From the IB Diploma Programme to a Prestigious French University: Alumna Marija’s Story

What is it like to study in a school where you feel on equal footing with your teachers, are not afraid to make mistakes, and keep discovering new topics that spark your curiosity? For Marija, Erudito Lyceum was more than a place to learn. It was where she formed lasting friendships, grew curious about the world and gradually began to find her own path.

Today, Marija is studying at Sciences Po in Le Havre, France. Her decision didn’t come easily: in her final year of school, she considered both humanities and the sciences. But she found herself increasingly drawn to politics. Sciences Po stood out for its reputation, her interest in the Asia-Pacific region and the opportunity to study mathematics and economics alongside other subjects.

The application process had three stages. Marija submitted her documents, grades and CV, then wrote responses to three questions. Finally, she was invited to a 25-minute interview. Now that classes have begun, she says she doesn’t regret her choice for a moment.

A school where it feels safe to ask questions and make mistakes

Marija’s strongest memories of Erudito Lyceum include the friendships she hopes will last for years to come. She also remembers the school’s welcoming atmosphere, where students could speak openly with teachers. Teachers would stop to chat in the corridors, and in class, Marija felt comfortable speaking up, asking questions and making mistakes.

“What stood out was that the teachers genuinely cared about their students,” she recalls.

Her English teacher, Joel Mowdy, had a particularly strong influence on her. His choice of books, thought-provoking discussion questions and personal encouragement helped Marija see the world from a broader perspective and inspired her to learn more about it. She also saw a connection between the values he encouraged and those she found at Sciences Po.

Other teachers helped nurture her curiosity, too: Lithuanian teacher Meida Bikauskė, economics teacher Andres Morales, science teacher Jurgita Makuškaitė, history teacher Sarah Jane Binka and mathematics teacher Zeno Madarasz. They helped Marija realise just how many fascinating subjects there are to explore—and that she didn’t need to settle on just one path too early.

A new chapter in Le Havre

In France, Marija has found a community of motivated people who enjoy discussing different topics and encourage one another to keep learning. She has been pleasantly surprised by both Le Havre itself and the friendliness and openness of her classmates.

Marija’s advice to current Erudito Lyceum students is to take their studies seriously, connect with one another and not be afraid of a new chapter. Her story is a reminder that curiosity, supportive people and the courage to explore different paths can lead somewhere you once only imagined.