The Erasmus experience offers a unique opportunity for students to live and study abroad, discovering new cultures and expanding their academic horizons. Saulė Skinkytė, a dental student from Vilnius University in Lithuania, shared with us her inspiring adventure in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Over the course of a semester, Saulė not only immersed herself in a new culture, but also discovered valuable life and academic lessons that left a lasting impression on her.
An Inspired Choice: a Dream Erasmus Come True
From the beginning of her university studies, Saulė knew she wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities available to grow both personally and professionally, and step out of her comfort zone. "I always promised myself that I would embrace all the opportunities during my studies", Saulė explains. So, when the chance to participate in the Erasmus programme arose, she didn’t hesitate for a second.
Pilsen, with its rich history and diverse community, immediately captured Saulė's interest. "I was drawn not only by its unique name but also by its history, diverse community, and top-tier education", she notes. Furthermore, the connection between her university and Charles University made the choice even clearer. Coming from Lithuania, a small Baltic country, Saulė was eager to experience life in Central Europe, a region she had never been to before, and Pilsen was her first choice.
Exploring Pilsen: A Guide for New Erasmus Students
If she were to give a tour to new Erasmus students in Pilsen, Saulė would start in the heart of the city, at Náměstí Republiky. Here, the imposing St. Bartholomew's Cathedral offers an impressive view both inside and out, with the opportunity to see Pilsen from above. "Afterwards, we could visit one of the largest synagogues in the world, known as the Great Synagogue, or pay a visit to Pilsen Urquell Brewery, a place known worldwide", adds Saulė. Finally, a walk and picnic in Borský Park would complete the perfect tour.
Adapting and Learning: Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Adapting to life in Pilsen was not without its challenges. The language barrier was one of the main obstacles Saulė had to face. "Czech is quite different from any language I know and, for incoming students, I would recommend learning a few phrases to use on regular terms to avoid any misunderstandings while talking with Google's translator", she comments. However, with the help of local and international friends, she quickly overcame these initial difficulties. Additionally, she discovered a deep connection between Lithuanian and Czech cultures, which facilitated her integration.
Also, one of the Czech traditions that impacted Saulė was the love for nature since the Czech Republic is filled with forests, beautiful lakes, and parks. “Since my Erasmus exchange, I have been inspired to make the most of every moment by hiking, running, or observing the wilderness outdoors. In addition, upon returning to Lithuania, I dedicated my weekends to discovering the nearby natural attractions”, she points out.
Comparing Educational Systems: Academic Differences and the Erasmus Community
On the one hand, the academic experience at Charles University presented an interesting contrast with Vilnius University. While Charles University focuses on a lecture-based approach with active student participation in debates, Vilnius University offers more practical and interactive learning opportunities. The community-oriented environment of Pilsen was also a notable aspect. “The university's campus is centralised, making it easy to navigate, and the overall cost of living is lower than in Vilnius. In Vilnius, the environment is more cosmopolitan, with the university's facilities being more diverse but fragmented, and there is a wide range of events to choose from”, Saulė comments.
On the other hand, the Erasmus community in Pilsen, mainly composed of Southern European students, played a crucial role in Saulė's integration. Although she shared similarities with Spanish students, she had to adapt to practical classes with local students due to the need for additional credits. However, activities organised by the ESN section of the University of West Bohemia and by the university itself helped to forge friendships and find common interests. “The experiences that stood out to me during my stay in Pilsen were the mandatory assistance in the operating room during surgery rotation and meeting patients in the urgent care sector. These educational opportunities allowed me to apply my theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. Since partaking in these experiences, I became actively involved in developing dentistry curricula provided by Vilnius University to include these practices in our programme”, she says.
Reflections and Advice: debunking myths and the future
A common myth about the Erasmus+ programme is the formation of an instant 'family' among students. Saulė discovered that while adaptation is a process of personal growth, meaningful connections are formed in unexpected and profound ways. Also, the Erasmus experience in Pilsen broadened Saulė's perspective on her career, emphasising the importance of being a multidisciplinary specialist with practical skills and cross-cultural competence. "The Erasmus experience greatly influenced my professional and personal development by enhancing my adaptability, problem-solving abilities, and appreciation for diverse healthcare practices", she affirms.
Last but not least, for those who might feel unsure about studying in a small city, Saulė highly recommends the experience. "Smaller cities offer perfect opportunities to deeply explore the place, make local friends, and experience a slower pace of life", she ensures.
In conclusion, Saulė Skinkytė's Erasmus experience in Pilsen was an educational, cultural, and self-improvement journey that she recommends everyone to experience at least once. "My Erasmus experience was a journey of learning, culture, and self-improvement, and I highly recommend that everyone experiences it at least once," concludes Saulė, fondly recalling her time in this charming Czech city.
