Internationality, community spirit, and openness – the values ingrained in the activities of the VILNIUS TECH Erasmus Student Network (ESN VILNIUS TECH) as well as the story of its president, Hatice Kubra Kaya. After arriving in Lithuania to study, she quickly realized that the university could become more than just a place of learning it could serve as a school of life – a place where different cultures meet, where new connections spark initiatives that change the world. Her journey in the ESN VILNIUS TECH community began in 2023, when she joined the team organizing the university’s Orientation Days. At the time, she did not yet know that this step would become the beginning of a journey full of inspiration, responsibility, and belief.
Today, H. K. Kaya not only leads the ESN VILNIUS TECH organization but also inspires other students to confidently pursue their goals, foster international dialogue, and build a community that provides home, regardless of nationality, language, or culture.
“A few weeks after the first university event that I helped to organize, Turkey and Syria were struck by a devastating earthquake. Wanting to help those affected, I contacted my friend who was a member of ESN and suggested holding a charity event. Working together with the ESN VILNIUS TECH team, we managed to turn the idea into reality – with the help of students and with support from Turkish families living in Vilnius, we organized a Turkish food fair and successfully raised more than one thousand euros. This experience taught me a lot – about teamwork, initiative, and how people unite for a common cause. That was when I realized that ESN VILNIUS TECH is not just an organization – it is a community where people support each other and create real change. This is what encouraged me to officially join ESN VILNIUS TECH,” recalls H. K. Kaya.
The VILNIUS TECH student says she gains energy from being around people. Equally important is that working with international students inspires her: it is a great opportunity for everyone to learn from each other – from different cultures and viewpoints.
“We all grow up with different understandings of the world. Interacting with people from different countries helped me understand the real meaning of respect. Working with international students made me more open and empathetic; I learned to see situations through another person’s eyes. Another wonderful thing is the friendships I have made. I feel as if I have a home in almost any corner of the world. When traveling, I always know that somewhere there is a friend who will welcome me if needed,” notes the ESN VILNIUS TECH President.
H. K. Kaya points out that being part of ESN VILNIUS TECH means having a family. As a foreign student who came to Vilnius without close relatives, she faced challenges adapting to a new environment and culture. However, joining the ESN VILNIUS TECH community gave her something special – a family united not by blood, but by shared experiences, support, and sincerity.
“In ESN VILNIUS TECH I met people I can rely on. I am sure they will help me whether I find myself in a difficult situation or simply want someone after a long day to join me for a cup of coffee. Being part of the organization helped me settle in Vilnius. Together with the ESN VILNIUS TECH members, we celebrate each other’s achievements, support one another in times of difficulty, and create memories that will remain long after graduation. This community showed me the true strength of human connection,” says H. K. Kaya.
ESN VILNIUS TECH organizes various events, but according to the president, cultural evenings and international dinners are the most appreciated among students. They bring together people from different countries and provide an opportunity to share their culture and other important aspects of life.
“VILNIUS TECH students are thoughtful and value what others do for them. After each event, I receive messages of thanks – students are happy to have the opportunity to meet others and learn from them. I think this is what they value most about the organization, since we are all volunteers. By putting our hearts into every event and expecting nothing in return, we receive sincere appreciation. This brings us the most joy,” says the VILNIUS TECH student.
According to the president, diversity is what embodies the ESN VILNIUS TECH spirit best. This organization is a home to many different members, volunteers, and above all, students. Many international students come from various countries, having left their homes behind to start a new life in Lithuania. During their studies, ESN VILNIUS TECH becomes their home – a place where they can join a community and find a family.
“In ESN VILNIUS TECH we strive to ensure that every member has the opportunity to express their opinion and share their ideas. When making decisions, giving feedback, or planning activities, we listen to everyone in order to achieve strong results. When organizing events, we want them to be open to all – not only international but also local students. I learned most about Lithuanian traditions at ESN VILNIUS TECH events after meeting Lithuanians there. Just as important is that the organization’s social projects coordinator encourages cultural exchanges, language evenings, and trips around Lithuania – all of this helps students meet, share, and build closer connections,” says H. K. Kaya.
She also notes that serving as president is not easy. Leading an organization and a team that organizes numerous events requires a lot of patience. Since ESN members come from different cultures, different perspectives often emerge during decision-making. H. K. Kaya emphasizes that over time she learned to respect these differences and understand that diversity is the organization’s greatest strength. Ideas that some might overlook can become the key to a more creative solution for others.
“Leading a multicultural team helped me understand the true value of diversity. A team is not only about different nationalities but also different viewpoints and different ways of communicating as well as solving problems. This experience taught me to listen actively and communicate clearly so that every voice is heard and understood. I realized that leadership is not about having all the answers but about creating an environment that builds confidence to share their ideas. Most importantly, I learned to adapt my leadership style to different personalities and cultures to encourage cooperation, trust, and respect. Working in such an environment helps me grow as a leader and as a person who values creativity, unity, and shared goals,” says the ESN VILNIUS TECH President.
ESN VILNIUS TECH plays an important role in strengthening the university’s international reputation. The organization constantly strives to represent the university in the best possible way – participating in international events and projects. Recently, H. K. Kaya was selected to give a presentation and represented Lithuania at the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. At the event, she represented VILNIUS TECH by introducing the university and its values on the international stage.
“Everything we do together with the team is closely connected to the university’s mission – creating a brighter future for a new generation. We use every opportunity that ESN VILNIUS TECH provides and strive to show that the university is open, diverse, and international. Being part of ESN VILNIUS TECH means promoting cultural exchange among students and spreading the university’s values and opportunities around the world. I am grateful to the university for the support it provides to students. It allows us to represent the university and strengthen its name internationally,” shares ESN VILNIUS TECH President H. K. Kaya.
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