Orhun Gürkan is now an Operations Manager at “Concentrix”, a global customer experience services and technologies company, providing support to the world’s best brands. Eight years ago, when he was a Bachelor's student of Business Administration and Management, he deliberately challenged himself by moving nearly 2,000 kilometres away from his home in Turkey to come to Kaunas for his studies. Orhun expected local relations to be different from those he was used to, and his expectations were partly right. Still, in a good way: the Kaunas Faculty of Vilnius University pleasantly surprised him, and Orhun is convinced that the city of Kaunas is rich in experiences.
“I have chosen Kaunas for Erasmus studies so that I could enjoy a city that is not as big as the capital, but still big enough to enjoy and have activities around,” says a former Erasmus exchange student. “I had many options at first to choose from, but my priority was to live in an environment very different from mine.”
As a naturally social person, Orhun says that he sought new kinds of social interactions. “Everyone at the Kaunas Faculty was so supportive, helpful, and friendly. I got into so many activities and events and met so many people from the University, which was a different experience compared to others I met outside of the University,” says O. Gürkan.
Erasmus Coordinator at VU Kaunas Faculty, Livija Grikietis, says that making international students feel comfortable is one of the Faculty’s priorities. “We welcome both Erasmus exchange students and those who choose to complete a full Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. We are happy to make them feel safe and at home,” she notes.
L. Grikietis explained that the Faculty Integration Week events start at the beginning of the semester. Different events help students to integrate into our community, encourage friendships, and provide spaces to share and celebrate cultures. Livija is always happy to support and value student initiatives when they want to celebrate their culture or present their interests.
Back in the day, when Orhun Gürkan was an Erasmus student, he joined the VU Students’ Representation at Kaunas Faculty and participated in regular meetings to discuss challenges of Erasmus students, which improved his communication skills and allowed him to learn more about how University processes are done. Orhun also joined the Bilingual Learning Program and became a Turkish Language Teacher, giving many lectures in 6 months, which improved his teaching and presentation skills. Moreover, he became an ESN mentor during his second term and was once selected as the mentor of the month. Orhun says that this experience has greatly improved his communication skills and his ability to lead a large group of people.
“Overall, I excelled significantly at the Kaunas Faculty, which taught me a lot. I am sure that I could not have experienced these things elsewhere. This was all possible as Kaunas Faculty had opened every opportunity to take responsibility and improve myself”, he rejoices.
It is always pleasant to meet former students at the Faculty, and it is an even greater honour when an international student returns to their alma mater. “Now with a good job and building a family, I am once again grateful to have chosen Kaunas for Erasmus and everything it has given me,” says O. Gürkan. “After almost a decade, I returned to Kaunas with my wife, and I experienced the same friendliness and support from the Kaunas Faculty as before. All the good memories resurfaced.”
O. Gürkan was happy to meet the Kaunas Faculty Erasmus Coordinator, Livija, again and share stories and experiences after eight years. He felt like he had never left, as he found the same support and hospitality.
Family Gürkan also went to some of Orhun's favourite restaurants and places to enjoy the cuisine he had tasted all these years ago, and even though some areas have changed, the taste never did. They also took a walk in the parks and trails. One of Orhun's favourite things to do in Kaunas is walking in the forest; nature is beautiful each season.
“Of course, the most unique experiences are gained by those who make friends, both local and international students. Nothing can replicate the experiences while visiting a local family home, cooking and sharing meals at student dormitories, and celebrating life at popular entertainment venues. The city is full of events that help get to know the city and the country, such as free museum visits every last Sunday of the month,” adds the Kaunas Faculty Erasmus Coordinator.
Orhun Gürkan, in his turn, has also prepared a list of places to visit in Kaunas, which he gladly shares with all international students: both Erasmus and full-time.
5 things that every international student in Kaunas should experience:
- Karaoke in “Džem’pub”, where you can have the best Tuesday nights with friends!
- “Žalgiris” Arena, where you can watch the best basketball team in the EU play!
- The traditional autumn fair on Laivės Avenue is an opportunity to try traditional outdoor food.
- The City Christmas fair is a place to feel the Christmas spirit here in Kaunas.
- The shopping centre “Akropolis” is the perfect place for shopping, watching movies, and enjoying leisure time all year round.