How did you learn about IIRPS VU (VU TSPMI)? And why did you choose to study Eastern European and Russian studies? 

I did my bachelor’s in teaching history. I had always wanted to study for my master’s in something related to it. One of my school friends advised me to look at master’s programs in Lithuania. After a long search survey of the curriculum of this program, I considered that by studying this program, you could develop history, political, and cultural knowledge. In particular, it is exciting to discover the similarities and differences between the countries that experienced Soviet times for many years to look at the issue differently.

What do you like the most about your studies at the Institute? 

I can say that the Institute’s staff is friendly and helpful. In addition, the teaching methodology of lecturers is not dull; it is fascinating to discover something new in each lesson. Moreover, the Institute provides a good study atmosphere for students.

You have received a bachelor’s degree from the Baku State University of Azerbaijan and studied to get a specialisation in teaching history; what encouraged you to choose this specialisation?

During my school years, I studied history very well. I was also the winner of various Olympiads. It was my childhood dream that whatever I did in the future would be connected with the account. Knowledge of historical events develops a person’s ability to analyse. During my bachelor years, I taught children who were refugees in Azerbaijan, which increased my desire to work with children. As I love working with children, I chose this speciality and worked as a teacher in Azerbaijan for five years.

What were your biggest challenges while starting your studies here in Lithuania? How do studies in Lithuania differ from studies in Azerbaijan?

It was a radical and challenging decision to live away from my family and native country, take a break from my professional work, move to another country, and return to university life after five years. It was not an easy decision for me to return to the reality of becoming a student once again. It takes time to get used to meeting people with different backgrounds and acknowledges that they behave differently compared to people in my home country. It takes time to get used to another education system. It takes time to develop mechanisms to study, write, and carry conversations in English. The education system in Lithuania is very different from the education system in Azerbaijan. Especially technologically. There is no single educational platform where students and teachers can work at Azerbaijani universities. Also, Azerbaijan has a system of evaluation of each seminar that is calculated over 10 points.

What are your goals in your studies and after your studies?

Despite all the difficulties I am experiencing, I want to build a skill that can fetch me a career and complete my education with high results. After graduation, I am thinking about studying doctoral studies.

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community?

I wish the progressive community growth of the attractiveness for students and teachers, prosperity, and development! Let the university staff’s high professionalism, creative approach, and dedication to the cause multiply the achievements.