My name is Muhammad Sarmad, a 24-year-old from Pakistan currently pursuing a degree in Electronics Engineering at Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija | HEI. I chose this university for its strong emphasis on practical engineering skills and robust industry connections, making it an ideal place to gain hands-on experience.

Studying abroad has always been a goal of mine. While I anticipated that adapting to a new culture might be difficult, I was pleasantly surprised by the warm and welcoming nature of the people here. Kaunas, with its peaceful atmosphere and rich historical sites, has made the transition even more enjoyable. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym and playing football: I hope to join the university football team someday. The locals in Lithuania are particularly friendly and often express curiosity about Pakistani culture and cuisine, which leads to many interesting conversations. Although I sometimes miss home, I make an effort to stay connected with my family and keep myself engaged with my studies and friends.

Adapting to a new climate and overcoming the language barrier were among the initial challenges I faced. For anyone considering studying abroad, I recommend staying open-minded and making friends to help ease the transition. I’m proud to say that I’ve learned some basic Lithuanian, and my favorite phrase so far is “ačiū,” meaning “thank you.” Familiarizing yourself with the language before arriving can significantly aid the adjustment process.

Overall, studying abroad has been a journey worth taking. It broadens your horizons in unimaginable ways—it’s both exciting and challenging, yet also rewarding, eye-opening, and inspiring.