Lebanese Medical Student Finds a Second Home in Lithuania

For Ghenwa Haddad, a fifth-year medical student at the Faculty of Medicine of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), Lithuania has become far more than just a place to study. Having moved from Lebanon, she has discovered not only educational opportunities, but also new professional ambitions and a close-knit community. Her journey to Kaunas began unexpectedly, and today she can confidently say that choosing to study in Lithuania was one of the best decisions of her life.

A childhood dream of becoming a doctor

From an early age, Ghenwa dreamed of becoming either a doctor or an architect. In the end, medicine became the winning choice.

“I have always been fascinated by medicine because it allows you to directly contribute to people’s health, wellbeing and recovery. In my view, it is one of the most meaningful professions,” she says.

An unexpected academic journey

After beginning her studies in Lebanon, Ghenwa started looking for opportunities to continue her education in Europe due to the instability in her home country.

“In one country there were issues with documentation, while another required knowledge of the local language,” she recalls.

Her final decision was prompted by a simple question from a friend who was already studying at LSMU. Shortly afterwards, she submitted her application and was admitted.

“I remember my friend asking why I wasn’t coming to Lithuania. Looking back, it feels as though it was fate,” says Ghenwa Haddad.

Opportunities for learning

According to Ghenwa, studying at LSMU has exceeded her expectations, particularly because of the strong emphasis on practical training.

“What I enjoy most is the clinical aspect of the programme – the opportunity to meet patients, learn from real-life cases and work in a hospital environment,” she explains. The fifth-year student also emphasises that motivation is key, as opportunities tend to present themselves to those who actively seek them.

Beyond her studies, Ghenwa is actively involved in student activities. She serves as Chair of the Internal Medicine and Surgery Club within the LSMU Student Scientific Society and is also an LSMU Student Ambassador representing international students.

The greatest challenges

According to Ghenwa, studying medicine requires a great deal of discipline and perseverance.

“Some days are genuinely difficult and exhausting, but I always remind myself why I chose this path,” she says.

Living far away from her family has also been a significant challenge. Adapting to independent living, managing everyday responsibilities and taking care of herself were not always easy. However, the friends she made in Lithuania became an invaluable source of support and, as she puts it, a second family.

An unexpected experience that shaped her career path

One of Ghenwa’s most memorable experiences at university occurred during an orthopaedics and traumatology lecture. She had overlooked the latest announcement stating that the lecture would be delivered online.

“When I arrived for the lecture, I looked around for my classmates. When nobody turned up, I realised that something was wrong and that I must have missed an update,” she recalls.

Fortunately, the story had a happy ending. The lecturer who was due to deliver the session invited her to stay, observe and have a conversation. They got to know one another, and in time that same lecturer became Ghenwa’s mentor.

Lithuania becomes a second home

When Ghenwa first arrived in Lithuania, she knew very little about the country. However, Kaunas quickly began to feel like home.

“It is a safe, peaceful and welcoming city. I settled in quite quickly. I noticed that Lithuanians have a strong connection to their culture, and that is precisely what inspired me to fall in love with Lithuania,” she says.

Comparing Lithuania and Lebanon, she believes the biggest difference lies in people’s communication styles. In Lebanon, people tend to be open and expressive, whereas Lithuanians are generally more reserved but exceptionally sincere. She was also impressed by Lithuanians’ sense of style and aesthetics.

G. Haddad enthusiastically recommends Lithuania to all her friends and acquaintances. She encourages visitors to sample traditional Lithuanian cuisine and experience the atmosphere of a basketball match featuring Žalgiris Kaunas.

“Every season of the year has something special to offer. I am constantly inviting my friends to visit, promising to show them how rich Lithuania is in both history and natural beauty,” she said, concluding the interview with warm praise for her adopted home.