KTU student from Sudan already knows how to make “cepelinai”

“In Lithuania, I discovered common culture, hospitality, and family values,” says Sundus Osman Mohammed Osman from Sudan, studying medical physics at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Lilthuania’s colder climate is the only challenge for a future healthcare professional who is planning to return home after her graduation.

Sundus chose KTU, encouraged by her husband, who is studying for a doctoral degree here. Since she had already enrolled in a similar master’s programme back home and had studied medical physics for her undergraduate degree, Osman had no doubts about the major.

KTU, however, provided both international experience and a European education.

“After looking over the website of KTU, I was impressed by the University’s outstanding reputation in the field of medical physics, its contemporary facilities, and its curriculum. In addition, the university boasts a broad international community, which I believed would enhance the quality of my educational experience,” says Osman.

She loved the idea of Lithuania as a study location and was excited about the opportunity to acquire a European education while also gaining exposure to a variety of cultures and expanding her worldview.

Winner of a prestigious scholarship

Sundus, a KTU student from Sudan, is passionate about discovering a field, which merges physics and healthcare: “The interdisciplinary nature of medical physics, which requires knowledge of physics, biology, and technology, adds another layer of appeal to this dynamic and ever-evolving field.”

She is fascinated by the idea that her job might have a direct impact on patients’ lives and is excited about contributing to advancements in medical imaging and radiation therapy.

“I am committed to making a positive impact on my community by improving healthcare services and patient outcomes. I am eager to apply my education and experiences gained abroad to make a tangible difference in the healthcare sector in Sudan,” says a KTU first-year master’s student.

She appreciates the fact that KTU organises this study programme together with the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU), as this perfectly reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field. Studying on two campuses prepares the students for real-world applications in healthcare settings.

Osman is studying for her master’s with a scholarship from the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme, administered by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Fellowship aims at fostering gender diversity in the nuclear sector, and it not only covers Osman’s tuition fees at KTU but also supports her research activities.

“Additionally, this fellowship presents valuable opportunities for further training, participation in conferences, and potentially an internship opportunity with the IAEA, which will enhance my academic and professional development in the field of nuclear physics,” says Sundus.

Classes in a medical environment

Medical physics is a field of its own, built upon a foundation of physics but focusing on application to medicine. This study programme provides the technical foundations of radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety. Medical physics fulfils a key role in medicine, in biological and medical research, and the optimisation of certain health-related activities. KTU’s medical physics master’s students have classes in campuses of two Kaunas universities.

“Classes in the medical environment allow us to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. These classes take place in medical facilities at LSMU and the Oncology hospital and prepare us for the practical challenges we may encounter in our future careers. At the same time, we improve our understanding of medical physics,” explains a KTU medical physics master’s student from Sudan.

Although there is a need to commute between the two universities, Sundus believes that this is a minor inconvenience, that is outweighed by the benefits – a wider range of resources, expertise, and facilities from the two institutions.

Osman, who has graduated from a similar undergraduate study programme at home, says that KTU offers its students a more varied study life. Extracurricular activities, internships, and career development opportunities at KTU are very beneficial for enhancing its students’ professional skills and prospects. Also, the KTU international community is one of the University’s great assets.

“The University’s diverse international community enriches the learning experience by exposing students to different cultures and perspectives,” says the KTU student from Sudan.

Lithuania’s climate presented the greatest challenge

Living in Kaunas and studying at KTU has been, according to Sundus, a fulfilling experience. While the academic environment has provided excellent educational opportunities, she is also appreciating the warm and welcoming community in Kaunas.

“I have enjoyed exploring Lithuanian culture, including traditions, festivals, and cuisine. The climate has presented some challenges, but overall, my experience has been positive,” says Sundus with a smile.

According to her, climate presents the greatest difference between the two countries: while Lithuania has distinct seasons, including freezing winters, Sudan’s climate is hot and arid, typical for deserts. However, culturally, the two countries are not very different.

“I would say that I discovered common culture, hospitality, and family values, especially, as we left the KTU dorms and started living together as a family. I have also made friends with our neighbours; we visited them, they visited us and they showed us around, teaching me how to cook Lithuanian foods like Cepelinai and Bulviniai Blynai,” says Sundus Osman from Sudan, studying medical physics at KTU.

Inspired by her positive experiences at KTU, she is recommending KTU to her friends: “I confidently endorse KTU to anyone seeking a world-class education and a rich cultural experience.”

Looking for a meaningful professional path? Start with the right studies. KTU admissions for the academic year 2024–25 are open. We offer 50 bachelor’s and master’s study programmes in English. Check them out, choose yours and apply by June 30.

21 Feb 2024