From May 3rd to May 8th, 2026, we had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Erasmus+ BIP "Taste Vilnius: Urban Flavours & Crazy City Lab" programme, hosted by VIKO (Vilniaus kolegija) in Lithuania.
The mobility began with our arrival and check-in at the student dormitory. The very next day, we were warmly welcomed by the project coordinators, Marija Vaičienė and Andrius Gulbinas, who introduced us to the core concepts of the programme. This welcome event was crucial as we finally met all the international participants and formed our working teams, setting a collaborative tone for the entire week.
Our schedule offered a perfect balance of intensive academic work and cultural immersion. During our academic sessions, under the expert guidance of the professors, we analyzed our project goals, brainstormed ideas, and worked on the practical aspects of urban redevelopment. Since the WSG students were divided into different international teams, we had the opportunity to contribute to various locations across the city.
One of the key projects developed with the participation of our students was "Gilūžis Lake Beach: A Baltic Modernization." This project aimed to create a sustainable space connecting people with nature and culture, inspired by the aesthetics of ancient Baltic tribes. The design featured eco-friendly solutions like "living shorelines" for erosion control, solar panels for energy, and natural materials such as thermo pine wood and stone. The modernized beach included a culturally rooted children's playground, a traditional grill area, and an open amphitheater for community gatherings.
To recharge and find fresh visual inspiration for our creative ideas, we went on a fantastic excursion to the VU Botanic Garden. We also explored the city's rich heritage through fascinating visits to the Museum of Wooden Urban Architecture and the beautiful historic streets of Vilnius Old Town, finishing with an authentic taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine during a shared dinner.
The final days were dedicated to bringing our ideas to perfection, actively applying the knowledge we gathered during the online phase of the programme. The week culminated in the final presentations, where each international team showcased their creative, well-structured projects. After the successful pitches, we enjoyed a beautiful closing ceremony, received our official Erasmus+ certificates, and gave interviews about our experiences.
Participating in this Erasmus+ programme was a life-changing adventure that went far beyond academics. Professionally, we gained practical knowledge in project development that will inspire our future design works. It taught us invaluable lessons in cross-cultural communication and allowed us to make wonderful international friends. We are deeply grateful to WSG University and VIKO for this unforgettable opportunity.
