Name: Klaudia |
I describe my experience at VMU as a great opportunity to study in one of the best Universities of Lithuania, interact with people coming from different backgrounds and learning from day to day experiences. I describe it on the terms of being challengeable, knowledgeable, inspirational and self-realization.
After experiencing the Lithuanian culture and people in those three years of my living there, I could say that elephant is the animal that somehow describe the essence of the Lithuanian population in my point of view. I say that because elephants are the symbol of compassion, loving and caring for each other. Elephants show compassionate behaviour to others in distress, even to elephants not closely related to them. I found Lithuanian people really caring and always ready to help in various situations. People with a big and warm heart that nurture with their positives that I felt and could read in their eyes.
Could you tell us a funny / nice event that happened to you while studying at VMU, which you will always treasure among the most precious memories?
For me studying at VMU was a journey composed with full of unique and precious memories. I can distinguish the workshops that I was organizing in the high schools in Kaunas during the International Language Day where I was speaking about Albanian country, history, language. Could notice the curiosity and interest of the pupils that were ready to ask about everything coming up in their minds. As well I could distinguish the opportunity of doing an Internship in Belgium and Erasmus Exchange Studies in Sweden for one year. Both of the experiences have been tremendously nice and opportunity to meet different people, explore countries, language, and as well develop myself in many aspects.
I would choose: Courageous, Challenge and Fun.
If you had to describe VMU using a car model (Ferrari, Mercedes, Audi, FIAT, Renault, etc.), what would you select?
I would describe with a new Ferrari! VMU is achieving in a high speed innovation and embracing creative thinking every day! I have met and worked with the Lithuanian students during various group works and meetings together. I know how curious and eager for knowledge they are.
Please indicate the most exotic things that you experienced or noticed while living in Lithuania?
My friend coming from Brazil! :p
What were the most surprising things that you saw or experienced in Lithuania?
For me was surprising the fact that people here kiss each other on the lips when they greet. That was something that I never saw it before! As well I was surprised that curd (varškė) is very much used for cooking in Lithuania as well. We use it in Albania too. Is very good because I love it and haven’t been missing.
Which colour would represent your study experience in Lithuania?
I would say Blue. Quite, peace, an inner security and confidence. Do the right thing in difficult times.
Did your study experience at VMU help you to open up new perspectives in your study / working life?
Definitely yes! Pursuing the Master Degree in VMU was a good choice and a great investment for my future carrier! I believe that holding an international diploma moreover from one of the best Universities in Lithuania, will help me to reach the goals that I have in the life. I am planning to attend the PhD studies in the field of Social Sciences.
Before entering my studies in VMU, I have been living for one year in Lithuania in my occupation of being an international volunteer in one of the largest humanitarian organizations. I can honestly say that Lithuania was a love at first sight that was followed after with the MA studies in VMU. I am sure that I will come back to Lithuania very soon and will be working there and doing the things that I want to do!
Could you please tell us about the topic of your MA thesis?
Sure! The topic of my Master Thesis was: “SOCIAL CONSTRUCTION OF SUPPORT NETWORK FOR FAMILY CAREGIVERS TAKING CARE FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE AT HOME: CAREGIVERS PERSPECTIVE”. The supervisor of my Master Work was: Doc. dr Rasa Naujaniene. I have been writing about the Albanian case study.
Albania is considered as one of the fastest aged population in Europe. Statistic shows that in 2011, Albania had an average of 30.6 years old and from 2001 to 2011 the population has aged on an average of 4.7 years. As part of the tradition that is dominant in the country, old people live together with their family members. The caregiving work in Albania is an activity that is provided from family members which in most of cases are women. The subject of this research is: experiences of women caregivers taking care for the elderly people at home. The overall aim of this research work is to understand how support network for women family caregivers is socially constructed analysing their stories about family caregiving experiences. Through this qualitative research work will is investigated the help that those women family caregivers take from the other members of the family such as (husband, children or close relatives) given to them on different ways as economic, emotional, physical or some other ways and as well the kind of help coming from the formal structures in the country. This research work is based on feminist theoretical approach and Critical Theory. Qualitative research methods such as interviews where used during the data collection process. Four interviews were conducted with the women family caregivers living in the capital of Albania, Tirana. The stories shared by the research participants where analyzes as cases trying to create a picture on this experience of the women’s, difficulties that they face during the work and the support that is provided to them.
Thank you for the interview, see you next time!