Park Youngjun - KYUNGPOOK NATIONAL UNIVERSITY / South Korea

Studying at Vilnius Tech as an exchange student in the Faculty of Architecture has been one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life. From the very beginning, I felt both nervous and excited about what was waiting for me in Lithuania, a country I had never visited before. As time passed, however, those feelings of uncertainty transformed into joy, growth, and a deep appreciation for the cultural and personal discoveries I was able to make throughout this journey. Academically, studying architecture at Vilnius Tech provided me with new perspectives on design and urban planning. The courses were well-structured and allowed room for creativity, and I appreciated the opportunity to explore architectural themes that were often approached differently from those in my home country. I especially enjoyed working in international group projects, where I could collaborate with students from various backgrounds. Through these projects, I learned not only about architecture, but also how to communicate across cultural and language barriers. The professors were supportive and encouraged open discussion, which made the learning environment more engaging and stimulating. One of the highlights of my time in Vilnius was participating in multiple events organized by ESN (Erasmus Student Network). These events helped me meet people from all over the world and feel a true sense of belonging in a new environment. I joined welcome week, language exchange nights, cultural evenings, hiking trips, and even cooking classes. Every activity was a chance to learn something new, whether it was a traditional dance from another country, a local Lithuanian dish, or simply how to laugh together despite speaking different native languages. Thanks to ESN and the open atmosphere of the university, I made many friends — both international students and local Lithuanian students. 

Our friendships were not just limited to the campus; we spent weekends exploring Vilnius together, trying out local cafes, visiting museums, and walking along the beautiful riverside. I also had the chance to travel with friends to other parts of Lithuania like Trakai, Kaunas, and the seaside. Each place showed me a different side of the country’s history, architecture, and way of life. Beyond Lithuania, we even organized short trips to nearby countries like Latvia, Poland, and Estonia. Traveling with friends from different cultures allowed us to bond more deeply and learn from each other’s perspectives. What touched me the most during this exchange was how welcoming and kind people were. Lithuanian students and locals were always willing to help, even if we didn’t speak the same language fluently. I learned a lot about Lithuanian culture — its traditions, holidays, humor, and values. At the same time, I shared stories and customs from my own background, which often sparked meaningful conversations. These moments of exchange were small but powerful, reminding me how enriching it is to open our hearts to other cultures. Living in a foreign country also taught me how to be more independent and confident. From handling paperwork and navigating transportation to cooking for myself and managing my schedule, I learned to take care of things on my own. Of course, there were challenges — moments of homesickness, language misunderstandings, or cold weather that I wasn’t used to — but overcoming them made me stronger and more adaptable. I now feel more prepared for future challenges, both in my personal life and professional career. This journey has made me more open-minded and appreciative of diversity. I realized that even though we come from different backgrounds, we often share similar dreams, fears, and values. I gained not only academic knowledge but also emotional growth and intercultural understanding. These are things that can’t be taught in a classroom — they must be lived and experienced. In conclusion, my time at Vilnius Tech was not just about studying architecture. It was about discovering a new part of the world, building lifelong friendships, learning about myself, and growing as a global citizen. I will always cherish the memories of this exchange and carry the lessons I’ve learned with me wherever I go. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, and I truly believe that it has changed my life in the most beautiful way.