From June 10 to July 9, VU Kaunas Faculty hosted Lithuanian Language and Culture Course for international participants. The courses were attended by 12 students: four from Latvia, three from Turkey, one from Poland, one from Germany, one from Kazakhstan, and two students of Lithuanian origin from the United States. The participants studied Lithuanian with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saulutė Juzelėnienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eglė Gabrėnaitė and explored Lithuanian culture with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rita Baranauskienė and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Saulutė Juzelėnienė.
The intensive programme combined Lithuanian language classes with cultural activities. Participants learned about Lithuania’s and Kaunas’ history, art, music, folk traditions, literature, cinema, and culinary heritage. Their interest in the courses was motivated by a desire to discover one of Europe’s oldest languages, compare it with their native languages, and learn more about the development and history of Lithuanian.
For some participants, the language classes provided an opportunity to acquire the basics of Lithuanian and communicate with teachers and fellow students using A1-level phrases by the end of the course. Others improved their existing Lithuanian skills and were able to communicate in Lithuanian during classes and excursions.
Students learned Lithuanian through folk dances, Lithuanian songs – including traditional songs, contemporary music, and popular performers’ works – and even through culinary experiences. By tasting Lithuanian products and learning their names in Lithuanian, participants developed a stronger connection with the language and culture. These activities increased their interest in Lithuanian music, folklore, dance, and culinary traditions.
During the month-long programme, students visited several museums and cultural sites, including the Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum, the Kaunas City Museum located in the Kaunas Town Hall, Kaunas Castle, the Mikas and Kipras Petrauskas House, the National M. K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art, and the Money Museum at the Bank of Lithuania Palace in Kaunas. They also took part in the guided tour “Reflections of Kaunas Modernist Architecture”. These activities helped participants become better acquainted with Lithuanian history, literature, visual arts, the works of M. K. Čiurlionis, modernist architecture, and Art Deco elements.
Together with lecturers from the Kaunas Faculty, course participants visited the Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum to celebrate International Neighbours’ Day. They were impressed by the new exhibition dedicated to writer Balys Sruoga, the warm atmosphere created by local organisations, shared refreshments, and discussions about future cooperation. Another cultural lecture took place at the Yard Gallery, where participants were welcomed by Litvak artist Bella Shirin, ambassador of the project “Kaunas – European Capital of Culture 2022”. Students were fascinated by her personal story, her strong connection with Kaunas and its people, and her reflections on the friendship between Lithuania and Israel. Her optimism and life experience left a lasting impression on the participants.
Students also highly appreciated the virtual reality film “Creation of the Worlds”, after which they shared their impressions and emotions. However, one of the most memorable experiences was an evening with the Kaunas Faculty folk ensemble “Uosinta”. Participants not only enjoyed the ensemble’s performance but also joined in dancing and singing, creating a lively and unforgettable atmosphere.
At the end of the programme, participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to improve their Lithuanian language skills and experience Lithuania’s rich cultural heritage.
