Eight students from Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences, studying Software Development and Entrepreneurship, recently took part in the Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program in Kaunas, Lithuania. Read about Carlang’s experience and find out why you should take advantage of Erasmus+ Blended Intensive programs in the future as well.
My name is Carlang, but everyone calls me Carl (spelled with a C). I’m currently in my second year of study for Software Development and Entrepreneurship at the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Science in Tallinn, Estonia. In the fall of 2023, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Kaunas, Lithuania, where I participated in an Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Program (BIP) hosted by Kaunas Kolegija. The program was focused on the topic “Creating and developing educational media content on social networks.”
Like the billions of people obsessed with scrolling, I’ve always been passionate about media, and the prospect of creating and developing educational media content on social networks excited me immensely. However, the decision to participate in an Erasmus+ BIP was driven by other reasons. First, I wanted to broaden my horizons in a different cultural context. Prior to my visit, the only thing I knew of Lithuanians was that they were passionate about basketball. I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of the customs and traditions of the host country. Second, I wanted to expose myself to different teaching methods, academic perspectives, and research opportunities. Third, the specific theme of this BIP aligned perfectly with one of my interests, offering a chance to gain hands-on experience in the field of educational media. Lastly, I was eager to make lifelong international friendships and experience life in a new country.
All my goals were met. My days in Kaunas were a perfect blend of education, exploration, and leisure. Mornings were dedicated to engaging classes and workshops where we learned about the latest trends in educational media content creation. Afternoons were interrupted by hearty lunches, where we got to try out different local meals, like the Cepelinai–all of which were undeniably delicious. The rest of the day was reserved for practical sessions, allowing us to work on our projects and exchange ideas with our international peers. Once we were done, evenings were often spent exploring the beautiful city of Kaunas, old and new, taking in its rich history and vibrant culture.
I highly recommend the Erasmus+ BIP to other students. Albeit short, the program gave me a unique opportunity to learn, grow, and create lifelong connections. It provided a gateway to what I hope will become a global network of friends. The experience of living and learning in a different country was invaluable, and I am optimistic that the knowledge gained and the friendships formed will remain with me for the rest of my life. Above all, the experience taught me the importance of being open-minded, adaptable, and appreciative of the rich tapestry of human culture and knowledge. Because, as it turns out, there’s more to Lithuania than basketball. It’s an incredibly vibrant country–rich in culture, cuisine, and attractions. And then there’s the Žemaitiškas kastinys.
The program was funded by European Union Erasmus+ program.