When I was finishing Secondary School, everything seemed to happen at once. Final exams were approaching, there was stress, uncertainty, and the big question of what to do next. There were plenty of opportunities to study in Lithuania, but deep down I felt that I wanted something more.
English had always been my strongest subject. I genuinely enjoyed speaking the language, watching films in English, and communicating with people from different countries. That passion gradually turned into the idea of studying abroad. I visited an education fair, spoke with representatives from different countries, and eventually found myself choosing between Scotland and Denmark. Somehow Denmark simply felt like the right choice.
At that point, studying in Denmark still seemed like nothing more than a dream. My mother noticed how determined I was to study abroad and introduced me to KASTU. I spent hours reading everything I could find on their website, learning about universities, application requirements, and student experiences. The very next day I was already collecting recommendation letters from my teachers.
From there, the application journey truly began. There were recommendation letters, a motivation letter, preparations for interviews, and of course the English language test, which I considered the most challenging part of the entire process. Even though I was confident in my English, the exam still made me nervous. Fortunately, I passed it successfully, and suddenly my goal felt much closer. The final interview went smoothly, and then came the email I will never forget.
"Congratulations, you have been accepted."
Reading those words completely changed how I felt. All the stress, uncertainty, and fear disappeared in an instant. I remember reading the email over and over again, thinking to myself that dreams really do come true if you keep working towards them.
One unexpected benefit was sitting my final Secondary School exams knowing that I had already secured my university place. Instead of worrying about my future, I could simply focus on doing my best.
Today I can confidently say that Denmark has exceeded every expectation. From my very first days at university, I realised that education here is completely different from what I had experienced before. There is no barrier between lecturers and students. Everyone is treated with respect, and the atmosphere is open, friendly, and supportive.
One of the things I enjoy most is the international environment. My classmates come from Romania, Brazil, Latvia, Bulgaria, Iceland, Türkiye, Denmark, China, and many other countries. Every conversation gives you the chance to learn about another culture and see the world from a different perspective. This is what studying in an international environment truly means.
The teaching style is also very different. Instead of competing against each other, students work together in small groups on projects and assignments. Teamwork is a central part of the learning experience, helping us develop communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that are valuable far beyond university.
For me personally, studying architecture here has been the perfect choice. Back home, I believed architecture required exceptional drawing skills before you could even apply. In Denmark, the focus is completely different. Modern technology plays a major role, and creativity is developed throughout the programme. I still remember one lecturer placing two dots on the board and asking a student to connect them with a straight line. When the student finished, the lecturer smiled and said, "You can already draw. Now we just need to teach you what to draw." That simple moment completely changed the way I thought about creativity and learning.
Classes are engaging and interactive. Students actively participate, ask questions, work together, and even decide when it's time for a short break. Learning never feels repetitive because you are constantly involved in discussions and practical activities.
My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is simple. Don't choose it because you think it will be easier. Choose it because you want to challenge yourself, experience something new, and grow as a person. Living abroad means leaving your comfort zone. You will miss your family, your friends, your language, and the small everyday things you have always taken for granted. But if you are ready to put your future first, the experience will reward you in ways you cannot imagine.
No story can fully describe what it feels like to study abroad. Reading about it and experiencing it yourself are two completely different things.
