Student from Georgia: “And somehow, Lithuania became more than just a destination”
Student from Caucasus International University in Georgia Sopio Dgebuadze spent her 2025–2026 a. y. spring semester at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution under the Erasmus+ exchange programme.
Here is what Sopio says about her semester in Šiauliai:
“When I first arrived in Šiauliai through the Erasmus+ programme, I thought I was simply coming to study abroad for a semester. I expected new classes, a different culture, and maybe a few adventures along the way. What I didn't expect was that this experience would change me in so many ways.
My journey in Lithuania was filled with opportunities that went far beyond the classroom. I had the chance to participate in different Erasmus+ projects, meet inspiring people from all over Europe, and learn from experiences that no textbook could ever teach. Every project brought new perspectives, new friendships, and new memories.
One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was the support I received from the professors. Their friendliness, professionalism, and genuine willingness to help made a huge difference. Thanks to a recommendation from one of my professors, I was able to secure an internship at a company and gain valuable professional experience. It was a moment that showed me how much trust and encouragement can impact a student's future.
But Lithuania gave me something even more valuable. Somewhere between the lectures, projects, travels, and everyday moments, I found a kind of inner peace. There was something special about life in Šiauliai, the slower pace, the connection with nature, and the feeling of balance that I had been searching for without even realizing it.
And if there is one thing everyone who knows me now will tell you, it is that I completely fell in love with Lithuania's forests and lakes. The endless greenery, peaceful walking paths, quiet mornings by the water, and the beauty of nature became my favorite escape and my source of energy. Over time, these places stopped feeling foreign and started feeling familiar.
Looking back, this experience was never only about studying abroad. It was about growth. It was about stepping outside my comfort zone, discovering new opportunities, building meaningful connections, and finding a place that unexpectedly felt like home.
The semester may have an ending, but the memories, friendships, lessons, and experiences will stay with me forever.
And perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that I arrived in Lithuania as an exchange student, but I am leaving with a piece of my heart staying here.
Thank you to all the professors, coordinators, friends, and everyone who became part of this journey and made it unforgettable.”
