As a child, Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) Bachelor’s Degree student Ksenija Fomičiova (20) lived in Klaipeda, Prague and traveled widely in Germany, Poland and Hungary with her parents. She even lived in London for a while where her interest in languages piqued. Now a student at MRU in the English for Specific Purposes and the Second Foreign Language programme, she agreed to answer a few questions.

-Why did you decide to study in Vilnius, Lithuania?

I chose to study at MRU because I wanted to study languages and also spend more time in Vilnius and Lithuania. I am in a programme that gives me the opportunity to improve my English skills in all spheres like writing and speaking and I am also studying German. I wanted to study in Lithuania because when I was a child, my family and I lived in Klaipeda. When I grew up, we moved to live in Ukraine, but came back to visit my grandmother on holidays. After having lived for more than 15 years in Ukraine, I still count Vilnius, Lithuania as my hometown.

-So you completed gymnasium in Ukraine?

In Ukraine I finished the lyceum “Naukova zmina”; which I finished at 16 years old and then moved to the Czech Republic where I took special curses at ČZU (Česká zemědělská univerzita v Praze). I lived in Prague for more than one year.  I traveled with my parents and visited many European cities: Berlin, Dresden, Budapest, and Wroclaw. When I was 12 years old, I was in London where I lived with my family. I learned English at the English school there.

-You have visited many cities. Which is your favourite?

I liked every city which I had the chance to visit because each is beautiful in its own way. They all have their own charm. But most of all I liked Lithuania. I feel comfortable here, because it is quiet and peaceful here, in comparison with Ukraine. No one is in a hurry. I also like the autumn months here when everything is yellow and orange in color, and when the trees look like they are “golden”, and when the grass is strewn with yellow leaves. I especially like the Christmas season, Kalėdos when in stores, shopping centers and throughout the city Christmas decorations are up and there are wreaths, colourful lights and garlands everywhere.

-Why did you choose to study at MRU in Vilnius?

I wanted to study in the English for Specific Purposes and the Second Foreign Language programme. My second language is German. This particular program gives me the opportunity to improve my English skills in all spheres like writing, speaking, grammar, literature. The name of this program interested me, because the name does not tell you your specialization. For example, I can be a journalist, translator or een an office worker. This study program gives you the possibility to choose another study programme which can be more specific for your Master’s Degree. So it was one more reason why I choose this particular programme.

-Anything surprised you, when you came to MRU?

When I came for the first time, I was surprised how big the Mykolas Romeris University campus actually was. The first week, I was totally lost between campuses and could be late because of this. It took some time, but I learned to navigate the campus and find the auditoriums, lecture halls. There is so much to do. Sometimes I don’t sleep because I know that I need to do a paper, or study because deadlines are approaching. Some days I spend all my time in the Library, especially before midterms. I did not have big problems with studies, but sometimes I need to do more for a particular subject because it was more difficult than other subjects.

-What do you plan to do after you graduate?

I can’t say that I have plans as to what I will exactly do, but I am thinking to continue my studies in a Master’s Degree program. I like something creative, so maybe I will choose marketing. I have read a lot about this and I find it interesting. After graduating, I will miss the University. I have many good memories here that are connected with students I met at Mykolas Romeris University, regarding my lecturers and their interesting subjects. I will miss the time that I spent in the library surrounded by books. I will miss the time that I spent with my friends from the dormitory. I will miss events, where I took part, for example, shows such as the “Talent Show”.

-So, are you satisfied with the programme at MRU?

The experience that a University gives you is priceless. The programme was great. Here I learned how to communicate with people, how to understand each other even if you happen to be from different countries. At the University there are opportunities to learn about other cultures and live in a multicultural society, which the MRU dormitory allows. It was also a great opportunity to participate in the Erasmus exchange program that gives you new opportunities to meet new people and engage in new experiences. During my time at the University, there is the opportunity to form your unique environment, your world view. You learn how to manage your time, how to deal with difficulties and how to make good decisions. Attending University here at MRU helped to start building your career and helps you to form further plans for the future. It also helps you to correctly prioritize and build further goals. And equally important it is to achieve the set goals. I really enjoyed the time that I spent at Mykolas Romeris University. I don’t want to change anything.