Irish Student Fulfils His Dream by Coming to Kaunas to Study
For Patrick McCarthy, moving from Ireland to Lithuania to study was not only a professional decision but also an opportunity reconnect with his roots. Having chosen to study Physiotherapy at the Faculty of Nursing of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), he has discovered not only high-quality education but also a new perspective on life in Lithuania.
Studies that exceeded expectations
“I always knew that I wanted to study Physiotherapy because I have always been fascinated by the human body and by the ways we can help people maintain good health. I also enjoy sport, so it felt like a natural choice for me,” says the third-year student.
When exploring study options, Patrick was looking for universities offering Physiotherapy programmes in English. Although he considered several institutions, LSMU made the strongest impression.
“LSMU stood out because of its reputation, modern facilities and the opportunities it offers. I read many positive reviews about the University and the learning environment, so the decision was quite straightforward,” he says.
According to Patrick, he first learned about LSMU through EUNICAS, a European university course search platform, and the programme has exceeded his expectations.
“What impresses me most are the lecturers. They are friendly, professional and genuinely care about their students. You can tell they want to help you not only understand the material but also develop and succeed,” he explains sharing that it is not just about the knowledge he has gained but also the new connections and experiences that have come with studying abroad.
The beginning, however, was not without its challenges. His first year of studies was demanding as he adapted to a new environment and a different educational system.
“At first, it was difficult to settle in, but over time everything became much easier. It was a gradual process,” he says.
Patrick emphasises that one of the most important aspects of university life is making full use of the opportunities available. In particular, he recommends the University Library, where students can access not only a wide range of academic resources but also anatomical models and dedicated spaces for group study.
A cultural experience
Although moving to Lithuania was not Patrick’s first visit to the country, living here as a student has provided a completely different experience. He has Lithuanian roots and frequently visited relatives in Lithuania throughout his childhood.
“Once I came here to study, I was able to see what everyday life in Lithuania is really like. And I genuinely enjoy it,” he says.
Comparing Lithuania and Ireland, Patrick notes a number of similarities. Both countries are known for their rainy weather and their fondness for potatoes. However, he found Lithuanian cuisine to be far more diverse than he had expected. His favourite dishes include potato pancakes with meat filling and vedarai – traditional Lithuanian potato sausages.
When asked whether he would recommend Lithuania to international students and visitors, Patrick had no hesitation.
“Lithuania has beautiful nature, with countless forests and rivers. It is also a country with a fascinating history and a unique language. I would definitely recommend coming here to study and to experience the country first-hand,” he concludes.