Students from the Faculty of Medical Sciences participated in an international mobility programme in Kaunas, Lithuania.
As part of the “Mobility Implementation in Sustainable Smart Cities” programme, the students worked in international teams to develop solutions for improving urban mobility.
One of the concepts developed, “The Green Gateway District,” aimed to make the route from Kaunas Railway and Bus Stations to the city centre more environmentally friendly and accessible. Wide roads, long crossings, and a lack of shade made getting around more difficult.
“We divided the plan into three phases: quick improvements within six months, construction over one to two years, and a fully integrated hub connected to Rail Baltica,” explains Mia Stojanovska, a fifth-year general medicine student at UGD.
As part of the project, the students also explored ways to improve connections between rail and bus services and urban transport, bicycles, and electric scooters.
“We wanted to propose a solution that would make getting around the city easier, more comfortable, and more sustainable,” says Marija Doneva.
The plan was presented to the organisers from the Lithuanian university and the other participants. The ideas received positive feedback from local residents, who expressed hope that some of them would be implemented in the future.
For Nadica Arsovska, a fourth-year general medicine student, the mobility programme was an opportunity to build greater confidence in tackling new tasks and sharing ideas. Working on a real urban challenge also showed her how accessibility and the quality of public spaces are linked to people’s health and well-being.
“Working in an international team allowed me to learn about different perspectives, take part in discussions, and work collaboratively to find solutions to a specific urban challenge,” says Nadica Arsovska.
