Student from Kosovo: “Erasmus+ was one of the best experiences of my life”
Elona Pasha, a student from AAB College in Kosovo, studied for one semester at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution under the Erasmus+ exchange programme.
We are sharing Elona's experience from her Erasmus+ study mobility:
“Participating in the Erasmus+ mobility programme in Lithuania has been one of the most valuable and unforgettable experiences of my life. As a nursing student, I had the opportunity to study in a new academic environment, learn from different teaching methods, and gain knowledge that will be useful in my future career. At the same time, Erasmus+ gave me the chance to discover a new country, meet people from different cultures, and create memories that I will carry with me forever.
At the beginning, adapting to a new country was not easy. Being far away from my family, friends, and everything familiar was challenging. There were moments when I felt homesick and uncertain. However, with time, Lithuania started to feel like a second home. I became more independent, learned how to adapt to new situations, and gained confidence in myself.
During my studies, I had the opportunity to improve my academic and professional skills as a nursing student. Learning in an international environment helped me develop a broader perspective and allowed me to meet students from different countries who shared their experiences and knowledge. This experience contributed not only to my education but also to my personal growth.
One of the most beautiful parts of Erasmus+ was the friendships we built. We were not just a group of students; we became a family. Living together in the dormitory created a special bond between us. We spent our days together, shared meals, helped each other, and supported one another through both good and difficult moments. We saw each other laughing, crying, celebrating achievements, and talking until the early hours of the morning. These moments brought us closer and created memories that will stay with us forever.
Exploring Lithuania together was another unforgettable part of this journey. We visited different cities, discovered new places, and spent countless hours creating memories. Every trip was special because it was shared with people who became an important part of my life. One tradition that made our travels even more meaningful was bringing small souvenirs and magnets for each other. These simple gifts became symbols of friendship and reminders of the places we visited together.
As time passed, I realized that Erasmus+ was much more than an academic exchange programme. It was an opportunity to grow, learn, and step outside my comfort zone. It taught me independence, responsibility, adaptability, and the importance of intercultural friendships. It helped me understand that some of the most valuable lessons in life are learned outside the classroom.
As the end of our Erasmus+ journey approached, emotions became stronger every day. Saying goodbye to one another was undoubtedly the hardest part of the experience. For months, we had shared our lives, our stories, our happiness, and our struggles. We had become like a family. Seeing tears of sadness in everyone's eyes was heartbreaking because none of us knew when we would meet again. The final hugs, the last conversations, and the promises to stay in touch were moments that I will never forget.
I feel incredibly lucky and grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of this experience. Words are not enough to describe everything that Erasmus+ has meant to me. The friendships, the memories, the lessons, and the emotions will always remain in my heart. This journey changed me in many positive ways and gave me memories that I will cherish forever.
Looking to the future, I truly believe that I will return to Lithuania one day. This country will always hold a special place in my heart because it became the home of one of the most beautiful chapters of my life. I would love to visit again, relive some of these memories, and see the places that became so meaningful to me.
In conclusion, Erasmus+ was one of the best experiences of my life. It helped me grow academically as a nursing student, personally as an individual, and emotionally as a person. Although this chapter is coming to an end, the memories and friendships created during this journey will stay with me forever. Erasmus+ may end, but its impact on my life never will.”
