Balta's Erasmus experience in Kaunas, Lithuania

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Why did you choose Kaunas, Lithuania?

I didn't have too many "attractive" destinations to choose (such as France, UK, Italy, Germany... ) and if available, they asked for a B2 level of German language, while I only know English (B2). I read on the internet that Kaunas was the second city of Lithuania where they had a good student atmosphere.

How long is your scholarship? How much financial support do you receive?

It depends on how many months you spend there (5, 6, 10... ). I got 200€ per month.

What is the student environment like in Kaunas?

It is really good, especially because of the international or Erasmus students. There are many young people that will help you that are willing to party and travel.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Kaunas to other students?

Kaunas is a great city with many bars and pubs, shops & boutiques, landscapes, interesting places, a cinema... I personally study biology and the VMU Science University is focused on a practical approach to biology rather than theoretical point of view. However, you still can find courses on biochemistry, genetics, and cellular biology.

What about the local food?

The food is energy food and it is rich in fat mostly because of the cold weather: boiled potatoes, meat with different kinds of sauces, mushrooms, soups, chocolates, sweets, etc. Also, you can find pizza restaurants, fast food places and cafe's (there are quite a lot! )

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Kaunas?

No, from the beginning I completed the different documents and booked a bed at the VDUs dormitory. Even if you prefer to rent a flat, I think it would be easy.

How much does it cost to live in Kaunas?

Housing here is not expensive: renting a flat could cost more or less 150 - 200€ per month, and dormitories are near to 100€. Groceries are a little bit cheaper than in Spain. Public transportation is really cheap.

What about the language? Did you go to a language course at the university?

At the beginning my English was a little bit rusty but it got better quickly and you notice it. I didn't join any language course in the first semester but I may sign up to one in the second semester.

What is the cheapest way to get to Kaunas from your home town?

By walking. Nah, just joking. The best way is by train: Seville - Madrid (around 60€) and then by plane: Madrid - Vilnius (120€ aprox). Once in Vilnius, you can take a bus to Kaunas (5€ aprox). Price depends a lot on the moment that you buy it: the sooner, the better.

Which places would you recommend for partyin in Kaunas?

Poker Bar (beer+table football), Dzem Pub (karaoke on Tuesdays), Taboo, Basement. I heard that Deja Vù and Jungle are pretty cool too but I haven't been there yet.

What about eating in Kaunas? Could you tell us some of your favourite restaurants?

My favourite ones are the restaurants specialized in traditional Lithuanian dishes. There is one in Akropolis (a mall next to Zalgiris Arena), and another one in the city center. Every Thursday I went to a snack stall next to the VMU with my mate Gonzalo. There you can find hamburgers, kebab, French fries...

How is the cultural life in Kaunas? Which are some interesting places to visit?

Museums are quite interesting and theatres are good too. The city's lookout and Old Town are very interesting too. Sometimes there are linguistic interchanges in some cafés with people from different countries.

Is there any tips or advice you want to give to future students going to Kaunas?

Don't stay put: travel, go party, have a coffee, go watch a Zalgiris match, play basketball, sing on the karaoke, meet new people... Seize the moment at its fullest!