Prof. Dr. Virginija Jurėnienė (Department of Philosophy and Cultural Studies) has brought memorable experiences and impressions from Taiwan where the 7th international scientific conference “Passions for Learning: Forms of Knowledge, Forms of Acquisition” took place. She delivered a speech “Cultural Center – the Heart of Non-formal and Aesthetical Education” in the national Changhua University of Education.
During the international scientific conference, the professor introduced the results of an on-going project Educational Activities of Culture Centres within the Framework of Intercultural Community Mobility (2012-2014). The project which is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania deals with the activities of border zone cultural centres.
Prof. Dr. V. Jurėnienė was impressed by the high level of organisationof sessions and group discussions. After a day of intense work, the participants had an opportunity to take part in pastime programme and activities of a very high cultural level. The professor was glad to have had an opportunity to compare the activities of local students and the students of Vilnius University Kaunas Faculty of Humanities in terms of international conferences. According to Prof. Dr. Jurėnienė, the students of Culture Management study programme (Department of Philosophy and Cultural Studies) are more independent yet less patient and accommodating in comparison with their colleagues in the East.
The professor was impressed by not only the academic and management culture, but also the advancements of China, i.e. modern infrastructure, impressive public transport system, installation of modern information technologies into household and so on. “Not to mention the national Taiwanese cuisine! We have heard much about dishes with bugs and worms in them…”, says Prof. Dr. V. Jurėnienė remembering her exceptional gourmet experience, and points out that she gladly tried those traditional dishes as she was able to overcome the prevailing preconceptions, stereotypes and fear.