him to explore the city and connect with other international students.
If there was one challenge, it was the Lithuanian winter. “Perhaps the only negative aspect is the cold. But after an initial period, you get used to the low temperatures,” Omar admits with a smile.
Fully Educational Experience
Omar describes his academic experience at KTU as intensive and engaging. “The experience at KTU was 110 per cent educational,” he says.
What stood out most for him was the practical approach to learning. The International Business programme placed strong emphasis on real-life projects and teamwork, allowing students to move beyond theoretical discussions.
For Omar, the double degree programme itself proved to be a valuable academic and professional step. Unlike a traditional exchange semester, the programme offered a deeper academic experience and the opportunity to graduate with two diplomas.
“Let’s say that the double degree is not the classic Erasmus programme but has several added values, first and foremost the fact that you can graduate from two different universities and obtain two degrees,” he explains. Another advantage was receiving guidance from two academic supervisors while preparing the final thesis, gaining insights from both institutions.
Now, freshly graduated, Omar is looking toward the next stage of his journey. His immediate goal is to enter the professional world and continue developing his career. Yet he already knows which field he hopes to join one day.
“Deep down, I know I want to work in the sports industry, specifically in the world of soccer business,” he says.
Where exactly that path will lead remains unknown. But one thing is certain – choosing an unfamiliar destination turned out to be one of the most memorable chapters of his studies.
Inspired by Omar’s story? Discover study opportunities at KTU.
