Erasmus experience in Kaunas, Lithuania, by Carmen

Why did you choose to go to Kaunas, Lithuania?

I didn't want to go somewhere that typical Erasmus students go to (UK, France, Italy), I wanted to travel to a country that was completely different, to discover a new culture, and above all, travel. Kaunas and Lithuania met all of my requirements.

How long was the placement? How much grant did you receive?

My placement lasted 6 months, although I travelled to Kaunas a month earlier so that I could start the EILC course (Erasmus International Language Course), which is free for Erasmus students. I really recommend it, I learnt a little Lithuanian and a lot about the culture of the country before I started my course, which was really fun. The best way to meet people, go out a lot and party!

I received around 300€, but this was five years ago, and thanks to our dear government, I suppose that will be less now. Still, if you can, apply for a grant through the education ministry or through a bank.

What is the student life like?

It is the main university city in Lithuania, so there are quite a lot of students and people on Erasmus. If you go out, you are definitely going to meet other exchange students.

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

It depends on what you're looking for from your Erasmus, but my time there was amazing. The city isn't fantastic, but it is still charming and it is very close to Vilna (the capital) and only a stone's throw away from Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Belarus etc.

In the university (Vytautas Magnus University), I learnt about the democratic transition of the Baltic countries (and about the extension of the Soviet Union) so it was very interesting to study the Soviet Union from a different angle.

What is the food like there?

The typical dish is the 'cepelinai' (a dumpling stuffed with meat and sour cream) and they eat a lot of pork, potatoes, cabbage and sour cream. Ah yes and soup, they eat a lot of soup.

Something else that is typical is dry fish. They sell it whole, open, in the supermarkets... it can seem weird but it is delicious!

Obviously, those coming from Spain, you will miss the food, but you can eat a lot here for a good price.

Did you struggle finding accommodation in Kaunas?

No, I had been allocated a room in the student residency that my university had organised. It is ridiculously cheap, about 50 euros a month for a double room. And all my friends here have found accommodation without a problem.

How much did it cost to live in Kaunas?

300€ a month was more than enough for me, without excessively spending, I managed comfortably. Flats generally cost around 100€, and food shopping will set you back around 60€ a month.

Supermarkets are more or less the same price as in Spain, but only if you buy Lithuanian products, it is more expensive if you buy imported products, such as olive oil etc.

Transport is very cheap with your international student card (ask for one once you get to university) and the city is very well linked.

What is the language like? Did you take a university course?

The language is bloody complicated, I'm not going to lie. I took two courses, the EILC in the summer which I told you about earlier, and I signed up to do some Lithuanian courses as part of my university course.

That said, learning it is quite fun, because there are some words that look like Spanish words, but they mean something totally different. For example, in Lithuanian, there are the words 'puta, folle, teta' and there mean, respectively, 'foam, hall, and aunt'. Not at all alike!

The good thing is that words are pronounced how they are written (or so they say), and although you don't know the intonation, you will learn. Also, most young and middle aged people speak English.

That said, learn the basics, because you are there after all (the locals really appreciate you trying to make an effort) and because you are likely to come across someone who can only speak Lithuanian, Polish or Russian.

What is the cheapest way to get to Kaunas from your city?

I always fly with Ryanair, with changes in London or Frankfurt. It's a pain, I hate the airline, but in the end it is the cheapest.

What places would you recommend to go out in Kaunas?

Again, it depends on what you like.

Pubs

• Dzem Pub: a very cute terrace in the Laisves Aleja (the main street) that occasionally has karaoke and live music.
• Rockos Baras: also in the same area, with good music, cheap beer and table games.
• BO Baras: nearer the the old town, more alternative atmosphere, very good music.

Night clubs:

• Exit: more exclusive, with charts music and you have to pay entrance. Still, like everything in Lithuania, it isn't overly expensive. I think it was less than 5€ (about 15-20 litas) for the entrance and cocktails 4€.
• Barbaras: lots of posers go here. It plays charts music and local music which is quite cool.
• What I liked, were the raves/parties that were organised on old ships and in abandoned factories. Electronic music, neon lights, wild atmosphere, etc.

  They costed around 20 litas but they were worth going to, if only for the experience. Inquire at your university, but I remember they used to put up posters around the city.

What about eating in Kaunas? Can you name some of your favourite places?

As a true student, I ate out at cheap places. In the shopping centre, Akropolis, there are lots of nice places. One of my favorites was Bravaria, which always had really cheap deals on food and drink (4 litas, little more than one euro, for quite a big meal).

They are lots of popular pizzerias (Cili Pica, Pizza Jazz) and there are several fast food chains, that are similar to McDonald's. If you want to try the Lithuanian food, a good place was Berneliu Uzeiga. In general, whenever you avoid the typical tourist sites, it is very cheap to eat out.

And what is there to do culture-wise?

It has quite a few interesting places: a museum that collects items from the German and Russian invasion in Lithuania during World War II (yes, both invaded), a small castle, the old town is quite nice, the Kauno maras area (the lake) is also really nice to visit on a sunny day for a walk...

And, of course, if you fancy basketball, this is the place to be. It isn't my favourite but I watched a couple of games and they were ace.

Any advice you want to give to future students coming to Kaunas?

Don't waste your time, make the most of this super cheap country and travel as much as you can. You can't stay in the city and live like a local (because it is tempting) but go out and visit the rest of the country (Nida, on the coast, is beautiful), Russia, Belarus, the rest of the Baltic, Scandinavia, Ukraine... go!

Oh, and try to make Lithuanian friends. They may seem a bit serious at first (especially for Spanish people) but generally, they are very generous and selfless people. Do not be shy, go and integrate!

Well, it's obvious but if you go in the winter, take really warm clothes. Buy thermals in the Decathlon.