“I will never forget the experience that the university gave me” – this is how a student from Nigeria Ayowole Micheal Adenle shares his experience about studies in Siauliai city.

My name is Ayowole Micheal Adenle. I'm from Nigeria. At Vilnius University Siauliai Academy, I am studying master degree programme “Regional Development and Governance”. It is the joint study programme with University of Pardubice (Czech Republic).

My adaptation here in Lithuania as an international student has been so interesting. Studies have been so smooth with brilliant and lovely lecturers who make studies so easy and comprehensive for me and colleagues.

Although Šiauliai is a small city, with the help of my lecturers Vita Juknevičienė and Beatričė Poškuvienė, me with my colleagues got a city tour to a chocolate factory “Rūta”, Museum “Baltics’ Road”, and Hill of Crosses with well detailed historical stories shared with us.

Although my Bachelor's Degree studies were in Forestry, through my studies in “Regional Development and Governance” which I' m still in, I was able to see a strong link to my Bachelor's study course.

Initially, I chose this course because I wanted to be a part of strong positive added valued youth in my country (Nigeria) in the area of Regional Development. But when I started this course, the brilliant lecturers' teachings opened my wide understanding and knowledge in linking Regional Development to sustainability.

I will never forget the experience that the university gave me. I participated as Vilnius University Siauliai Academy student in the VU Talents’ evening program and became the 3rd one among 18 brilliant and beautiful contestants. Also I was in the Philologist's Nights open mic event „Let the word ring“ - it was the top most exciting social experience for me through my musical experience. Besides that, I participated in the International Scientific Conference „Young researchers for smart society“ and presented a scientific work „Economic Valuation of Urban Trees in Christian Praying Ground“. I am glad to professor Vita Juknevičienė motivated me to prepare and present my paperwork. It was a big opportunity for me as an international student that I will always appreciate that. These are beautiful and memorable experiences I had in my studies at Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy.

I am glad that lecturers lovely took me not as just a student. I felt that I have loving parents in Europe. I also realized that the opinion of students is important to Vilnius University Šiauliai Academy. My colleagues and I had the opportunity to express our opinion about the study programme. Students really appreciate this. So, I will always recommend to study here. I already keep in touch with some of my colleagues in Nigeria and share my experiences.