Gulkhanim Dunyamaliyeva

Gulkhanim Dunyamaliyeva from Azerbaijan graduated in 2022 with a Master’s degree in Applied English Linguistics. A few years after graduation, she decided to continue her academic journey and is now pursuing a second Master’s degree in Business Logistics.

During her studies and after graduation, she volunteered as a Unibuddy Alumni Ambassador, supporting prospective students by answering questions about study programmes, life in Lithuania, and the admissions process. Don't miss the opportunity to check out this video interview with Gulkhanim, recorded in 2022 after her graduation from Applied English Linguistics.

Now, she shares her thoughts on her study experience with current students and recent alumni.

When I first arrived in Lithuania in 2020, I had no idea how much this small country would shape my life. It was the middle of the pandemic – a time of uncertainty, distance, and change. Being in a new country during that period was not easy, but little by little, things started to fall into place. I made friends, found my rhythm, and discovered how supportive Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) truly is. At the beginning of my studies, I received a scholarship that covered 50% of my tuition fee, which was a great help. Later, thanks to my academic performance – a GPA of 9.8, if I remember correctly – I received an additional scholarship for one semester. Even after graduation, VMU didn’t stop supporting me. The university organized several seminars focused on job opportunities and CV preparation. I’m especially grateful to the alumni coordinator Ganna, who always answered my questions patiently and kept me informed about every opportunity.

After completing my Master’s in Applied English Linguistics, I found my first internship in the marketing field. My degree wasn’t limited to language studies – it helped me strengthen my academic and communication skills, which became valuable in various professional areas.

Shortly after finishing my internship, I received an offer from a logistics company. At that time, I was also interviewing with language schools, which were more aligned with my background. Still, I decided to step out of my comfort zone and explore the business world. That decision turned out to be one of the best I’ve made.

After working in logistics for nearly two years, my interest in the field grew stronger. I wanted to deepen my knowledge and gain a more solid academic foundation, so I decided to pursue a second Master’s degree in Business Logistics at VMU.

As a former student, I received a 15% tuition discount, which was a big help financially. Now, as I write my second Master’s thesis in a completely new field, I can confidently say that this journey has been worth it.

During my second Master’s, I feel much more confident – both academically and personally. I’m no longer afraid to share my opinions during discussions, and my professors always listen with respect and genuine interest. One of the best aspects of my current programme is that every student is required to publish an academic article, which encourages us to participate in conferences and gain experience as speakers.

I owe special thanks to my professor and supervisor, Milita Vienažindienė, whose enthusiasm for teaching inspires us all. Her energy and dedication make us love the program even more. She also organizes company visits and warehouse tours to help us better understand real-world logistics and potential career paths.

So, if you’re wondering – “Is Lithuania worth moving to for studies?” or “Can I start a new career path here?” – my answer is yes.

I came here with a background in linguistics, and today, I’m building a career in logistics. Lithuania gave me not only an education but also confidence, direction, and countless opportunities to grow.