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“I strongly recommend taking the Erasmus path—it is one of the keys to professional growth and success” – Karolina Matukynienė.

Karolina Matukynienė, Project Development Manager and Junior Assistant, recently completed an academic visit to Fernando Pessoa Canarias University in Gran Canaria as part of the Erasmus+ programme. This visit was a valuable experience that contributed not only to her personal and professional development but also to strengthening academic and research collaboration between higher education institutions.

During her stay, K. Matukynienė delivered lectures to first- and second-year students in the physiotherapy study programme, sharing insights on contemporary physiotherapy practices, theoretical models, and international approaches to physical rehabilitation. The lectures, delivered in English, provided an opportunity to engage with students from a different academic culture and broaden their learning perspectives.

In addition to teaching activities, she participated in meetings with the university’s academic staff and administrative representatives. These discussions focused on the potential for inter-institutional cooperation, with particular emphasis on initiating joint research projects in areas such as physiotherapy, public health, and educational innovation.

A significant part of the visit also included a field trip to one of the clinical training bases for physiotherapy students – a private nursing home. This allowed K. Matukynienė to observe the structure and standards of practical training abroad and to explore how health care is delivered in different socio-cultural contexts.

Moreover, she took part in a student conference, where she delivered a presentation sharing her professional and academic experiences. This contributed to strengthening international academic ties and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Reflecting on the visit, Karolina noted:

“This experience allowed me to share my professional knowledge with physiotherapy students, with an added challenge of doing it in English. It boosted my self-confidence and improved my communication skills. Meeting researchers opened doors to future collaborations and joint research activities. We also discussed opportunities for joint project initiatives.”

Her experience illustrates the profound impact of Erasmus+ mobility not only on individual professional development but also on the internationalisation of higher education. It supports knowledge exchange, cultivates cross-cultural competencies, and lays the groundwork for long-term academic partnerships.