Raraa Alnema has already called several countries his home. Originally from Syria, he finished high school in Saudi Arabia, later studied in Turkey, and eventually found himself in Lithuania. He first came here through an Erasmus+ exchange programme, and something clicked.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere here, in Lithuania. It felt calm, welcoming, and student-friendly,” he remembers. When the time came to study, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) became his first choice.
Today, Raraa has just graduated from KTU with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. The decision to pursue engineering came naturally – he sought a direction that was practical, future-focused, and offered opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
“I enjoy working on real-world challenges, especially when they involve technology, problem-solving, and continuous learning,” he says.
When Raraa decided to transfer his studies, KTU stood out for its surprisingly smooth transfer process. It was a rare and welcoming experience that made his academic transition much easier and more motivating.
“Besides that, KTU has a strong reputation in engineering, modern facilities, and an international approach. It was a place where I could see myself growing academically and personally,” he adds.
His first impressions of KTU were also reassuring: an organised, student-oriented campus and approachable lecturers created a supportive academic environment.
As time went on, Raraa became increasingly involved in university life by participating in various extracurricular activities, events, and practical projects. One highlight was Portathon – a 48-hour innovation challenge focused on solving real-world industrial problems – where his team’s idea stood out and won.
“These activities helped me connect with people, apply what I was learning in real situations, and grow more confident in both academic and professional settings,” he says.
Some courses, like Electronics Manufacturing, left a particularly strong impression. “That course stood out to me because it felt very connected to real industry practices. It didn’t just teach technical content; it showed me what it means to work like an actual engineer. It played a big role in shaping my career direction and even helped me land my current job,” says Raraa.
Now, Raraa is working as a Technical Engineer at ETAMA UAB in Kaunas – a role that perfectly connects with what he studied at university. However, the shift from student to professional has involved much more than just using technical knowledge.
“It’s about solving real problems, working with people from different backgrounds, and learning how the industry actually moves. What I enjoy most is being part of a team, collaborating across cultures, and seeing how theory becomes practice,” he says.
Looking ahead, Raraa plans to continue his journey step by step. He is considering a master’s degree while also gaining hands-on experience in the field. “For me, learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Especially in engineering, where technology is constantly evolving, it’s important to keep growing – both academically and professionally,” a KTU graduate adds.
