A Former Lithuanian Expat Finds His Academic Path at LSMU

After spending many years abroad, Lithuanian student Ernestas Leonavičius returned to his homeland. Today, he has no doubt that studying at the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) has become one of the defining chapters of his life.

Studies opened a new path

Although Ernestas chose the Clinical Health Psychology programme at the LSMU Faculty of Public Health rather spontaneously, it was at the University that he discovered his true interests, developed a passion for academic life and embraced the full student experience.

“At school, I did not have a clear idea of what I wanted to do in the future. Choosing Clinical Health Psychology was a fairly spontaneous decision, but I can now confidently say that it was the right one,” says the Master’s student.

Ernestas first learned about the opportunity to study Clinical Health Psychology in English through friends who were already studying at LSMU. After finding out more about the programme, he decided to give it a try.

“I am not originally from Kaunas, so I knew very little about LSMU beforehand. However, my friends strongly recommended the University. In addition, at the time no other university in Lithuania offered such a programme in English,” he explains.

A wealth of opportunities at the University

According to Ernestas, university studies bring plenty of challenges, but the LSMU academic community is open and welcoming, and this supportive environment motivates students to grow and achieve their full potential.

“At the University, I really threw myself into my studies, and I have been doing very well academically. Other students even come to me for help. Before coming here, I did not realise how strong my academic drive was. Alongside my studies, there is volunteering, constant interaction with people from all over the world and the opportunity to experience different cultures. All of this allows you to make the most of student life,” he says.

Ernestas is confident that university offers far more than a degree, which is why he encourages students not to limit themselves to lectures and examinations alone.

“University is like an ocean of opportunities. Stay curious, be active, do not be afraid to meet new people, get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteering, and make the most of every opportunity. Every experience can become a valuable lesson,” he emphasises.

Rediscovering his homeland

Returning to Lithuania was important for Ernestas not only because of his studies but also because of his personal connection with his homeland. Although Lithuanian, he had spent many years living abroad and wanted to rediscover the country from a new perspective. He also rediscovered Kaunas. Although he initially felt somewhat uncertain and missed his former home, the city quickly became a place where he truly belonged.

“I vividly remember my first day in Kaunas – a sunny August afternoon at the airport. Before long, this city felt like home,” he recalls.

According to Ernestas, Kaunas has a distinctive charm, with its abundance of green spaces, parks and rivers, as well as a more relaxed pace of life than many of Europe’s major cities.

“Lithuanians may seem rather reserved at first, but once you get to know them, their sincerity and willingness to help become clear,” he concludes.