Category: Be kategorijos

Vilnius University (VU) has commenced admissions for international students. In the upcoming 2024 academic year, starting in September, VU will provide approximately 18 bachelor’s study programmes, 46 master’s degree programmes, and two integrated study programmes.

During the previous admission cycle, the most sought-after study programmes included Software Engineering, International Business, Medicine, Information Systems and Cyber Security, Management, and Global Marketing.

Applications are currently open for 18 bachelor’s degree programmes, covering subjects such as Accounting and Auditing, Economics and Investment, Global Marketing, Information Systems and Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and more. To access detailed information on all bachelor’s degree programmes and admission procedures, please visit this link.

VU also extends an invitation to international students to explore 46 master’s degree programmes, including options like Biochemistry, Biophysics, Molecular Biology, Data Science, Digital Marketing, DeepTech Entrepreneurship, International and European Law, Neurobiology, Photonics and Nanotechnology, among others. For comprehensive information on all master’s programmes and their respective admission procedures, please click here.

In collaboration with other universities, VU offers double degree studies. In bachelor’s studies, you have the option to choose International Business in partnership with Woosong University (South Korea) and Management in collaboration with the University of Granada (Spain). In master’s studies, choices include Marketing and Integrated Communication in cooperation with Parthenope University of Naples (Italy), as well as Global Business and Economics in partnership with Parthenope University of Naples (Italy) and the University of Parma (Italy).

For foreign nationals requiring a visa to enter and study in Lithuania, please note that applications can be submitted until 1 May 2024. If a visa is not necessary, applications are accepted until 1 July 2024.

In Lithuania, there are around 2.8 million people who are native speakers of Lithuanian, with an additional 200,000 speakers residing elsewhere.

This makes the Lithuanian language highly uncommon and distinctive. In fact, it is renowned for being the most conservative among the existing Indo-European languages, as it retains linguistic features from the Proto-Indo-European language that have been lost in other languages.

You have a chance to learn this beautiful language this winter! Attend Lithuanian language and culture winter courses! Apply for a scholarship and get your tuition fee covered.

The courses will be organized at the following 4 institutions:

Klaipėda University
Institute of Lithuanian Literature and Folklore
Vilnius University
Vytautas Magnus University

Want to know more? The eligibility requirements and details on how to apply are LISTED HERE.

Apply today! The deadlines are in November, but the sooner you apply, the better.

On August 24th, Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) hosted “Sharing is Caring” Donation Day for the first time, a heartfelt event that brought together newcomers and international students to embrace the spirit of giving back.

During the event, almost 100 exchange and full-time students were invited to find kitchen essentials, items for cleaning, and things for studies and sports to start their new academic year and study journey in Kaunas.

The event was organized as part of the DON@ Donation Opportunities for Newcomers project aimed to facilitate the integration and improvement of living conditions of students with fewer opportunities by promoting mutual support, inclusion, and sustainable development. We extend our gratitude to the Student Affairs Department, the Baltija Dormitory administration, and our dedicated volunteers for their invaluable support in organizing this event.

Rocco, an exchange student from Italy: “Thanks to the DON@ event, I managed to get a kitchen kit, which will be helpful for me. And during the event, I also managed to get this ladle to cook some sauce for my pasta. Thank you so much!”

Mariia, a full-time student from Ukraine: “I think it’s a really good project that saves our planet and our environmental system. Also, we don’t overuse new products, we don’t buy the items and new things”.

Yana, an exchange student from Ukraine: “I’ve joined this event, and I’ve got a wooden cutting board so that all tables will be saved now. Thank you for this event and for the donations!”

Also, all registered students could win unique electronic things left by previous students via lottery, such as a sandwich maker, garment steamer, hand blender and smoothie maker kit, and electric lint remover for clothes.

The “Sharing is Caring” event within the Orientation Day’s programme was not only for sharing things but also offered a unique opportunity for new international students to connect, share experiences, and make friends.

Anastasiia, a full-time student from Ukraine: “We are very glad to be a part of this donation event because it’s a great opportunity to make new connections, to meet more people, and to get some devices for free which we will really use!”

The “Sharing is Caring” Event was made possible by the donations of the previous cohort of exchange students, recent graduates, and volunteers. At the end of last semester, 35 students left gently used or new things they no longer needed (kitchen stuff, electronics, items for cleaning, hobbies, and studies).

Many VMU students expressed their wish to help with the project implementation at the end of the previous academic year.

Shaurya, a full-time student from India, shares his impressions: “I decided to help the DON@ team in their item collection from departing students. The events were set to coincide with the students leaving after finishing the semester to ensure maximum collection and minimum waste generation. I helped the team during their collection events in Baltija dormitory, where different students came forward and donated their stuff for the future students”.

Roman, a full-time student from Azerbaijan, joined a volunteer team too: “I volunteered for the DON@ project that promotes sustainable development as it saves stuff and passes to the next generation from the previous students. It helps with plastic emissions, reduces waste, and helps students with fewer opportunities. They don’t need to go and buy the stuff; they arrive and get it. I was very glad to participate in this project and remember caring”.

Moreover, many items left by foreign students (clothes, footwear, bedding) were donated to people experiencing homelessness at the Kaunas Archidiocese Caritas (Ateik Caritas).

Quote from Day center manager Rosita Mikėnienė, who accepted donated items:

“Ateik” day center at the Kaunas Archdiocese Caritas is for people experiencing homelessness and loneliness to spend time, warm up, drink a cup of coffee or tea, and be in a safe environment. About 30-40 people visit here daily, even more in winter. Most of them receive very little or no income, so they need various assistance in the form of clothes, food, and other items. Thanks to the students for their help and this donation initiative.”

Source – Vytautas Magnus University (VMU)

🌏 Are you an international student currently studying in Lithuania? 

🖍 About to start your new school year?

📱 Own a smartphone with a camera?

Then the “Study in LT” photo contest is for you! 😁 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE:

1. Pick a recent photo that perfectly captures your first days or weeks of school in Lithuania!

2. Upload the photo IN THE COMMENT SECTION OF THIS FACEBOOK POST. Don’t forget to add which university you’re currently attending!

3. Deadline – September 18th!!!

On September 18th we will upload a gallery of ALL uploaded photos and will ask you and your friends to vote (likes, hearts, emojis) for a week. Three photos with the most reactions will win an “Erasmus+” tote bag and “Study in LT” travel toothbrush.

LET’S BEGIN! 🙂 

#photo #contest #photocontest #studyinlt #studyinlithuania

“Lithuania is truly a great place to start your future, and if you have the right people around you – it is a gem to live here,” says Lian Moussa, a 21-year-old girl from Egypt studying Renewable Energy Engineering at Kaunas University of Technology.

While Lian was still living in Egypt, she remembers her dad talking a lot about how much he loved Lithuania and sharing his stories with the family. Moreover, when it came time to decide where Lian would be studying, her brother had already been studying and living in Lithuania for two years, which had a huge influence on her final decision.

These two people, Lian’s father and brother, highly influenced her opinion about Lithuania from the start to the positive side. Additionally, Lian states that Lithuania was the only European country that offered her desired course at an affordable price.

Change of Plans

Lian has always wanted to study something that could help the world in any ways possible. One of her preferences for studies after high school was medicine, as she loved biology and thought that becoming a doctor was the only way she could largely contribute to the improvement of the world.

However, as Lian states, “I soon got my senses back,” and she decided to switch her desired major to the one she is currently studying – Renewable Energy Engineering.

It’s hard for Lian to tell if it is the right choice yet, as they are not learning about what exactly interests her yet, and sometimes not many people show up to class, which makes it hard for her to make friends or meet new people. Nevertheless, she is hoping for the best in the upcoming semesters as she is greatly enjoying Lithuania as a country.

Cultural Shock

One of the things Lian expected from Lithuania before arriving here was the cold, and as she states, she got to experience it for sure. Yet, something she did not expect was that, as she mostly noticed, many people do not enjoy the sun. It surprised her significantly because in Egypt, where she is from, everyone loves the sun. “Even though we look like a burnt chicken nugget after staying in the sun for too long, we still love it very much,” Lian states.

Additionally, before Lian arrived in Lithuania, she had the expectations of Lithuanian people being more social. However, the majority of Lithuanians she met were more on the introverted side.

“As an Egyptian, I love to talk, make new friends, and meet people, so it really shattered me when that feeling was not reciprocated by someone,” she says.

Embracing Lithuania

Even though Lian experienced some situations where her expectations of Lithuania were not fully satisfied, during the interview, she mentioned many aspects of Lithuania she finds incredibly fascinating.

According to Lian, Lithuanian food is delicious, and she could have her favorite Lithuanian dish, called kibinas, for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The nature in Lithuania is also one of the things Lian finds absolutely stunning, especially in spring when all the flowers start blossoming, and the weather feels exceptionally refreshing.

Also, Lian loves how people in Lithuania love to take care of themselves, their fitness goals, mental, and physical health. “I will never get over being beaten during a run by a grandma, and her not even breaking a sweat,” she states.

The nature, the people, the weather all year round, the simplicity are all the things Lian loves about Lithuania. “I love it in Lithuania; it’s so therapeutic with all its beautiful nature and beautiful, kind people everywhere,” she concludes.

“My doctoral thesis was a catalyst for writing fiction,” says Vishnu Muraleedharan from India, who has recently graduated from Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) with a PhD. Vishnu was writing his first novel at the same time as his doctoral thesis and currently is finishing his third book.

Vishnu and Titty Varghese met more than ten years ago while studying at a university in India. By Titty’s idea, both of them decided to move to Europe for higher studies. For that, they both choose KTU Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

“We had an engagement ceremony in Lithuania, and afterwards – a marriage in a Hindu temple in Kerala, India while Titty was on her Erasmus trip for data collection,” explains Vishnu, adding that Titty was his main supporter during the demanding time while he was writing both scientific and fictional work.

The couple first moved to Lithuania in 2013.

Since that time, they together and separately travelled and lived in Finland, Dubai and the USA. However, now Vishnu and Titty consider Lithuania as their home.

“Culturally and society-wise Lithuania and India may seem very different. However, we have made friends who have become our family, and now we can see a lot of cultural similarities, too,” says Muraleedharan.

According to Titty, at home one has their family and friends’ support always, whereas, in a foreign country you have to rely on strangers. At first, Lithuanians stroke her as less cheerful than Indians, but this impression changed over the years. Titty thinks that people smile a lot more in Lithuania now than ten years ago.

“Around us, we have very welcoming and friendly people always willing to help. You only need to ask,” says Varghese.

Writing a thesis is somewhat similar to writing a novel

In 2022, Muraleedharan defended his doctoral thesis in political science at KTU Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

“Scientific writing helped me to polish my style,” admits Vishnu, thanking his supervisor Professor Thomas Bryer, who works both at the University of Central Florida and KTU, for his support and guidance.

For four years, every two weeks Bryer and Muraleedharan were meeting online for consultations. Although in academic writing one needs to base their statements on theoretical and empirical findings, and in fiction the narrative is based on one’s experiences and imagination, Vishnu believes that these two types of writing have a lot in common.

“To a great extent, my narrative ability to write fiction was facilitated by writing my PhD thesis. My supervisor helped me find my writing style and make it flow. This helped me to write my thesis and also, indirectly, influenced my fiction writing,” says Vishnu.

One year, from 2020 to 2021, Muraleedharan spent his days writing doctoral thesis, and nights – his first novel.

When asked about his writing rituals, Vishnu mentions having a special chair on which he sits and writes: outside in summer and the kitchen, in winter as he didn’t want to bother Titty and interfere with her sleep. However, the main help in accomplishing the gigantic task of writing a dissertation and a novel within the same year was his wife’s support.

“When Vishnu started writing his novel, I understood that he was doing something important. Inspiration is always motivating – for others, too. Our life consists of responsibilities, work, and things that we need to do, and we spend a lot of time fighting with harsh environment. When a person is writing, they are doing it for themselves. I see the charming nature of this process,” says Titty, who was the first reader of her husband’s work.

The third book will feature Lithuania

“To be able to write stories one needs to have experiences – my stories are set in the places that I’ve travelled and lived in. Imagination is important, but travelling, and meeting different people are the experiences I built my narrative on. Fiction also needs to be realistic, right?” says Vishnu, whose first novel Temple of Hope was published in India and is available for English speakers worldwide.

Temple of Hope tells the story of Duttan Ravindran, who, similarly to the author, is from Kerala in India. Like many young people, Ravindran has a dream of finding a secure job and creating a happy family. However, like many, he faces difficulties. According to Muraleedharan, his book focuses on a spiritual journey and emphasises the importance of soul-searching to find one’s true vocation.

Despite the novel being set in India and Dubai, its author says that the questions the book deals with are universal. According to Vishnu, the most important aspect of his story is finding a purpose in life while serving society.

“Wherever you live, when you are hit by a harsh reality you start to ask yourself: why is this happening to me? Who is giving the orders? What comes next? In this book, the main character tries to find these answers first by going to the most sacred and ancient place in India, Varanasi, and then – to meditate in the Himalayas mountains,” says Titty, who admits crying after finishing reading her husband’s first book.

In the meanwhile, the debut author has already finished writing his second book, which takes place in Kerala, West Bengal, Florida and California. The half-finished third book is telling about the experiences of an Indian student who comes to study in Lithuania.

Lithuanian and Sanskrit has 10 thousand similar words

The couple’s friends from Lithuania were also among the first readers of the Temple of Hope. After getting their appreciation, the Muraleedharan was encouraged to pursue publishing. For Titty and Vishnu, the support of their Lithuanian friends is very important.

“We speak Lithuanian now, so it’s easier for us to integrate into the local community,” says Vishnu.

In India, there are 22 official languages, among them – Hindi, the official language of the Indian government and Sanskrit, an ancient language that originated over three thousand five hundred years ago. Some parts of India, especially in the North, speak Hindi as their first language, but nobody uses Sanskrit to communicate. Instead, people from different Indian regions speak English among themselves.

After coming to our country, the couple from India found out that Sanskrit and Lithuanian have 10 thousand similar words. Jokingly they say that now they regret choosing Hindi instead of Sanskrit as their second language at school.

“India is vast and different – when you go from South to North you get different food, different tastes, culture and language. Lithuania is similar everywhere – bulviniai blynai in Kaunas and Vilnius taste the same,” says Titty with a smile.

Did you know that 52.1% of students say that they chose the study programme first, before choosing the country?

Also, did you know that on average, foreign students spend around €580 per month in Lithuania? This includes average accommodation rent, utility bills, food, restaurants, bars and cafes, entertainment and culture, beauty and health care, household goods, fuel and/or public transport.

These facts were revealed by the two surveys conducted by “Study in LT” in 2022.

You can find the reports of BOTH surveys here.

It is recommended to save the .PDF on your computer and read the surveys there.

Zehra Yilmaz, an English teacher from Turkey, decided to embark on a journey toward a Master’s degree in English Studies at the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University. Throughout her academic pursuit, she embraced the opportunity to immerse herself in a multicultural academic environment, which not only broadened her understanding of language, literature, and culture but also ignited a multitude of new ideas for her teaching career. Reflecting on her transformative experience, Zehra Yilmaz confidently asserts that her studies in English have significantly elevated her teaching abilities, positioning her as an outstanding and impactful educator.

What role do you think English studies play in today’s globalized world? How has your education at Vilnius University prepared you to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the field of English education? Where did you hear about Vilnius University and how did you decide to move to study abroad?

English Studies has a significant place in the world of globalization as English has become the language of international communication, particularly in business, and academia. Specializing in English Studies allows for a variety of choices, including global career prospects, academic collaborations, and cultural exchanges. The university fostered critical thinking and research skills, which are essential in navigating the challenges and opportunities in the field of English education. I have expanded my knowledge and research skills by writing more research papers and developing research proposals on subjects. Within the Individual Study Plan framework, I also found the opportunity to choose elective subjects outside the field of study. So, I had the chance to take a comprehensive course like “Language and Education”, which is directly related to the field of my bachelor’s degree.

I first learned about Vilnius University through online research while seeking study-abroad options. Vilnius University popped up in the top English studies rankings, and its academic excellence reputation drew my attention. Then, I discovered that Vilnius University had a rich history, a supportive academic community, and a vibrant cultural scene.

Can you tell us about your background and what motivated you to pursue a Master’s degree in English studies at Vilnius University?

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in English Language Teaching from Istanbul University, which gave me a solid foundation in language acquisition theories, teaching methodologies, and practical classroom experience. During my Erasmus Programme experience at Cologne University, I was exposed to a multicultural environment that deepened my passion for English education and intercultural exchange. Motivated by these experiences, I decided to pursue a Master’s degree in English studies at Vilnius University.

How would you describe your overall experience studying English at Vilnius University? Did it meet your expectations? Why or why not?

When I reflect on my time at Vilnius University, I can confidently say that it has helped me become a better teacher in many ways. Through the linguistics seminars, I was challenged to explore areas I had not considered in detail before, and the literature and culture seminars provided me with new perspectives, enabling me to take a closer and more critical look at literary texts and cultural phenomena. In my role as a teacher, I have been able to revise my teaching practice using these new values and develop a greater sense of confidence. In particular, I have been able to create more critical assessments and formulate new discussion topics for my students, providing them with fresh and interesting ideas to engage with. I believe that these are the ripples of studying at Vilnius University, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills that I gained during my time there.

Could you share an example of a research project or thesis you worked on during your Master’s programme? How did it contribute to your understanding of English studies?

Certainly! One research project I worked on during my Master’s programme in English studies focused on the field of British Cultural Studies. Specifically, I examined the challenges of translating poetry by diaspora poets who had experienced migration, refuge, or similar life experiences. The project aimed to explore how the unique cultural and linguistic elements embodied in their poems could be effectively conveyed in another language. By delving into this topic, I believe that I gained a deeper understanding of diaspora identities and the experiences of migrants. One other experience was the pleasant communication I had with my academic supervisor while working on my master’s thesis, which greatly helped me resolve the issues I encountered regarding my thesis.

As an alumna of Vilnius University, how has your English studies degree contributed to your career progression as a teacher? Are there any specific skills or knowledge areas you acquired that have been particularly valuable?

First and foremost, the depth of knowledge I acquired during my studies, particularly in the field of linguistics, has been instrumental in my role as a language teacher. It has given me a solid foundation in understanding linguistic concepts. This knowledge allows me to effectively analyze and explain language structures to my students, helping them develop a strong grasp of the English language. Certainly, teaching a language is not solely about those fields I mentioned. Learning and teaching a language also requires understanding the culture it embodies. It also entails examining the literature. Therefore, the comprehensive structure of English Studies, encompassing linguistics, literature, and culture, has positively contributed to my profession as well.

If you were to give advice to prospective students considering pursuing English studies at Vilnius University, what would it be? Are there any specific aspects of the programme or university experience you would highlight?

As an international student, it’s crucial to feel a sense of belonging and not be alone while studying abroad. Vilnius University is a place where you will encounter friendly faces, and make you feel welcome.

Source – Vilnius University

“Lithuania has far exceeded my expectations,” says Deivid Mico from Albania, studying aviation engineering at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU). Expecting an average post-soviet republic, he arrived in a European country with perfect infrastructure and a contemporary educational system.

Now, at the end of his first year at KTU, Deivid says that he loves Kaunas for its greenery, but misses the food and weather typical to his home, the seaside city of Vlorë.

For the interview, the Albanian student came accompanied by his Lithuanian friend.

“I have many friends, and we often hang out with people from my course,” said Mico with a smile, admitting, however, that he has experienced the coolness, usually attributed to Lithuanians.

Deivid does not mind, though – he studies together with international and local students and has enough friends and activities at and outside the University.

Too early to make plans

KTU was the first and only choice that Deivid was considering for his studies abroad. The University’s name came up in the search, while he was looking for engineering studies. He got admitted, then was offered a full scholarship, and looked no further.

“I was mainly interested in engineering study programmes, and aviation engineering is something that not many of my peers think about. I always liked to do something different from others,” says Deivid.

So far, he is happy with the choice. Although, in the first year, the BSc Aviation Engineering curriculum is concentrating on common engineering subjects, Deivid has already found certain topics that are of particular interest to him.

“I love the way most teachers teach here – I find it easy to understand, and this is very different from the old-school teaching methodology that we have at home. Also, what I find especially great is the inclusion of digital technologies in certain subjects. It makes very much sense, as in the future, the majority of calculations will be made by computer rather than a human brain,” says Mico.

Although he prefers not to think too far into the future, Deivid is sure that his studies will fit into his career plans. Maybe not at home, as the aviation industry is not much developed in Albania. However, after graduating with a bachelor’s a young engineer considers taking a few years’ break to pursue a career in Lithuania or elsewhere in Europe, and then coming back to study for a master’s.

Studies at KTU with a full tuition fee waiver

How much his study choice was influenced by the fact that KTU offered a scholarship? This was very important, says Deivid, whose parents could not have afforded his studying abroad.

“My parents were sceptical about me going abroad – firstly, because of economic reasons, and secondly – because I was going to be alone in a faraway place, and they were worried. However, studying at home was not an option for me,” says Deivid.

He arrived in Lithuania knowing only that such a country exists, and the name of its capital. Expecting to see a country, which is in a way similar to his native post-communist Albania, Mico was taken aback by how different we are.

“I came here with my father and he was left speechless with the efficiency and cleanliness of public transport, especially trains. This level we didn’t expect. Also, I love the student discounts for travelling, they are very helpful,” says Deivid.

Living in Kaunas, in a month he spends less than he would spend at home, which was also a very pleasant surprise.

“And I live a decent, very good life,” says a KTU student from Albania with a smile.

In his free time, Deivid likes to play pool, table tennis and other games at Student Leisure Centre in his dorm, and now, once the weather became warm and beautiful, he often takes strolls in the nearby park, Ąžuolynas.

“Kaunas is very green, and I love it,” Deivid repeats from time to time and says that he plans to visit more of the sites in the city and around the country. So far, he has been to Trakai, which he thought was an amazing place.

From home, misses food and good weather

Cold weather and Lithuanian cuisine are the aspects of his life in Kaunas that Deivid hasn’t learned to appreciate yet.

“In winter, it was very, very cold for me here. And, as far as I understood, this wasn’t even the coldest winter! However, in temperature and daylight terms, there was a huge difference from home for me,” says Mico, admitting that he spent most of the days indoors in winter as it was too cold to go out.

Food presented another challenge – used to a Mediterranean diet, typical for Albania, Deivid misses all the flavours and ingredients that he has in abundance at home. Fish, beef, tomatoes, olives and olive oil, oranges – KTU student lists the food that is not as good as there.

“In the Mediterranean region, we have almost everything. Tomatoes are ripe almost all year round, and coming from the seaside city, I am used to eating fish often. So, it took a little bit of time to adjust to the food here, to its taste and prices – oranges and tomatoes tasted weird, I cannot find good fish, beef is difficult to get and way too expensive,” says Deivid.

Upon coming to Lithuania, he brought honey and olive oil with him: “I didn’t know what to expect.”

While honey for Lithuanians is an important and valued ingredient, unfortunately, our climate is unsuited for growing olive trees.

“Our family has four olive trees, we grow figs and other small fruits, just for our own consumption. The bottle I brought from home is a mix of oil from our garden and from some other olives – it’s homemade and fresh,” says Mico.

To add a little taste of home, Deivid often cooks food from scratch with Mediterranean ingredients that he can find here.

Experiences exceeded expectations

As the most striking cultural difference between Lithuanians and Albanians, Deivid names the reserved nature of the locals.

“Lithuanians rarely talk, they seem cold to the people they don’t know. Back home, we are used to talking to strangers. Then, immediately after you talk to someone, you start being friends. I tried to deploy the same strategy here, but it didn’t work very well with some people,” says Mico with a smile, adding that a certain coolness of the locals may be related to the climate.

Since there are no direct flights, travelling home takes a whole day. Deivid is already looking forward to going to his native seaside resort in the summer. However, he will come back in autumn and has already recommended KTU to many of his friends.

“I have friends who are still in high school, but are interested in the same field as I. Telling about my experiences at KTU, I told them that everything is far beyond my expectations. Also, Kaunas is not a large city, which means fewer people, less noise, more greenery. That’s what I say to people about my studies here,” says Deivid Mico from Albania, a first-year bachelor’s student of aviation engineering.

Interested in studying at KTU with a scholarship? All international applicants are automatically enrolled in a competition to win a full or partial tuition fee waiver. Choose your study programme and apply by June 30!