Opportunities for studies or traineeship abroad
Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) International Cooperation Department invites all university students to use the opportunities for studies or traineeship abroad.
Additional competition for VMU bilateral exchange and Erasmus+ studies (in non-EU/EEA countries).
Submit your applications by 30 September.
Competition for the Erasmus+ traineeship grants in all of world countries.
Submit your applications by the 30 of September.
On September 12th, 3 p.m. we invite you to join the online presentation (in English) and learn more about study and traineeship opportunities. Click here to join.
NOTE! An additional Erasmus+ competition for studies in EU/EEA countries will NOT be announced for the spring semester of the AY 2024/2025. The main competition for the AY 2025/2026 (autumn and spring semesters) will be announced in February, 2025.
More information.
Methodological Training on Meta-Analysis
Methodological Training on Meta-Analysis: an Introduction and an Overview of Advanced Topics
Session 1 (October 2, 3 – 5 P.M.): meta-analytic process, research questions, searching, coding, statistical integration.
Session 2 (October 8, 3 – 5 P.M.): heterogeneity, moderation analyses and advanced topics.
Language – English.
Duration of the workshop – each session/90 minutes lecture + 30 minutes Q&A (2,5 academic hours).
Format – online workshop via MS Teams. Please register for the workshop here.
All registered participants will receive MS Teams link to the workshop a few days before the training.
Certificates will be issued after the training for participants who attend all two sessions. No prior knowledge of the topic is necessary.
Trainer: Dr. Gunnar LemmerPhilipps (University Marburg, Germany), Department of Psychology, section: Psychological Methods. Gunnar has been giving lectures and seminars on statistical methods for several years. He has been working with meta-analyses for a long time in the field of psychology and is the author and co-author of several publications of research using meta-analyses.
Training will be moderated by V. Kavolis Institute Project Expert dr. Gintarė Pocė.
Description of the training
Meta-analysis is a statistical method for the combination of multiple quantitative studies on the same research question. Our training will cover the entire meta-analytic process.
At the beginning of session 1 of our training, we will get to know the structure of the meta-analytic process. We will then deal with meta-analytic research questions, searching for relevant studies, and coding relevant studies in terms of study characteristics and effect sizes. At the end of this session, we will get to know meta-analytic models for the integration of the effect sizes of the included studies (i.e., fixed effect model and random effects model).
Session 2 will start with methods for the analysis of heterogeneity of effect sizes. In order to be able to explain heterogeneity, we will then deal with meta-analytic models (e.g., mixed effects model) and meta-analytic methods (e.g., meta-regression) for moderation analyses. This session will also give a short overview of more advanced topics like three-level-meta-analysis and meta-analytic path models.
For more information about the workshop, please send an email to vki[eta]vdu.lt.
The workshop is a part of the project “Strengthening the R&D activities of the Vytautas Kavolis Transdisciplinary Institute for Social Sciences and Humanities (SOCMTEP)”. The project is funded by the Research Council of Lithuania and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania, Contract No S-A-UEI-23-13 (2023-12-27). The funding programme is the “Excellence in Universities Initiative” (No V-940).
Opportunity to Apply for a Paid Internship in Lithuania
VMU Department of International Relations invites foreign students and graduates of full-time studies to apply for internships in Lithuanian market. The main aim of the internship is to provide an opportunity for foreign VMU students and graduates to acquire practical skills in Lithuanian companies and organisations. The internship will contribute to the development of professional knowledge and skills, help to improve Lithuanian language, provide an opportunity to gain valuable work experience and help to establish professional contacts, thus increasing the chances of employment and successful integration into the Lithuanian labour market.
VMU full-time international students requirements:
- The duration of the students’ traineeships – min 2 months, max 4 months.
- Estimated total number of hours of internship – minimum 20 hours per week.
- Traineeship scholarship – EUR 650/month.
- Number of scholarships – 24.
VMU full-time international graduates requirements:
- The duration of the graduates’ traineeships – 6 months.
- Estimated total number of hours of internship – minimum 30 hours per week.
- Traineeship scholarship – EUR 650/month.
- Number of scholarships – 20.
The competition is open to full-time students in the first to third study cycle (except first-year students). The internship is not part of the study programme, it is complimentary. Also, please note that the internship can’t be performed at the company at which the applicant is currently employed.
The list of available traineeships can be found here.
Required application documents:
Candidates are evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Good academic performance: grade average of the last 2 semesters is 8 points;
- Motivation: motivation letter and interview, indicating relevance of the traineeship to personal career design;
- Additional points: experience in academic, professional or social activities abroad and in Lithuania; pre-arranged and agreed internship place; knowledge of Lithuanian language.
The decision on the candidacy is made by the special UPinLT selection committee approved by the Rector of VMU. The selection process will respect the basic principles of transparency, equality and non-discrimination. The final selection results will be communicated to the participants personally by e-mail and via the VMU student portal, not later than 2 weeks after the application deadline.
More information about contest
Registration for Transform4Europe Course Offer at Bachelor Level
The university network Transform4Europe invites students to choose its track courses for bachelor students which aim to train a new generation of young Europeans who will work together across disciplines and acquire digital, intercultural and entrepreneurial skills. This training enables you to actively shape the necessary transformation processes in Europe. Most of the courses are conducted online.
The Transform4Europe Alliance gives you the opportunity to incorporate a succinct programme – a European-oriented Bachelor Track that leads to a certificate with up to 24 ECTS – into your studies.
All the selected courses are recognised at your university either as part of your main field of study or alongside as additional elective courses.
The Transform4Europe Track consists of common core modules on the topics of:
- Knowledge Entrepreneurship;
- Languages & Intercultural Competencies;
- European History, Politics, Culture, Law, Economy.
Also, you select the track according to your needs and interests from 3 optional challenge-based tracks:
- Digital transformation
- Environmental transformation
- Societal transformation
Once you graduate and complete the Track, you receive a certificate testifying the completion of a Transform4Europe Bachelor Track under the challenge-based track or cluster title.
What are additional benefits for students?
- Exchange ideas with students from other academic disciplines.
- Gaining and developing European competences in a narrower relevant subfield.
- Increase your career opportunities by unique profile development.
- Increase future research and career opportunities in interdisciplinary fields.
- Networking possibilities with students from other European universities.
- Subsidised international mobility.
Autumn/Winter Semester 2023
In the list below, please pick the institution at which you would like to attend a course and proceed as advised.
University of Trieste
Course start: 23 September 2024 (check for each course)
Registration Period: until 6 September 2024
End of Teaching: 21 December 2024 (check for each course)
End of Exams: 21 February 2025 (check for each course)
Register now
Saarland University
Course start: 14 October 2024 (check for each course)
Registration Period: TBC – 15 September 2024
End of Teaching: 07 February 2025 (check for each course)
End of Exams: 31 March 2024
Register now
University of Primorska
Course start: Check for each course
Registration Period: 15 July – 25 August 2024
End of Teaching: Check for each course
End of Exams: Winter examination period: 14 February 2025
Register now
Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Course start: 6 November 2024
Registration Period: until 15 October 2024
End of Teaching: 12 December 2024
End of Exams: 11 December 2024 (final presentation), 12 December 2024 (exam)
Register now
List of modules and registration:
A list of modules and a registration form can be found here.
For more information please contact sd@vdu.lt
UPinLT internship opportunity at the startup Timespex
JGM company offers international students internship opportunities at one of its companies, Timespex. The internship can be combined with the UPinLT scholarship program and is available in marketing, sales, customer communication, information processing, and other areas relevant to working in the foreign market.
If you are interested in the opportunity, please contact:
Irmantas Jagminas (CEO), irmantas.jagminas@gmail.com
Read more information about the UPinLT internship program here.
T4EU Online Course on Matlab and Data Analysis for PhD Students
The European university alliance Transform4Europe and Saarland University invite PhD students to register for the online course Matlab and Data Analysis, which will be held on Microsoft Teams on the 1st, 2nd, 8th and 10th of October at 3–7 p.m. (Lithuania time). Online registration of participants is open until 14th of September.
In this course the participants will learn the basics of programming and in particular how to use Matlab for universal data analysis. It is a course for beginners. The aim is that participants without prior knowledge learn how to use Matlab for data analysis, statistical evaluation and presentation of results.
The students will get accounts from our IT-center “HIZ” for full functionality of Saarland University’s video conferencing software Microsoft Teams. If students do not have access to a Matlab license, they will get an Email address from Saarland University to access its license. Further registration at Saarland University is not required and no fees are charged.
The course is free of charge. Up to 10 students can participate.
Registration of participants
More information
VMU: Designed to Develop Individuals Prepared to Tackle Challenges
“During a recent international expert assessment, experts noted that the Artes Liberales studies at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) are distinguished by the highest level of student study individualisation and are unique within the context of higher education across Europe. This is the highest recognition we have aimed for,” says Dr. Simona Pilkienė, Vice-Rector for Studies at VMU.
The advantage of Artes Liberales studies
This year, VMU not only celebrates the 35th anniversary of its re-establishment but also the 35th anniversary of the liberal arts concept in Lithuania. “The historical events of the Soviet era were painful for the university, as it was closed by the Soviets. It was a dark period, but it also offered an opportunity to revive the university based on Western traditions. We see how difficult it is for higher education institutions that operated during that era to free themselves from the legacy of Soviet thinking and embrace innovation and Western values. In this regard, VMU was very fortunate; it did not need to struggle to free itself from the clutches of Soviet thinking. With efforts from the American diaspora, the university was re-established on new foundations, based on the liberal arts model of Harvard University,” explains Dr. Pilkienė.
Dr. Simona Pilkienė
As is known, for a long time in Lithuania, the focus was on training specialists for specific job placements, and studies based on the Artes Liberales concept were considered a luxury. “Preparing not narrowly specialised specialists but rather broadly skilled individuals is expensive in terms of time and finances. However, when global crises struck – the pandemic, the war in Ukraine, the crisis of democracy in Europe, and sudden changes in the job market – we see that an education grounded in this concept gives graduates an absolute advantage,” asserts the VMU Vice-Rector for Studies, adding that studies based on critical and analytical thinking, which involve not merely studying one’s speciality courses but designing one’s educational path according to the Artes Liberales concept, develop each student as an individual.
Updated study programmes and additional benefits upon graduation
As Dr. Pilkienė explains, students are mature individuals entrusted with designing their own educational and career paths; therefore, VMU is expanding its selection of wide-ranging study programmes, thereby relieving students of the need to choose a particular programme.
“In other universities, you have to choose one programme and may not always have the option to switch to another. At VMU, however, the programmes are designed so that the choice involves several stages. For example, if you select the ‘Foreign Languages and Cultures’ programme, you can choose to study Italian Studies and Romance Languages, German Language and Communication, or French Language and Francophone Studies. Choosing the Regional Studies programme gives you time to decide whether to study the languages and cultures of the Asian or Scandinavian region. This year, a similar model is offered for Political Studies – do you wish to study Political Science and Leadership in Lithuanian, International Politics and Development Studies in English, or perhaps you are interested in World Politics and Economics? Even if you opt for History studies, you can decide whether to study classical history or philosophy and history of ideas. This principle of designing study programmes is embedded in the Artes Liberales concept and is precisely what allows for the implementation of globally highly-regarded studies,” the Vice-Rector affirms.
Additionally, this year, in response to labour market changes, some programmes are introducing additional competency profiles. For instance, those entering the Land Use Planning and Real Estate Valuation programme will receive qualification certificates enabling them to work as real estate planners and appraisers. Those entering the Social Work and Psychosocial Counselling programme will acquire competencies to provide psychosocial support and counselling. Moreover, music studies have been expanded to include a specialisation in Popular Music, which will allow new entrants to attend classes taught by performer Mantas Jankavičius.
From Europe to the United States or Asia
VMU is the most international university in Lithuania, with around 20% of international students studying here each year, offering international and interdisciplinary study opportunities. Through the Erasmus+ and bilateral exchange programmes, students have the opportunity to pursue part-time studies and participate in short-term courses at over 700 universities in 78 countries worldwide. Every year, more than 200 VMU students take advantage of this opportunity. Additionally, students can undertake internships lasting from 1 to 6 months in companies and organisations across the globe, as well as in Lithuanian communities and Lithuanian heritage schools abroad. More than 160 VMU students and graduates venture abroad for this purpose each year. But that’s not all.
“Every student at VMU can also choose to study at a partner institution within the European Universities Alliance ‘Transform4Europe’, gaining additional competencies through the ‘Bachelor Tracks’ courses at nine universities: Saarland University (Germany), the University of Alicante (Spain), the Estonian Academy of Arts, the Catholic University of Portugal, the University of Primorska (Slovenia), Jean Monnet University in Saint-Étienne (France), the University of Silesia in Katowice (Poland), Sofia University ‘St. Kliment Ohridski’ (Bulgaria), the University of Trieste (Italy), and Mariupol State University (Ukraine). There are also numerous other opportunities offered by international partnerships,” explains the Vice-Rector for Studies.
Additionally, in order to meet the challenges of the global world and maximise opportunities for students, the university continues its collaboration with Coursera, the world’s largest learning platform, where lectures are delivered by academics from leading universities such as Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge.
“VMU studies employ student-engaging methods, utilising a variety of real and digital environments, innovative tools, and approaches previously considered unconventional, such as Coursera courses,” explains Dr. Pilkienė, providing several examples: “For instance, students enrolled in the university study course ‘Theory and History of Photography’ enrich their experience and expand their competencies by independently studying the ‘Seeing Through Photographs’ course offered by New York’s Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). Likewise, students and future teachers at the Education Academy tackle ‘The Science of Wellbeing’ course, taught by a Yale University professor during their ‘Emotional Intelligence Development’ study course,” lists the Vice-Rector for Studies. According to her, these opportunities significantly enhance students’ abilities to solve complex problems by applying theoretical knowledge in real-life situations, broaden the context of their knowledge, and increase their engagement in the study process.
“In summary, when reflecting on the distinctiveness of Artes Liberales studies, one can recall the idea expressed by VMU professor and philosopher Dr. Leonidas Donskis: ‘Regular studies are a sprint; Artes Liberales studies are a marathon. Everyone chooses according to their own preference’, but after completing the marathon, the victory is much more valuable,” says Dr. Pilkienė.
Apply Now: Conference on Health of Working-Age and Older Adults
The University of Primorska, partner of the Transform4Europe Alliance, invites VMU researchers to register for the 7th scientific and professional conference with international participation Health of Working-Age and Older Adults, which will be held in Slovenia on 19-20 September.
The aim of the conference, organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, is to address the health problems of working-age and older adults, and present contemporary research in this field as well as new approaches used in practice. The conference programme will be interdisciplinary – with the purpose of improving life quality for these populations, it will focus on the various aspects of eliminating risk factors in the care for their health.
The Conference will take place on 19th and 20th September 2024 at UP FTŠ – Turistica, Portorož, Slovenia.
Registration for the Conference is open until 1 September 2024.
Programme in English
More information
VMU to Hold Conference on Well-Being of Child and Family
On 15–16 October, the Department of Social Work at the VMU Faculty of Social Sciences together with its partners is organizing the international scientific and practice conference Well-Being of the Child and Family. What Can Social Work Offer in a Context of Dynamic Change? The participants will be able to register online from 22 August until 1 October.
The goal of the conference is to discuss the changes taking place in the field of child and family well-being in social, economic, political and cultural contexts, shaping and changing the well-being of children and families. These changes, which have both positive and negative impacts, include changes in family structure, transformations in social networks, in the labour market, financial support, laws and education policies, changes in values, migration and the geopolitical situation, the impact of digital technologies, online learning, access to health care, the challenge of public health and climate change.
The conference aims to bring together Lithuanian and foreign social science and social work researchers, practitioners, policy makers, students and community members – all those working and interested in the field of child and family welfare.
We invite you to share research findings, ideas and practice insights and to submit presentations on the following topics:
- Transformative social work with the family
- The role of social work in responding to changes in family structure and roles
- Social work response to intergenerational interactions in the family
- Social work during family crisis
- Visibility of the child in family social work practice
- Psychosocial counselling: prevention and intervention
- Family health and well-being: an integrated approach
- Traditional and innovative social work approaches
- Social work with groups as method to strengthen the family
- Family and technology: challenges and opportunities for social work in the digital era
- Social work with migrant families
- Impact of climate change on child and family well-being
The submission of abstracts is open until 9 September.
Registration for paper submission
Registration to the conference will take place from 22 August until 1 October. More information will be provided in August.
Articles based on the papers that meet the requirements will be published in the journal Socialinis darbas. Patirtis ir metodai.
Languages of the conference: Lithuanian and English.
Conference participant fee: 50 euros.
Email for more information: sdk[at]vdu.lt
T4EU Mobility Week in Poland – European Universities’ Diplomacy
Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey at the third edition of the T4EU Mobility Week, hosted by the University of Silesia in Katowice, Poland, from October 21st to 25th, 2024. The theme of this year’s event is “European Universities’ Diplomacy.” The registration to the events for the students is open until 25 August.
About the Mobility Week
This program offers a diverse range of courses and accompanying events, including sports competitions, a cinema night, culinary workshops, and mental health workshops. The week will kick off with a T4EU party, fostering integration and interuniversity connections among participants.
Course Offerings
For the mobility week, students can choose one course for which 3 ECTS credits are rewarded and recognised in all partner universities of the Transfrom4Europe Alliance. Students can choose one course from the following options, each with in-person and online components:
- English Communication Skills for STEM: Learn to communicate effectively in English within interdisciplinary science, technology, engineering, and math fields.
- Negotiation Ninja: Skills for Business and Personal Triumphs: Develop successful negotiation strategies for business and personal contexts.
- Who, where, what, why, why not: understanding cultures in an incomprehensible world: Explore cultural differences and learn to navigate a diverse world.
- Individualized Education Program (IEP) for Students With Disabilities: Gain insights into designing individualized education programs for students with disabilities.
- Gender Equality In Society. Legal Aspects: Examine the legal aspects of gender equality and address barriers faced by women and men in various spheres.
- Challenges and Choices of the Anthropocene Epoch: Understand the global environmental situation and its consequences, exploring challenges and choices for a sustainable future.
- Fundamentals of cybersecurity – transdisciplinary approach: Develop a comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity principles, practices, and technologies.
Who Could Participate
This mobility week is open to all students and PhD students of Transform4Europe partner universities.
Application Process
The deadline to register for the T4EU Mobility Week is August 25th, 2024.
Funding
Limited scholarships are available to cover travel and accommodation expenses.
More information
