Monika Gerdvilyte, a last year student at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences, shares her exciting Erasmus+ experience in Malta during the pandemics.

Monika writes, “Hey students, my name is Monika Gerdvilytė and I am a 20 years old, currently undergoing my last scholastic year at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences in Kaunas, Lithuania. For my study programme I have chosen a Professional Bachelor of Tourism and Recreation. This programme gives a good overview of all the skills required for working within the tourism industry. Being a student at SMK makes me very happy because this university has given me everything I expected it would – with the cherry on top being given the opportunity to go to another EU country as part of the Erasmus+ program and do an internship, not once but twice. On both instances, in 2019 and 2020, I went for 3 months to the sunny island country of Malta. The first time I had a great experience where I faced various challenges working as a hotel receptionist.  could only learn from such an opportunity, highlighting how not to give up and move forward. In 2020, when COVID-19 started spreading, I couldn’t believe all the plans I had were facing sudden doom and gloom. I really didn’t think I would be able to go to Malta with the Eramsus+ program anymore, but as the situation got better and thanks to SMK (especially Donata Dulkė, who helped me a lot), I managed to pack my luggage and do my final internship. I think that COVID-19 situation made it more challenging for everyone, creating extraordinary situations in every corner of the world. I never regretted choosing the Erasmus+ program as it gave me the proper understanding of the tourism industry away from my home country and gave me wonderful memories I will take with me in the future. If I had a chance, I would use the opportunity and go abroad many more times. So I want to tell everyone not to be afraid of anything and encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and try everything in life. Thanks, Erasmus+ and SMK!”

If you are considering joining Eramus+ programme and going abroad, now you have a great chance to get Eramus+ scholarship for your studies and traineeship!

Apply here