Amet Khan-Karaglanov, a third-year Bachelor student in Global Marketing from Uzbekistan, embodies the opportunities that studying abroad can offer. Drawn to Lithuania for its high-quality education and welcoming environment, he chose Vilnius University – one of Europe’s oldest and most respected institutions – as the place to shape his future. His journey highlights not only the academic strength of VU, but also the cultural richness and career opportunities that international students can experience while living in Lithuania’s vibrant capital, Vilnius.
Why did you decide to study in Lithuania? What attracted you the most
When I started looking for a place to study, I knew two things: I wanted a university that offered good quality education and an affordable price. Lithuania turned out to be the best choice. Another big advantage was the international environment, which gave me the chance to broaden my worldview.
Why Vilnius University and specifically the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (VU FEBA)?
I first read about Vilnius University when I was searching for study options abroad, and it immediately caught my attention. It’s the oldest and biggest university in Lithuania, well known internationally, and I felt it could give me both good education and plenty of opportunities to grow as an international student. That’s how I discovered VU FEBA, one of the most international faculties at Vilnius University, and it quickly stood out to me.
The faculty offers a wide range of study programmes in business, economics, finance, management, accounting, and marketing, and what I liked most was that it doesn’t just focus on theory, but really combines it with practice — exactly what I was looking for when choosing my program.
Global Marketing was the most attractive option for me because it opens so many doors. It gives you the knowledge to work in a stable, traditional job, but at the same time it provides a broad perspective on business operations so that you can also start your own business. In short, there are no limits to how much you can grow!
What do you enjoy most about living and studying in Vilnius?
My favorite thing about living in Lithuania is that I’m always surrounded by beautiful nature — whether it’s outside the dormitory, the library, or the university campus. It reduces stress and makes me feel calm. But it’s not just the forests and parks — it’s also the cleanliness of the environment and the safety of everyday life. For example, being able to drink tap water everywhere was a huge surprise for me!
What are the biggest differences between Lithuania and your home country that you actually like?
I was looking for a place that is smaller and less crowded, but still modern. My home city, Tashkent, is very modern but also very crowded, with more than 3 million people. Sometimes that made me feel frustrated. In Lithuania, I found peace in nature, and at the same time I discovered many opportunities — it’s exactly what I was searching for.
What challenges did you face when you first arrived in Lithuania, and how did you overcome them?
No journey is complete without challenges. For me, it was the cold and gray climate. But I learned not to worry about things I cannot control. Instead, I balanced the mood shifts with warm communication and the welcoming community at the university. To connect more, I became a mentor helping new students adapt, and later I joined the ambassador program, which gave me the chance to represent VU FEBA at events.
Tell us about your study program — why did you choose it and what makes it special?
What I like most in my Global Marketing program is the balance between theory and practice, which is so important in business studies, and it was essential for me when making the decision about my studies. And it’s not just marketing slogans — it’s really the reality at this faculty. Students are constantly encouraged to apply their knowledge in practice, whether in seminars, through internships, or in special training programs like Startup Accelerators.
I experienced this myself when I joined the TechHub pre-accelerator program, where I took part in trainings for young entrepreneurs and later worked on a friend’s startup idea. Another important experience for me was a marketing internship at VU FEBA, where I got to see what marketing work looks like from the inside and gained essential hands-on experience.
In what ways, if any, have your studies felt practical or relevant to your future career?
Many courses include case studies and projects that we work on during seminars. For example, in one class we analyzed potential new markets for Chupa Chups — it felt like we were really working for the company. In another project, we studied pricing strategies for the chocolate bar market in Lithuania and made recommendations for Milka. What’s really motivating is that in previous years, some students were actually hired by the companies they worked on. That shows how powerful studies at VU FEBA can be.
What advice would you give to other students from your country who are considering studying in Lithuania?
My advice is simple: be kind to people, try to understand and learn from cultural differences, and take every chance to join social events. That’s the best way to make your experience truly rich. For me, Lithuania feels like a hidden gem in Europe. It’s not overcrowded or overhyped like Western Europe, but it’s safe, peaceful, and full of opportunities.
Would you recommend VU FEBA to your friends — and why?
I would recommend VU FEBA to everyone. It feels like a place where you can really grow — lecturers know you, you can join so many activities, and you’re encouraged to try new things. It’s more than just studying, it’s about becoming part of a community.
Admissions for the 2025/2026 intake to the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Vilnius University (FEBA) are now open. Below, you can find all the programs offered by the Faculty.
If you want to receive admission updates, please register here.
