From Tirana to Šiauliai: Noel’s and Samuel’s Erasmus+ Journey
Noel Didini and Samuel Rrahishta, students of Informatics Sciences at New York Tirana University, recently shared their Erasmus+ experience at Šiaulių Valstybinė Kolegija. During the autumn semester of the 2024-2025 academic year, they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new academic environment, explore Lithuanian culture, and expand their professional and personal horizons.
Insights from students:
Our Amazing Erasmus Semester in Šiauliai
Spending a semester in Šiauliai was one of the best decisions we ever made. As two computer science students, we expected to gain technical skills, meet new people, and experience a different culture. But what we got was so much more. This semester was a mix of intense learning, unforgettable friendships, exciting travels, and experiences that changed the way we see both our field and the world.
Diving Into a New Learning Experience
From the very first day, we felt welcomed. The university had a friendly atmosphere, and the professors encouraged us to think practically rather than just memorizing theories. The courses were hands-on, and we worked on real projects that tested our skills in ways we hadn’t before. One of the best parts was collaborating with students from different backgrounds—we got to see different approaches to problem-solving, which really broadened our perspective.
We also pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones. There were late nights spent debugging code, intense discussions over project ideas, and even a few friendly coding competitions. Some of our projects were challenging, but we enjoyed the process of solving problems as a team. It felt rewarding to see our ideas take shape and actually work.
Aside from coursework, we also had the chance to attend guest lectures and workshops. One that stood out to us was a session on AI and data science, where we got to see real-world applications of what we were studying. These experiences made us even more passionate about our field.
Beyond the Classroom: Life in Šiauliai
Of course, Erasmus isn’t just about studying. Living in Šiauliai was an adventure in itself. The city may not be the biggest, but it has a charm that grew on us. We explored local spots, enjoyed the peaceful parks, and tried Lithuanian food—some of which was surprisingly good. Cepelinai (Lithuanian dumplings) became one of our favorite dishes, though we can’t say the same about cold beet soup.
What made this semester truly special were the people we met. Our classmates, other Erasmus students, and even locals made us feel at home. We shared laughs, traveled together, and created memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it was spontaneous road trips, game nights, or just walking around the city in the snow, every moment felt special.
One thing that really surprised us was how different the pace of life was compared to what we were used to. Šiauliai had a slower, more relaxed feel, and at first, it was a bit of an adjustment. But over time, we started appreciating the simplicity of it—less noise, less rush, and more time to actually enjoy the moment.
Exploring Lithuania and Beyond
One of the best parts of studying abroad was the chance to travel. Lithuania may be small, but it’s packed with history, nature, and beautiful places to visit. We spent weekends exploring different cities, with Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda being some of our favorites.
Vilnius, the capital, had a mix of modern and historical vibes, with its charming old town and vibrant student life. We climbed up to Gediminas’ Tower, walked through Užupis (the city’s artsy district), and even visited a former Soviet prison that had been turned into a museum. Kaunas, on the other hand, had a more industrial feel, but its street art and lively cafés made it a fun place to visit. Klaipėda was perfect for a change of scenery—walking along the coast and taking a ferry to the Curonian Spit was one of the most relaxing experiences of the semester.
Since Lithuania is so well connected, we also took the chance to visit neighboring countries. We spent a weekend in Riga, Latvia, where we enjoyed its stunning architecture and fun nightlife. Another highlight was our trip to Tallinn, Estonia—a city that felt straight out of a fairy tale with its medieval walls and cobblestone streets. We even managed a trip to
Poland, visiting Warsaw and Kraków, where we explored historical sites and tried even more local food.
Traveling gave us a deeper appreciation for different cultures and histories. It also made us more independent—we had to plan trips, figure out transport, and sometimes deal with unexpected challenges (like almost missing a bus back to Lithuania). But those moments made the experience even more memorable.
Looking Back
Now that the semester is over, we can say with certainty that Erasmus was one of the best experiences of our lives. We grew both as students and as individuals. We learned new technical skills, adapted to a new environment, and made friendships that go beyond borders. Šiauliai might have been just a stop on our journey, but it’s a place we’ll always remember. If anyone ever asks us whether they should do an Erasmus exchange, our answer is simple: absolutely, yes.
