Erasmus+ student experience in Šiauliai
When I got an opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ student exchange program, I had a feeling that great things would happen, and that would add unique experiences to my life. I started the research about possible destinations for my Erasmus+ studies. I chose Lithuania, and right now, I have completed one semester at Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences.
What I experienced here over a period of time was truly unique. It was worth every second of my life I spent at this place. Lithuania is a wonderful country with its nature; it has well-preserved nature and beautiful architecture. Also, Lithuania has a close and precious history. I researched its history – I visited The Lithuanian National Museum, Trakai Castle, and I was so impressed. When you look at museums and buildings, it is as if you are reliving the history. I am glad for every person I met and became friends with. The Lithuanian people are honest.
The Lithuanians are very good at basketball. When I was there, Fenerbahçe, one of the Turkish teams, came to Lithuania and played a basketball game with Zalgiris Kaunas. I watched this game at the stadium in Kaunas. The Lithuanians play with passion; they beat Fenerbahçe by 11 points, there was an impressive atmosphere. Another memory I have about basketball is this: when I just arrived in Lithuania, a group of Lithuanians invited me to a basketball game, I agreed, but I did not expect it to be this difficult to play, they are so good at basketball that the ball barely touched my hand during the match.
Also, there is no Lithuanian man whose first name does not end with the letter 'S' - or I have not met such.
The Lithuanians told me that a lake in Šiauliai would freeze in winter, and we could walk on it. I was already a little nervous about the cold, but I had a hard time believing that this lake could freeze enough that I could safely walk on it. And then winter came, and the lake froze so much it was like marble. The interesting thing was that people were drilling into the frozen lake and fishing from where they were drilling. While I was on the lake, a Lithuanian asked me for help, and together we caught a fish weighing 5 kilograms. The fish that fisherman caught on New Year's Eve made him extra happy. I had an amazing time. Thank you.
Hakan Topal from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University (Turkey)
Studies Physiotherapy at Šiauliai State University of Applied Sciences
