As many hesitate going abroad during the pandemic, a student from Belarus Dmitrij Gritsok decided to experience living in Portugal and spent his Erasmus+ semester in Porto. He shares his experience with the community of Vilnius university and already plans an Erasmus+ internship after graduation from VU.
Where did you spend your Erasmus+ semester and how did you choose the university?
My main criteria for choosing a place for the exchange semester were quality of education, the world reputation of the host university, and the possibility to gain additional knowledge and improve my practical skills. I also considered ease of adaptability, climate, and cost of living.
Thus, during the selection process, I turned my attention to the University of Porto, University of Coimbra, and the University of Cologne. It was very hard to decide (as always) as each university has so much to offer.
I finally picked the University of Porto, which is ranked top 300 in the World, being first in the country and with top scientific research. Porto is a warm coastal city and one of the main economic centres located in the Northwest of Portugal. It has the best beaches in Europe, unique architecture, and the unmatched hospitality of its inhabitants. As I speak Portuguese and can afford to live there, I think it’s a perfect choice for me.
Could you compare your experience of studying in Vilnius and studying abroad?
I would definitely say that I enjoyed studying in Porto as much as in Vilnius. I had a research project “Electrochemical detection of hCG” at the Faculty of Pharmacy and genetics course at the Faculty of Sciences. It is quite hard to compare studies because both universities offer an excellent environment for developing your potential: highly competent staff, well-equipped labs, well-structured study plan, efficient teaching methods. Concerning daily life, I think it was more “saturated” in Portugal, probably because of the warm winter and not so strict COVID restrictions.
How did Covid-19 impact your stay abroad? Did you study online or in person?
Luckily, my study experience/period was not significantly affected by COVID-19. As in other countries, we followed implemented COVID-19 measures and classes at the University of Porto were usually given in combined mode (in-person and distant). My genetics course was 100% in-person.
The beginning of the Autumn semester was shifted for 3 weeks, but as I worked in the laboratory, I had an individual timetable and could start as planned. Moreover, I prolonged my study period for almost 1 month thanks to that.
A week before New Year’s Day was announced to be remote-working, and I couldn’t continue my experiment in the laboratory, but I visited a few places in Portugal instead. Majority of bars and nightclubs were closed during Christmas holidays. Afterwards, additional antigen test was required for vaccinated people to enter them. But mobile testing centers were set up in the city where you can take rapid antigen test for free.
Since you are already an international student, what motivated you to participate on Erasmus+?
Diversity. I am not the kind of man who can just stay in one place for too long. I like changes and satisfaction that could be derived from new acquaintances, a new atmosphere, and striking events.
What was the favorite part of your stay? Would you do Erasmus+ again, if you had a chance?
Meeting new people and travelling always bring bright and catchy memories – and that’s what I enjoyed a lot. Erasmus is not just a semester in your life, it is your life in one semester. I would love to repeat this unforgettable experience, and I actually plan to apply for Erasmus+ traineeship after my graduation from VU.
Consider applying for Erasmus+? Fill out registration form here (in Lithuanian) and here (in English).