VU Engineering Alumnus Raul: “I Felt Included in the Academic Process Rather Than Just Observing It”

“I had a lot of motivation learning Lithuanian because I wanted to learn an ancient Indo-European language and communicate in it where I am living now. I have really enjoyed the process,” says Raul Aliyev, Vilnius University (VU) alumnus from Baku. He recently graduated from the Master’s programme in Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies at the Faculty of Physics. According to him, studying here in Lithuania was a truly enriching experience, both academically and personally. The alumnus not only completed his degree and received a Lithuanian state scholarship but has also decided to stay in Lithuania, continuing his academic journey by pursuing further studies.

Opportunity to study in Lithuania

Aliyev became interested in STEM fields during his school years. Physics became his favourite subject. “I was fascinated by understanding how things work and how scientific principles can be applied in real life. This interest naturally led me to choose a STEM field for my higher education. I wanted to pursue a path that combines science and technology,” says the alumnus.

Before coming to Lithuania, Aliyev completed a Bachelor’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering in Azerbaijan. During his final semester, he was accepted into VU to pursue a Master’s degree. He aimed to deepen his knowledge and gain stronger expertise in both electronics and telecommunications.

“I had already heard about Lithuania and its capital, Vilnius, before making my decision to study here. I also looked at information and photos of Vilnius and was immediately impressed by the city’s beauty and atmosphere. This made me very excited about the opportunity to study and live here, and it further motivated me to choose Lithuania for my Master’s studies. I was also awarded a state scholarship from Lithuania, which enabled me to continue my studies here. This was an important milestone in my academic journey and allowed me to broaden both my professional knowledge and personal experience in a new country,” he explains.

Raul Aliyev. Photo from personal archive. 

Where theory meets practice

The Electronics and Telecommunication Technologies programme closely matched the alumnus’ previous academic background and interests, as he had already begun exploring electronic engineering during his undergraduate studies. “This programme was the right opportunity for me to further develop my technical skills and expand my understanding of these areas,” says Aliyev.

Much of his studies at the VU Faculty of Physics have been focused on hands-on research work in laboratories, which, according to the alumnus, has been one of the most valuable parts of his experience.

“The university provides a strong research-based environment, where students are encouraged to actively participate in experiments, simulations, and data analysis. It is especially beneficial for students interested in research and those considering continuing their education, as it builds confidence and provides a strong academic foundation. I have had the opportunity to participate in research activities where I could actively contribute ideas and collaborate with my supervisors. This made me feel included in the academic process rather than just observing it. It also helped me to better understand how real research is conducted and how important teamwork is in achieving meaningful results.

I worked at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology’s research laboratory, which is a very modern and well-equipped research environment. It is situated on the same campus, which made access very convenient. The facility includes numerous laboratories and departments, each focused on specific research fields. One of the most valuable aspects of the environment is the close collaboration between scientists and students. Researchers and students work together in the same space, which creates a very dynamic and supportive research atmosphere and allows for direct knowledge exchange,” says Aliyev.

Embracing the culture

Outside of the laboratory, Aliyev made sure to explore the city and experience different cultures. He learned Lithuanian and attended local cultural events and festivals to better understand the country and its people. The green spaces of the capital also provided a welcoming escape.

“I enjoyed spending time in nature, as Vilnius offers a very peaceful environment with many green areas. In addition, I made many international friends during my studies, which made my free time even more meaningful as we could share and exchange our cultures and experiences. I would advise other international students to fully embrace the experience – both inside and outside the university. Try to connect with classmates, participate in research activities, and also explore the culture and environment around you. This makes the adaptation process much easier, and the whole study experience much more meaningful,” advises the alumnus.

Raul Aliyev. Photo by Ugnius Bagdonavičius.

Being asked about similarities between the Lithuanian and Azerbaijani cultures, he mentions a few. “I saw a ritual at the Midsummer festival where people jump over a fire, which reminded me of the same tradition we have during Novruz. In both cultures, the ritual symbolises leaving behind your troubles, illnesses, and bad luck. For both Lithuanians and Azerbaijanis, fire brings people together and represents the triumph of light over darkness. I also noticed that the tradition of dyeing and ‘fighting’ with eggs is something both our cultures share. In Azerbaijan, we do this during Novruz, and in Lithuania, it is a key part of Easter”, the alumnus tells.

With his Master’s degree completed, Aliyev’s journey in Vilnius continues. “My plan is to stay in Vilnius and continue my academic journey by pursuing further studies. I would like to keep developing myself both professionally and personally, building on the knowledge and experience I have gained during my Master’s studies at Vilnius University,” the alumnus says.