INTERNATIONAL WEEK: COMMUNITY, NEW EXPERIENCES, AND FUTURE PLANS
From April 13–17, the 10th International Week was held at Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution, promoting active international networking and cooperation among higher education institutions from various countries. A total of 37 guests attended, representing Albania, Azerbaijan, Czechia, Indonesia, Spain, Kosovo, Croatia, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Georgia, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine.
The activities of the International Week began with introductions to institutions and cultures. Participants were first welcomed by the institution director, Dr. Lina Tamutienė. Sule, an Erasmus+ trainee from Turkey in the International Relations Department, led an interactive quiz about Lithuania. Gina, Communication Manager for the NEOLAiA project, presented the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, highlighting its importance for the region as well as the international opportunities it offers to students and staff. International Relations Coordinator Guoda introduced participants to the institution and its activities. Participants also presented their home institutions.
In the afternoon, a cultural fair took place where representatives from each country brought a piece of their culture – sweets, drinks, souvenirs, and more. The International Relations team also prepared Lithuanian delicacies for guests to taste.
The second day was dedicated to exploring the Faculty of Health Care. Dean Dr. Lina Garšvė, along with department heads, lecturers, and students, introduced guests to the study facilities. Participants not only learned about the faculty’s activities but also had the opportunity to try out the available equipment themselves. Following the visit, Anna Mazurek-Kusiak from the University of Social and Medical Sciences in Lublin, Poland, delivered a workshop on event marketing. The faculty also hosted a meeting of NEOLAiA Public Relations and communication representatives. During the meeting, participants shared successful communication tools, discussed challenges, and explored solutions. In the evening, guests attended a tasting of Lithuanian dishes at the Žemaitis restaurant.
The third day’s activities took place at the Faculty of Business and Technology. The day began with a workshop titled “LEGO Serious Play for Employee Well-being.” After the workshop, participants were introduced to the faculty’s study facilities. In the afternoon, attendees split into two groups based on their interests: some joined a meeting with faculty representatives to discuss future cooperation, while others visited the Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva together with the International Relations team.
On the fourth day, participants attended an open science lecture led by lecturer Laima Naujokienė from the Department of Management and Communication. During the lecture, both international guests and members of the ŠVK community were introduced to open science platforms used and developed within the NEOLAiA alliance. These platforms were presented by Irmantas Pilypas, a lecturer-practitioner from the Department of Informatics and Electrical Engineering. Later, another session was led by Stefan Sfichi from Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, focusing on the effective use of media tools to engage students in promoting their institution. Participants had the opportunity to explore his equipment and even fly a drone.
The remainder of the day included a trip to the Hill of Crosses and Biržai. In Biržai, participants walked across the Astravas Manor bridge, the longest pedestrian bridge over a lake in Lithuania. This was followed by a tour of Biržai Castle and a cultural experience, where guests tasted traditional regional drinks and snacks, learned about Lithuanian customs, listened to songs, and danced. Participants were also invited to sing songs from their own countries, and everyone enthusiastically joined in.
The final day of International Week was dedicated to individual meetings with representatives of departments and administrative units. These meetings focused on discussing opportunities for future cooperation.
This week opens the city to the world – it strengthens academic ties, promotes internationalisation, and fosters new partnerships. For the institution, it is an opportunity to grow, share experiences, and develop joint solutions with partners from different countries. For each participant, it is a chance not only to present their institution but also to gain new ideas, better understand different cultures, and broaden both professional and personal horizons. This year’s International Week theme – “WE ARE COMMUNICATION” – invited participants to explore how communication can strengthen trust and a sense of community, regardless of different experiences or cultures.
