With over four centuries of academic heritage, it鈥檚 no surprise Vilnius University (VU) reigns as Lithuania鈥檚 top-ranked institution. However, studying here isn鈥檛 just about hitting the books 鈥 it鈥檚 about discovery, friendship and personal evolution. Whether it鈥檚 taking part in one of 15 art groups, competing in sports like rowing or judo, or engaging in leadership by joining organisations like Student Representation or the Student Investment Fund, a VU student is never short of opportunities for personal growth and connection.
Theresa Thies鈥檚 research from IHF M眉nchen sheds light on the pivotal role such extracurricular involvement plays in shaping a sense of belonging and cultural integration. Blake Hendrickson from the University of Buffalo surveyed 105 students from 20 countries and found that while students initially bond with those from similar backgrounds, extracurricular activities foster friendships with locals as the semester unfolds, enhancing their time at university.
VU has plenty of activities and experiences and something for everyone 鈥 a fact proven by the stories of five international students who love seizing every chance they get to learn, grow and thrive beyond the classroom.
Stanislav Lohvynenko is currently the strongest butterflyer in Vilnius. Source: Vilnius University
痴鲍鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;International Business programme was a natural fit for Lohvynenko, who found refuge in Lithuania amidst the chaos of war in Ukraine. The university was also the ideal place for him to continue nurturing his passion for swimming. 鈥淐urrently, I hold the title of Master of Sport in both Lithuania and Ukraine,鈥 he shares.
Balancing academics and athletics was tough at first, but Lohvynenko鈥檚 resilience shone through. Negotiating with professors for flexible schedules and prioritising training sessions, he found his stride. While training to represent VU in the SELL Student Games 2024, the student is also working toward his aspirations of establishing a tech-based company akin to Newegg. He sees his education as a crucial stepping stone, stating, 鈥淚 now know what needs to be done, what not to do, and how to break down this big goal into small tasks and make it a reality.鈥
On Ewa Helene Gotzes鈥檚 first day on campus, she found herself admiring a picture of a national Lithuanian costume 鈥 little did she know she would one day wear it to perform. Source: Vilnius University
With a childhood fascination for medicine and a penchant for artistic expression, this student鈥檚 VU journey has been one of self-discovery and growth. For five years, she鈥檚 been an integral part of the VU Dain懦 ir 拧oki懦 ansamblis choir, finding solace, cultural immersion, and friendships through music. Choir rehearsals have always offered Gotzes vital 鈥渕e time鈥 amidst the rigours of being a medical student.
In 2022, Gotzes took part in the Gaudeamus concert. During the ensemble鈥檚 trip to Punsk, Poland, she experienced the rich coexistence of Polish and Lithuanian cultures. Then, she performed Mozart鈥檚 Requiem at 鈥淜lasika Visiems,鈥 a university-wide event fostering cultural exchange. 鈥淪oon, I will return to Germany to start the practical part of my studies,鈥 she shares. 鈥淚 want to continue to sing while learning about my own cultural heritage. I also hope I will be able to include everything I learned about inclusion here in Vilnius.鈥
Olena Pankevych is especially interested in the Politics of Global Challenges and hopes to one day build a career around combatting climate change. Source: Vilnius University
This Politics of Global Challenges student from Ukraine chose VU for its supportive environment and diverse curriculum spanning topics like climate change politics and practical philosophy. In no time, she uncovered many other perks. Today, she is chairwoman of the Debate Society, orchestrating workshops and international competitions while amplifying student voices as a VU Ambassador and Editor of English articles in the Vilnius University Young Journalists鈥 Society.
鈥淧articipation grants me a chance to learn about how institutions really operate, what managing a team looks like, and what sort of administrative issues activity brings about,鈥 shares Pankevych, who aims to contribute to Ukraine鈥檚 defence or energy sectors post-graduation. 鈥淭hese skills cannot necessarily be theoretically taught, so it is extremely valuable to practice them in places where it is still okay to try different options more flexibly.鈥
Medical student Daniyal Heidari is currently deciding whether to specialise in neurosurgery, gynecology, pediatrics, or plastic surgery. Source: Vilnius University
Daniyal Heidari, a medicine student from Cyprus, chose Vilnius University for its green landscapes and affordable tuition. Today VU is home for him. Passionate about science, he was drawn to medicine as a convergence of various disciplines. However, he鈥檚 also made time to actively participate in powerlifting and serve in student organisations, including the VU Students Representation and Learning in Science and Mathematics.
鈥淚 am currently an intermediate-level powerlifter and I will soon represent our university in the SELL games 2024 in Kaunas,鈥 he shares. 鈥淢eanwhile, participating in organisations have definitely helped me cultivate leadership and collaboration skills. The values of dedication, balance, and perseverance I learned from sports and dance 鈥 the benefits always outweigh the costs.鈥
While uncertain about her post-graduation path, Valeriia Kyslenko trusts her education and experiences will guide her towards contributing meaningfully to Ukraine鈥檚 future. Source: Vilnius University
Drawn to VU for its reputation, Kyslenko鈥檚 passion for language led her to pursue English Philology. The student from Ukraine is active in the university鈥檚 chamber orchestra, finding calm in music amidst her academic commitments. 鈥淚t even gives me a chance to know more about the university鈥檚 culture and to participate in different events,鈥 she shares.
Indeed, engaging in artistic activities not only facilitates social interaction across different fields of study but also provides a platform for personal growth, enhancing her violin skills and social competencies. 鈥淚 have already participated in a few concerts with the orchestra, and it gives unforgettable emotions,鈥 says the student. 鈥淚 like to be a part of something as beautiful and share music with others.鈥
Choosing to study at Vilnius University means joining a vibrant community where your journey goes far beyond lecture halls and exams. Here, you鈥檒l receive a world-class education while being encouraged to explore your passions, form lifelong connections, and grow in every direction. Whether you鈥檙e on the field, the stage, or in the lab, VU offers the space and support to turn your interests into purpose, guiding you as you carve out your path to success. If you鈥檙e ready to study at a university as committed to personal growth as it is to academic excellence, Vilnius University is ready to welcome you鈥攚here your journey doesn鈥檛 just begin, it flourishes.
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