MRU language students on learning French in La Rochelle

Four MRU English for Specific Purposes and the Second Foreign Language (EFSP2FL) Bachelor’s Degree students recently shared their experiences.

They are part of a new programme allowing students to choose French, German or Korean as a second foreign language.

“When I decided to study in the programme, I couldn’t imagine that it will give me so many amazing opportunities and new experience,” said MRU student Kristina Bagdonaitė in the EFSP2FL programme.

“I have gained valuable knowledge of the languages. Moreover, I was able to study abroad with the Erasmus programme, meet new people, develop language skills and knowledge about new cultures in the magnificent atmosphere of France,” she added.

Justė Uldinskaitė said studying abroad was her “dream come true.”.

“For five months I have been studying in La Rochelle, France. Studying abroad was an incredible experience and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” said Justė.

“I was able to improve both of my foreign languages, English and French.”

She was also fascinated by finding how “everything works in a foreign university, the different teaching systems”.

“I really enjoyed working with foreign people from all over the world who became my friends for a lifetime,” she added.

Justė enjoyed living in the seaport city of La Rochelle, which she called “an amazing and beautiful city”.

“While studying in France, I had a wonderful opportunity to get to know interesting French culture and delicious cuisine,” she said.

Her fellow students, Robertas Padroštis and Linas Vrubliauskas, were equally enthusiastic.

“We both agree that one of the main reasons to study in the English for Specific Purposes and the Second Foreign Language programme is its versatility,” the students noted.

They said the programme gives “a high level of knowledge in two important and valuable languages” and also prepares you for work in the areas of business or law.

Although studying English since primary school, they say there’s still room for improvement.

When it comes to French, they say it is a difficult language. But at the same time, it’s a true joy to learn French, while also studying the culture and history of the country, they said.

“We were very happy to profit from a chance to go on an Erasmus+ exchange programme this year at La Rochelle,” they added.

It was a great chance for the two students to test their French language skills while “experiencing integration into a different culture”.

The students agree on one thing. “This programme has been a fun ride so far, and we are eager to continue learning,” they said.

Mykolas Romeris University is Lithuania‘s second largest Univesity with about 15,000 students.