Kostas, as he prefers to be called, came from Greece for his master’s, taking the opportunity to study it for free. All EU nationals and global citizens of Lithuanian origin can compete for a state-funded study place.
A mechanical engineer by first education, Kostas decided on continuing his studies in the field of mechatronics after several years of professional experience.
“The changes in the industry made me think about getting back to university. I came to know about Lithuania from friends. After some online research, KTU appeared as a good option both academically and economically”, says the first-year master’s student of Mechatronics.
He is impressed by KTU laboratories, which use the latest technology equipment and that students are provided with opportunities to have hands-on experience. The only complaint is the weather – it is not as warm or sunny as in Greece. But, according to Kostas, it helps him to focus on studies.
Read the interview below to find out more. The beautiful photos next to the article are made by Kostas during his time here.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself: what is your background, how did you choose your current major?
- I am formally known as Konstantinos Loukas, but normally I introduce myself as Kostas, I am originally from Greece and that is where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, after which I stopped my academic studies and was in professional employment (both in Greece and Mauritius) for the following six years.
The changes in the industry made me think about getting back to university for a Master’s degree. I have decided on the field of mechatronics since I believed this would provide me with valuable, new skills and give me a professional advantage in the ever-changing market.
- How did you find out about KTU? What made you choose it from possible options?
I came to know about Lithuania from friends, I was looking to continue my studies in the field of mechatronics and after some online research, KTU appeared as a good option both academically and economically.
- How did you find out about the possibility to get a state-funded study place? Was the process of filling the documents, etc. complicated?
After completing the application and the interview, your colleagues at the international office informed me about the possibility of getting a state-funded place. With their help, the process of applying was quite easy! I was amazed by the speed of processing the application and the general feedback which I got during the process!
- What are the highlights of your studies at KTU?
Currently, I am about to complete the first year of my program and I really enjoy being here. KTU laboratories use the latest technology equipment and students are provided with opportunities to have hands-on experience, which was not very common back when I was doing my Bachelor’s.
- How do you like living in Kaunas?
Kaunas is a nice city to live in. It can provide everything one may need, starting from tranquil walks in the local parks and ending with vibrant coffee shops and bars in the Old Town. There are a lot of local and international students around and plenty of nice places to meet new people and make new acquaintances. It is also full of convenient facilities, such as rentable scooters, bicycles, cars, massive shopping malls, grocery delivery services, plus, students have discounts on public transportation. All of this makes a life for an international student, who does not speak the local language, much easier.
Lithuanians also have a good command of English, which makes one even more comfortable. Local people may seem a bit cold in the beginning, however, learning a few words of Lithuanian and showing interest in the local culture will make most of them warm up quite easily!
Coming from Greece, I would say that the weather is the least encouraging, but it definitely helps me maintain my focus on the studies and achieving my goals at the university!