The Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University would like to remind all our students of the wonderful opportunities presented by the current mobility programmes, and would like to share with you Iryna Neschotna‘s letter about her Erasmus+ experience in Melbourne, Australia.
Hi everyone! I’m Iryna, a third-year student of English Philology at Vilnius University. My third year of studies I have started with an amazing adventure: a bilateral exchange at the University of Melbourne in Australia.
It has now been more than a month since I began my studies here, and every week continues to bring something new and exciting. I’ve already gone through some of the first midterms, which makes me feel more settled into the academic rhythm and community. For this semester, I chose four subjects: Writing for Screen; Literature, Adaptation, Media; Intercultural Communication; German 4. Each of them is different in style and content, yet all are equally engaging.
The academic experience itself has been fascinating. At first, I found German 4 a little intimidating. Unlike Vilnius University, the University of Melbourne does not strictly follow the European framework after the German 2 level, so the material and approach felt unfamiliar and slightly more complex to grasp quickly. However, thanks to the advice and encouragement of my course coordinator, I decided to continue at this level. Looking back, I can confidently say it was the right decision – every week I feel my German improving, and the challenge has turned into motivation.
Another highlight of my studies is Writing for Screen. Before arriving here, I had only a general interest in screenwriting, but now I find myself deeply immersed in it. Reading professional screenplays, analyzing them together with classmates, and pitching our own creative ideas has been both fun and inspiring. What excites me the most is the final assignment: writing my very own screenplay. I’ve already started brainstorming concepts, and the process is giving me a fresh perspective on how stories come to life on screen.
The lecturers here are incredibly approachable and supportive. No matter how small or complex the question, they always make time to help. This open academic culture creates a sense of comfort and encouragement as you’re never afraid to ask for clarification or to express your thoughts, opinions or ideas. What I find particularly unique in Melbourne is its multicultural environment. Both in classes and outside, I meet people from all over the world, each with different cultural backgrounds, yet everyone is eager to listen, understand, and connect. This diversity makes classroom discussions richer and everyday communication much more rewarding. It feels like the whole city is a hub of global exchange. I especially enjoy the smiling and coffee culture!
The campus itself is another story. The Parkville campus is enormous compared to what I am used to, and it offers countless opportunities beyond academics. Students can spend their free time at the university gym or swimming pool, participate in societies and clubs ranging from sports to arts to social causes, or simply relax in the Central Business District nearby, which is always full of life. Every week, new events are organized from academic workshops and cultural festivals to casual social gatherings, making it easy to meet people and broaden your horizons, building a useful network.
Of course, my exchange experience is not only about lectures and assignments. Whenever I am free, I explore Melbourne and the wider region with friends. During just a month and a half, I have already experienced so much. I traveled the breathtaking Great Ocean Road, where every turn of the coastline seemed like a postcard. I visited several national parks and had the unforgettable experience of seeing wild koalas and kangaroos in their natural habitat. A trip to Sydney was another highlight as I attended a performance by the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, admired the iconic Harbour Bridge, and even went on a whale-watching tour where we were lucky enough to spot two whales. Moments like these truly feel magical and special.
Despite a busy academic schedule filled with assignments and tests, I try to balance my studies with new adventures. For the next two weeks, I already have exciting plans, such as traveling to Phillip Island to watch the famous penguin parade, browsing through vintage shops in Melbourne, and hiking in a national park with my friends.
Looking back at everything I have experienced so far, I cannot put into words how grateful I am for this opportunity as none of this would have been possible without the support of Vilnius University, and I am truly thankful for the chance to live and study in Australia. This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey, and I am determined to make the most of it.
Lastly, I would like to encourage each of you to be brave and adventurous, apply for an exchange, step out of your comfort zone, and allow yourself to discover new opportunities. Studying abroad is not only about academics; it is about learning to see the world differently, building lifelong friendships, and gaining experiences that shape who you are and who you can become in the future.
Registration for the spring 2025-2026 international exchange program is open until midnight on September 15.
Erasmus+, Bilateral, and ARQUS, COIMBRA Exchange Application for 2025/2026 Spring Semester