Why do young people leave Lithuanian universities? You may not like the answer

“For many Lithuanians, studying abroad becomes an opportunity to acquire a profession that our country’s universities simply do not offer. Others believe that a foreign diploma can open more doors and opportunities, and the quality of the studies themselves is better. But what is the reality – what determines the desire of Lithuanians to complete their studies in foreign countries and in what cases is it worth doing so?

 

Foreign universities, price is no longer an indicator

 

The reasons why Lithuanians exchange our country’s universities for those in other countries vary. According to Eglė Kesylienė, director of AMES Education, one of the reasons that future students justify their choice is the higher quality of studies. Students are targeting higher education institutions on the TOP 300 list, especially those specializing in STEM, business, and health fields. She added that European Union universities are famous for their innovation and quality. Students want to gain international experience, they are also attracted by the reputation of their studies, a prestigious diploma, and an advantage in the international market.

 

Often, studying abroad offers more favorable financial conditions, as prices in Lithuania often exceed those in Western Europe. Students are also attracted by specialized programs.

 

“After completing higher education abroad, wider opportunities for research and work practice open up – international companies, corporations, institutes, research laboratories, political and public organizations, because universities declare close cooperation with companies with truly famous names. It happens that young people choose to study in other countries also because of disappointment with the Lithuanian education system,” E. Kesylienė did not mince words.

 

Specialized programs and easier employment are named as one of the reasons for studying abroad.

 

Another reason why some future students choose another country is the quality of education itself. This is a debatable issue, as a lot depends on the chosen specialty, university, teachers, and other circumstances. However, in general, there is a prevailing belief that Lithuanian higher education provides lower-quality education.

 

“However, most applicants through us first check university rankings; it is important for them that universities are ranked higher than in Lithuania, so the absolute majority apply to the TOP 300 in the world. A high ranking is not only a number, but also an assessment of the quality of study programs, the qualifications of academic staff, and research opportunities, which guarantee recognition and better career prospects when working in Europe,” said E. Kesylienė.

 

She added that young people after 18 years of age in their own country and studying according to the national program want to change their environment, escape into the world, and get to know other cultures. When choosing their studies and countries, students often state that they are impressed by the mentality, internationality, and attitude towards people of those countries. They naturally want to change their environment and be among people like them – secular, cosmopolitan, and innovators.

 

The director of the Language Academy is convinced that not only the diversity of the studies themselves is important, but also the connections made during them: “This is especially important when it comes to business, politics, and economics study programs. Social sciences focus on creating social connections, so young people value international acquaintances, which in the future have the potential to develop into partnership projects in business or scientific fields.”

 

She added that students from all over the world, including Lithuanians, value practice-oriented studies. Although Lithuanian universities also include practice and bachelor’s degree programs, young people abroad see broader, more interesting, and more promising opportunities.”