Student from Vilnius University undertaking exchange program in Brussels details personal experiences
Ugnė Karkazaite, a Public Communication student at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), expresses her joy about studying in Brussels, Belgium through the Erasmus+ exchange program. Initially preferring Spain or Portugal, Karkazaite discovered the unexpected joy of her third choice.
Karkazaite describes Brussels as a safe international city brimming with cultural activities and a lively nightlife. She was particularly impressed by the diversity of Belgian culture, noting that people from all around the world reside in Brussels. Karkazaite found the residents to be warm, pleasant, and peaceful, echoing the Lithuanian expression, "as calm as a Belgian."
Navigating the city is simple with reliable public transportation including the underground, trams, buses, and trains. Karkazaite also appreciates the city's active nightlife, stating that she never felt unsafe, even when exploring remote neighborhoods.
Volunteering with the Red Cross was a priceless experience for Karkazaite, teaching her the importance of appreciating her own possessions and ending endless complaining. Sharing her impressions of the studies, Karkazaite praises the English-taught courses at the Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS) and the warm, informal interactions with teachers.
In the Audio Narratology course, students analyzed various film, audiobook, and other audio narrative sounds, learning how they enrich stories. At the end of the semester, working in groups, students created their own narratives, describing everything using only sound.
The student-friendly qualities of Brussels include discounts in shops, cafes, and bars for students, cheap public transport and museum tickets, and organizations that offer reduced-price or free food for students. These considerations, Karkazaite argues, make Brussels a great choice for students.
Karkazaite encourages students to embrace exchange studies abroad and credits the Erasmus+ program for providing unforgettable opportunities to learn and grow. With plans to further her studies in Belgium after completing her bachelor's thesis, Karkazaite looks forward to applying for a Master's program this summer.
- Ugnė Karkazaite commends the English-taught courses at the Institute for Higher Social Communication Studies (IHECS) as one of the aspects that made her education and self-development in Brussels highly valuable.
- In addition to the educated and warm residents, Karkazaite applauds the diverse cultural activities and lively nightlife of Brussels, which resonated deeply with her opinion about the city's vibrant lifestyle.
- After participating in Audio Narratology courses in Brussels, Karkazaite's travel experiences expanded beyond just visiting various places, as she now perceives traveling as an opportunity for personal growth and educational enrichment.
