Vytautas magnus university in Kaunas/ 2008-2009

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WELCOME TO LITHUANIA AT

KLAIPĖDA

T H E

C R O S S R OA D S

O F W E S T

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Lithuania is an attractive multifaceted country lying at the crossroads of West and East. Its history and past has enriched both Europe and the rest of the world. The country was first mentioned in historic manuscripts nearly a thousand years ago in 1009, and since then has lived through a dramatic history of establishing its independence and statehood. The country may boast about the longest tradition of statehood among the Baltic States, what is more, in the Middle Ages it was the largest state in Eastern Europe. Nowadays Lithuania is a new and active Member State of the European Union (since 1 May 2004) and the North Atlantic Alliance (since 29 March 2004).

ŠIAULIAI PANEVĖŽYS

KAUNAS VILNIUS

What concerns the culture, Lithuania has attracted creative personalities of international repute, thus, the country may boast about a cultural field of distinctive gravity. Prominent artists of Polish, Russian, Jewish, German and other descent have loved this country and produced their creative work here. Modern Lithuanian culture is a peerless reflection of the meeting between Western and Eastern Europe and their sociocultural developments. Post-communist experience provides the creators of our culture with a deep understanding of occupation, manipulation and political censorship as well as resources for unconstrained improvisation, original artistic output and the formation of individual social environment.

E A S T

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Total area: 65.300 km2 Coastline: 99 km Official name: Lietuvos Respublika (the Republic of Lithuania) State: Democratic Parliamentary Republic with one legislative house Seimas Population: about 3.4 million (Lithuanians – 83.5%, Polish – 6.7%, Russians – 6.3%, Belarusians – 1.2%, others – 2.3%) Capital: Vilnius (population 550 000) Major cities: Kaunas (360 000), Klaipėda (200 000), Šiauliai (130 000), Panevėžys (100 000) Currency: Litas (Lt) State language: Lithuanian Major religion: Roman Catholic Local time: GMT+2

MAIN FACTS A B O U T

L I T H UAN I A :

National holidays & commemorative days: Freedom Defenders Day (January 13), Independence Day (February 16), Restoration of Lithuania’s Independence (March 11), Feast of St. John (June 24), Statehood Day / Coronation of King Mindaugas (July 6), Constitution Day (October 25). Find out more: www.travel.lt, www.tourism.lt, http://culturelive.lt, www.businesslithuania.com.

www.vdu.lt

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KAUNAS I NSPIRING

O LD

BUT

MODERN

CIT Y

Kaunas with nearly 400 thousand inhabitants is one of the most significant cities of Lithuania. It is a fast-growing modern city with 6 universities, 2 academies and 3 affiliates of other universities which are located in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Kaunas is also an attractive centre of business and industry as well as science, studies and culture. Famous music, dance, visual art festivals and outstanding projects are held in Kaunas. Kaunas – the provisional capital of Lithuania (1920–1940) – is famous for its history, cosy parks, remarkable and wonderful Old Town, interwar spirit as well as active, young and ambitious people. Kaunas was and still is an important historical and cultural city in Lithuania. In 1408, Magdeburg rights were granted to the city of Kaunas by the privilege of Vytautas the Great. During the early 20th century, Kaunas was the home of the Lithuanian Government and the capital of the country; a period considered by many as the golden age of the city. However, history tells us that even before this date, the city experienced many other periods of great prosperity and national importance.

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INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT

K AUNAS

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Kaunas is a capital of academics – it has more Universities than any other city of Lithuania.

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Approximately fifty thousand of students – that is a fact which demonstrates that Kaunas is a city of students.

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It is a green city – you will hardly find a place without greenness during the warm period of the year.

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Kaunas lives a dynamic cultural life, each year residents and guests of Kaunas take a great pleasure in attending international music, modern dance, theatre festivals as well as a variety of art performances by local and foreign artists.

Find out more about Kaunas: http://visit.kaunas.lt www.inyourpocket.com/city/kaunas www.StudyKaunas.eu www.kaunas.lt

www.vdu.lt

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VYTAUTAS MAGNUS UNIVERSITY COMBINING LIBERAL ACADEMIC TRADITIONS & INNO VATIONS

Vytautas Magnus University, established in 1922, closed in 1950 and reestablished in 1989, is one of the most liberal and modern universities in Lithuania, having liberal studies policy, seeking and establishing successful international relations with other universities all over the world. It is an open university where traditions and innovations successfully meet and compliment each other. As of 2008, VMU had 10 faculties: Arts, Catholic Theology, Economics and Management, Humanities, Informatics, Law, Political Science and Diplomacy, Natural Sciences, Social Welfare and Social Sciences. Together they offer more than 70 bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes as well as 16 doctoral programmes. The VMU academic community now consists of more than 9,000 students taught by 550 scholars who since the reestablishment of the university have brought forth 16,000 alumni. Just like twenty years ago the reestablishment of a free university in a free Lithuania seemed difficult if not outright impossible, so today VMU is nothing if not ambitious in looking forward to a time when it is not only a modern, but also a leading institution of higher education that actively participates in the life of world-class universities.

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V Y TAUTAS

MAGNUS

UNIVERSIT Y

IN OUTLINE

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

around 7000 Bachelor & 2000 Master students over 250 PhD students around 100 Professional development students over 550 scholars and researches over 16 000 alumni (after 1989) 70 BA and MA study programs 17 degree programs and over 350 courses offered in English 22 foreign languages courses 10 faculties and schools situated in 15 buildings 150 partner universities around the world Member of 9 international organizations & associations Member of Campus Europae university network

www.vdu.lt

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STUDYING @ VMU LIBERAL STUDIES FOR ALL O VER THE W ORLD

STUDENTS

FR OM

Vytautas Magnus University is unique in Lithuania for its liberal study system and academic freedom which allows students to decide when and what subjects to take. Students are also provided with the opportunity to receive a certiďŹ cate for a minor ďŹ eld of study together with their main diploma. The System of studies at VMU is based on the three levels introduced already in 1993: Bachelor, Master and Ph.D. Undergraduate, in other words, Bachelor studies consist of 160 credits, meanwhile Graduate Master studies consist of 80 credits. Have in mind that 1 VMU credit equals 1.5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit. Academic year at VMU starts at September 1st and lasts till the middle of June. Each academic year is divided into Autumn Semester (from September to December) and Spring Semester (from February to June). Every semester takes 15 weeks of lectures and two weeks of examinations. Usually in the middle of each semester students take midterm-tests.

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Vytautas Magnus University is open for academic community from all over the world. Each year over 100 of students and a number of teachers from different International universities come to VMU. The University has almost 100 LLP/Erasmus program and over 45 bilateral cooperation partners all over Europe and the world. The University offers 17 full-time graduate programs in English and 2 programs in German and Russian. Over 350 semester-long courses in all the faculties and schools are offered in English for students from foreign countries, also for exchange and visiting students. Each semester at least 4-5 courses in all programs are taught in English, if 3 or more foreign students participate in these courses. It is also possible for an exchange student to study any of the offered subjects individually, do research projects and get consultations. The University also offers 22 foreign languages (Lithuanian, Latvian, Japanese, Hindi, Turkish, Arab, Ancient Greek, Norwegian, etc.) courses. More information about the programs and courses at VMU offered in English and other foreign languages can be found on the Internet: www.vdu.lt/en.

www.vdu.lt

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FACULTIES AT VY TAUTAS

•

MAGNUS

UNIVERSIT Y

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT S. Daukanto St. 28, Kaunas LT-44246, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Economics, Business Administration, Management Graduate studies: Macroeconomics, Finance and Banking, Marketing and International Administration Commerce, Management of Organizations

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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES K. Donelaičio St. 52, Room 216, Kaunas LT-44248, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: English Philology, Ethnology, Lithuanian Philology, French Philology, German Philology, History, Philosophy Graduate studies: Literature and Press, Applied Lithuanian Linguistics, Computer Linguistics, English Culture and Literature, Applied English Linguistics, Applied Germanistics and Lithuanistics, History of Lithuania, Lithuanian Ethnoculture, Practical Philosophy, Business Communication in German, Subcultural Studies

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FACULTY OF CATHOLIC THEOLOGY Gimnazijos St. 7, Kaunas LT-44260, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Catholic Theology, Christian Pedagogy Graduate studies: Pastoral Theology, Canon Law, Christian Education, Family Research

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FACULTY OF INFORMATICS Vileikos St. 8, Room 212, Kaunas LT-44404, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Informatics, Mathematics Graduate studies: Applied Informatics, Business Informatics, Applied Mathematics

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FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES Vileikos St. 8, Room 212, Kaunas LT-44404, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Physics Graduate studies: Environmental Protection Management, Chemical Analysis, Molecular Technology and Biotechnology, Physics, Energy and Environment

www.vdu.lt

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FACULTIES AT VY TAUTAS

•

MAGNUS

UNIVERSIT Y

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES K. Donelaičio St. 52, Room 301, Kaunas LT-44244, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Management of Services for Learning, Sociology, Psychology Graduate studies: Applied Sociology, Social Antropology, Educational Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Health Psychology, Management of Education

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FACULTY OF ARTS Laisvės Av. 53, Room 403, Kaunas LT-44309, Lithuania. Undergraduate studies: Art Criticism Graduate studies: Art History and Criticism, Theater Studies, Cultural Heritage and Tourism

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FACULTY OF LAW S. Daukanto St. 28, Kaunas LT-44001, Lithuania First and second cycle (graduate, integrated) studies: Law

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FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY Gedimino St. 44, Room 201, Kaunas LT-44240, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Political Science, Public Administration Graduate studies: Administration of State Institutions, Administration of EU Institutions, Journalism, Integrated Communications, Diplomacy and International Relations, Contemporary Europe and Politics, Baltic Region Studies, East Asian Region Studies

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FACULTY OF SOCIAL WELFARE K. Donelaičio St. 52, Room 408, Kaunas LT-44244, Lithuania Undergraduate studies: Social Work Graduate studies: Social Work Practice

www.vdu.lt

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DEGREE PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH BA

AND

MA

LE VEL

BA LEVEL (4 programmes) •

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT Economics (4 academic years, 240 ECTS credits) The programme in Economics aims at providing students with a background in business subjects; qualifying them as specialists in economics that would be highly educated, motivated to think creatively, willing to learn and maintain their professional competence on a high level and able to apply successfully their theoretical knowledge of economics in practice.

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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES English Philology (4 academic years, 240 ECTS credits) The Bachelor programme in English philology offers broad based studies aimed at providing students with a wide variety of options upon graduation. English language skills are improved to a near-native level, the students are given grounding in literature, linguistics, translation studies, English language teaching, culture, and history of English-speaking countries. English and German Philology (4 academic years, 240 ECTS credits) The programme is determined to prepare English and German philology specialists with a strong command both in English and German languages, possessing both fundamental knowledge in philology and culture as well as the necessary skills in translation, literary studies, and foreign language teaching that will enable them to apply their knowledge in a variety of situations; to train these English and German philology specialists to use their knowledge and skills creatively, as well as to develop professional attitudes which will help them adapt when working in their selected fields.

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FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Managing Education Services (4 academic years, 240 ECTS credits) The programme aims at preparing qualified specialists able to analyse the learning needs and possibilities of adults, to plan, manage and evaluate teaching and learning processes and professional development of employees in organisations, and to assess the effectiveness of these processes in the context of the lifelong learning and changes in the job market.

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MA LEVEL (13 programmes) •

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT Marketing and International Commerce (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) This programme aims at extending the student’s knowledge and understanding of the broader application of marketing and international commerce. Graduates will master modern theories and methods in marketing and international trade; will understand contemporary marketing and organisational issues in a changing context: they will learn how to pursue market research independently and to follow-up and evaluate scientific novelties, to apply the obtained knowledge in organisations in order to improve their marketing management.

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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES Lithuanian Studies (2 years, 120 ETCS credits) A graduate of the Master’s programme in Lithuanian Studies is a highly qualified specialist who is familiar with Lithuanian language and literature, traditional culture, history and art; understands the principles that govern ethnic culture; is able to think critically, formulate research questions and apply modern methods of ethnic culture analysis. English Culture and Literature (2 years, 120 ECTS credits) A graduate of the Master‘s programme in English culture and literature is a highly qualified specialist who is familiar with modern linguistic theories, understands the principles that govern language, culture and literature of English-speaking countries, is able to think critically and apply modern methods of text and discourse analysis.

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FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES Energy and Environment (1,5 academic years, 90 ECTS credits) The programme focuses upon environmentally-friendly energy production from both renewable and non-renewable energy sources, and upon prevention of pollution of air and water. Specialization is given in the field combustion and energy, and in physical and biological cleaning processes. The successful graduate can find employment in companies working with safety and environmental risk analysis, design and operation of pollution abatement facilities or water treatment plants, energy production, management, and distribution, and with research institutes.

www.vdu.lt

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DEGREE PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH MA

LE VEL

Chemical Analysis (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) Chemical analysis study programme is designed to prepare competent specialists capable to perform analytical and leading jobs in chemical analysis. After completion of studies graduates are able to organise research in laboratory; to identify problems and carry out analysis of academic literature; to plan experiments and qualitatively perform data analysis using instrumental analysis tools and equipment; to design new methods for analysis and to validate these; to perform evaluation of obtained results and their mathematical processing and formulate conclusions according to the results obtained; to use data bases; to evaluate the scope of application of analytical methods; to plan his/her work and to organise work in groups; to communicate effectively; to plan, organise, implement and develop general and lifelong learning methods necessary for successful participation in a changing and knowledge-based society. •

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES Social Anthropology (1,5 academic years, 90 ECTS credits) The programme is designed to train future anthropologists carry out independent scientific research being able to apply ethnographic fieldwork as well as anthropological theories and contemporary research perspectives; also to train intercultural communication specialists. With the MA in Social anthropology one will be competent to apply anthropological methodology, as well as models of socio-cultural stability and change when conducting anthropological research in various societies and cultures; carry out empirical research based on qualitative methodology, applying participant observation and other anthropological fieldwork methods; identify and conduct research on problematic situations caused by socio-cultural encounters emerging when different global, transnational, national, regional and local development perspectives, majority and minority interests, social change, mobility and difference as well as multiculturalism development collide; foresee, model and handle, as well as politically and practically solve problems arising from socio-cultural differences; carry out the monitoring of stigmatised and/or marginalised and other segregated groups as well as representation of the interests of these groups and intercultural mediation; identify and analyse an informal intercultural communication of socio-culturally different and/or opposite groups of interests; prepare preventive strategies for intergroup conflicts, simulate possible and solve existing cultural conflicts; prepare national strategies.

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FACULTY OF ARTS Theatre Studies (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) The Master programme of Theatre Studies is designed to prepare future researchers, art (theatre and film) critics or managers with the broad theoretical and practical knowledge that can be applied in a quickly changing contemporary cultural landscape. The programme is aimed at providing students with abilities to analyse, evaluate, interpret and animate theatre processes in a wide cultural, social, historical context. Students develop broad theoretical background and practical research as well as animation skills, they are able to theoretically analyse and practically solve the problems of theatre and performance research using interdisciplinary methodology. Programme focuses on training of professional skills at the local level (students collaborate with various Lithuanian theatres, festivals, organise projects at VMU art spaces).

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FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY Baltic Region Studies (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) A graduate is competent to analyse political processes in different countries in the regional context; knows theoretical models and their practical applications for examining regional political and economical phenomena; knows the political systems in the region, historical aspects of the regional processes and developmental perspectives in the region; is able to formulate research questions and to perceive the development of the Baltic countries in the European and global context; is able to identify, analyse, evaluate and foresee the main tendencies of political and economic processes in the Baltic region. The Baltic Region Studies degree is taken as a joint degree programme in collaboration with international partner universities: University of Tartu (Estonia), University of Latvia (Latvia) and University of Turku (Finland). Diplomacy and International Relations (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) The MA programme in Diplomacy and International Relations provides students with the theoretical basis and tools necessary to analyse and evaluate changes and developments in international relations alongside their causes and effects, as well as to prepare competent professionals able to adapt to the ever-changing nature of practical diplomacy. Programme provides a balanced presentation of theoretical and practical knowledge of the field. Skills in academic analysis are developed alongside a foundation of understanding the relevant professional culture. East Asia Region Studies (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) Students are able to analyse political processes in Asia countries, know theoretical models and their practical applications for examining regional political and economic phenomena. A graduate is able to identify, analyse, evaluate, foresee the main tendencies of political and economic processes in the East Asia region; is competent to analyse political processes in different countries in the regional context.

www.vdu.lt

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DEGREE PROGRAMS IN ENGLISH MA

LE VEL

Journalism (2 academic years, 120 ECTS) The programme is designed to prepare future journalists and editors to meet the challenges of contemporary society. It is a small-scale programme that creates collaborative learning environment, applies cross-media education model and focuses on professional skills training (students publish community newspaper and online-only news portals); it also provides an excellent theoretical basis for questioning how political, economic, technological as well as cultural issues are involved in the democratic performance of the media. The program is both research and professional training oriented. The journalists who complete this program will gain insight into theoretical as well as practical issues that contemporary journalism meets in a changing society; they will master a wide range of media tools and gain valuable experience in addressing everyday questions with a professional touch. Integrated Communications (2 academic years, 120 ECTS) The programme is designed to address issues of organizational communication in a new light: its content is multidisciplinary (combining streams of management, marketing, information and communication) and is designed for students who can master dierent subjects and communicate these eectively to the general public. There is a growing need in the market for such professional information managers and strategic communicators. The information professionals who complete this program will gain insight into theoretical as well as practical issues that contemporary organizations meet in a changing society; graduates will be able to demonstrate their ability to formulate strategies and tactics for reaching appropriate publics, use market research data, writing news releases, managing relations with both internal and external publics. European Public Policy and Administration (2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) The main goal of the Master’s degree programme in European Public Policy and Administration is to achieve a level of competence that allows the students to work with EU integration issues, policy analysis and implementation. The graduates of the programme have a good working knowledge about the European Union institutions and their legal basis, policy formation and decision making mechanisms; they have thorough understanding of the premises, motives and processes of European integration.

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DEGREE PROGRAMS IN OTHER LANGUAGES MA

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LE VEL

FACULTY OF HUMANITIES Business Communication in German Language (in German, 2 years, 120 ETCS credits) The programme focuses on preparing Philology specialists in correspondence with the requirements of the present-day society of knowledge and the idea of interdisciplinary studies. Graduating specialists acquire relevant knowledge in Business German and Communication and are able to apply this knowledge independently in new situations. The graduates of this programme should be able to expand their knowledge in the fields of professional language of economics and various kinds of business communication, as well as be competent specialists in joint business projects with German-speaking countries.

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FACULTY OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY European Public Policy and Administration (in Russian, 2 academic years, 120 ECTS credits) The main goal of the Master’s degree programme in European Public Policy and Administration is to achieve a level of competence that allows the students to work with EU integration issues, policy analysis and implementation. The graduates of the programme have a good working knowledge about the European Union institutions and their legal basis, policy formation and decision making mechanisms; they have thorough understanding of the premises, motives and processes of European integration.

www.vdu.lt

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SUMMER SCHOOLS & COURSES UNFOR GE T TABLE IN

EXPERIENCES

MULTICULTURAL

ENVIR ONMENT

European Summer Academy for Journalism Students “Reporting Europe from Home” Dates: June 26 – July 5, 2008 The Academy brings together journalism students and media professionals to a transnational setting in order to learn, analyse and report on European affairs. This year it is dedicated to the theme “Reporting Europe from Home”. The lectures and workshops question whether a wide availability of online news sources (Internet media, online data-bases, blogs) offering different (alternative, critical, independent) views on EU policy-making could become useful means in overcoming national and cultural barriers in reporting about European affairs. Deadline for application: April 30, 2008 Organised by: Department of Public Communications at the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy More information: http://www.vdu.lt/media/interlinks/ ESA2008

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Japanese Culture Summer School (in Lithuanian) Dates: June 30 – July 6, 2008 About the event: Courses and social activities in the Japanese language and culture conducted at this summer school are aimed at improving the knowledge of the Japans history, traditions and also encouraging Lithuanian students to study Japanese language and establish closer relations with students in Japan universities. Deadline for application: April 30, 2008 Organised by: East Asian Studies Centre Lithuanian Language & Culture Summer Course Dates: July 22 – August 19, 2008 This Summer school has been organized for nine years in a row already. Each summer different groups of the Lithuanian language learners are formed: beginners, intermediate and advanced. During the courses, foreign students enrich their vocabulary, learn grammar of the Lithuanian language, participate in discussions, become acquainted with Lithuanian culture, literature, art, history and politics. Deadline for application: May 31, 2008 Organised by: Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy More information: http://www.vdu.lt/LTcourses

www.vdu.lt

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APPLY NOW! CONTAC TS

&

LINKS

FOR

MORE

INFORMATION

Vytautas Magnus University K. Donelaičio St. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas Phone: +370 37 222739 Fax: +370 37 203858 E-mail: info@adm.vdu.lt Internet: www.vdu.lt All information on application procedures & deadlines, courses and programs available in English, also practical information on accommodation, social activities, visas and residence permits in Lithuania is provided by International Office at VMU. Postal address: K. Donelaičio St. 58, LT-44248 Kaunas, Lithuania Visiting address: S. Daukanto St. 27 (301-305) Phone: +370 37 327 988, +370 37 327 989 Fax: +370 37 327 989 E-mail: office@trt.vdu.lt Internet: www.vdu.lt, www.StudyKaunas.eu.

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A CLOSER LOOK AT VMU PLACES W OR TH VISITING

AT THE

U NIVERSIT Y

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Building of VMU Rectorate & Museum of S. and S. Lozoraičiai (K. Donelaičio St. 58, Kaunas) VMU Rectorate is settled together with Museum of S. and S. Lozoraičiai in a renewed building which now adorns the centre of the city. The visitors of the museum may take a look at exhibitions of documents which tell a lot about the famous Lozoraičiai family of diplomats.

VMU Aula Magna (Didžioji aula) (Gimnazijos St. 7, Kaunas) A few years ago, in a renewed Faculty of Catholic Theology, which is located in the Old Town, one of the most beautiful concert halls in Kaunas opened its door to visitors. Aula Magna classical music evenings organised by Aula Magna Music Fellowship and Chamber Music Maintenance Fund have been taking place here since 2003. The concerts are held once per month. A big final concert is organised in the end of June which gathers young performers as well as winners of various music contests. The main goal of the classical music evenings is to enrich the city’s musical life and raise the interest of youth in classical and modern music, to attract the audience which could admire and value the professional music as well as to form society’s more delicate musical culture and aesthetic needs. The chamber concerts are held in Aula Magna because of its good quality of space and acoustics, which are suitable even for the most fastidious performers.

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VMU Concert Hall (S. Daukanto St. 28, Kaunas) The most important and exceptional annual cultural events and festivals of the city, such as International Modern Dance Festival, “Kaunas Jazz”, take place in VMU Concert Hall. www.kaunajazz.lt www.dancefestival.lt

Sugihara House (J. T. Vaižganto St. 30, Kaunas) Chiune Sugihara was the Japanese consul to Lithuania for the period between 1939 and 1940. Together with a Dutch colleague he saved thousands of Polish Jews by issuing visas (against the orders of the Japanese government) to get them out of the country to a safe place. This is the house where he lived with his family whilst living in Kaunas. Nowadays there is a small museum inside. http://www.vdu.lt/japonistai/en/index.php

VMU Kaunas Botanical Garden (Ž. E. Žilibero St. 6) This is a place of parks, small bridges and natural beauty. Visitors can take a look at medicinal herbs and decorative plants, as well as to look in a glasshouse.

www.vdu.lt

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Club “Sesija” (S. Daukanto g. 27, Kaunas) University’s club „Sesija“ is a meeting place of different people, not only members of VMU community, but also guests of the University, as well as active members of Kaunas society and guests of the city. “Sesija” is open for active people who are interested in multifunctional culture and art. The club provides the society and the community of the University with cultural, educational and social activities, introduces outstanding original projects and attractive events. In the club one may watch non-commercial movies, enjoy concerts, festivals and presentations or take part in thought provoking discussions. www.sesija.lt

Gallery “101” (Laisvės al. 53, Kaunas) Opened on March, 2008 University’s gallery is a place where educational, cultural and historical projects find their place. The founders of the gallery aim to enrich the intelectual life of the community, to encourage a critical dialog and an interdisciplinary interpretation of the art and the culture.

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GET TO KNOW KAUNAS BETTER PLACES W OR TH VISITING

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St. Francis Xavier Church and Jesuit Monastery (Rotušės Sq. 7, 8, 9) The Church in the late Baroque style was constructed in the early 17th century. In 1787, it was transferred to the Order of Franciscan Monks, later it served as an Orthodox Church, Alexander Nevsky’s Cathedral and a Technical College. In 1990, the Jesuit Community, which established Jesuit High School in the building, regained the Church.

Town Hall (Rotušės Sq.) It combines the elements of Gothic, Baroque and early Classicism and is often called the White Swan of the city. In the Middle Ages the Town Hall was the centre of Kaunas with the main market place. After the reconstruction of the building in 1973, the Town Hall was turned into the Wedding Palace and in its basement the Museum of Ceramic Art has settled.

Kaunas Castle A brick castle on the confluence of two rivers – the Nemunas and the Neris - was built in the late 13th century in order to resist the attacks of the Crusaders. It was the first defence castle in Lithuania having played a significant role in the defence system of the city. The castle was rebuilt several times and lost its significance in 1408 when Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights. Since 2003, the office of Kaunas Tourist Information Centre has been located in the castle.

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Kaunas Cathedral (Vilniaus St. 26) It is the only church in Lithuania in the Gothic style with Basilica design. Have been reconstructed a number of times, it acquired architectural features of Renaissance and Baroque. The Cathedral has 9 altars and crystal-type arches in the sacristy.

Vytautas Church (Aleksoto St. 6) This Church was built in the 15th century. It is one of the first brick buildings in Gothic style in Kaunas. The building belonged to Franciscan monks during the Napoleonic Wars and was used as a warehouse of weapons. Vytautas Church is a burial place of a famous Lithuanian writer J. Tumas-Vaižgantas.

Vilniaus Street It is the most beautiful street in Kaunas, located in the Old Town and is intended for pedestrians. The majority of its buildings have survived since the 16th century and many of them have been reconstructed. This unique street connects the old and the new part of the city.

The House of Thunder (Aleksoto St. 6) It is original and impressive building of Gothic architecture. It was constructed in the 15th century for Hanza merchants. In the 19th century the statue of Thunder was found in one of the walls. The first Kaunas Drama theatre was established in the house in 1844. Now the House of Thunder belongs to Jesuit High School.

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Laisvės alėja (Laisvės Avenue) It is a 1.7 km long street intended only for pedestrians. It connects the old and the new part of the city.

Kaunas State Musical Theatre (Laisvės Av. 91) The Musical Theatre was established in this building in 1940. Presently, operas and operettas are being performed on its stage.

Monument to Vytautas the Great (at the turn of Laisvės Av. and L. Sapiegos St.) This monument was unveiled in 1932 in commemoration of the 500th anniversary of the Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania.

St. Michael the Archangel Church (Nepriklausomybės Sq. 14) This is a neo-Byzantine style building with architectural traits of the Orthodox sanctuary. The church was designed and constructed by Russian architects and built for Kaunas military garrison. Later it was turned into the Art Gallery, however, the Catholic Church has regained the building and now worships there.

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Garden of Military Museum (Vienybės Sq.) Monumental busts of famous Lithuanian writers and politicians were unveiled here. The Eternal flame and wooden crosses commemorate those who lost their lives for the independence of Lithuania.

Kaunas Funiculars (Skriaudžių St. 8 and Aušros St. 6) Kaunas is the only town in Lithuania which has funiculars – one of the oldest means of transport. The funiculars are used for two purposes – transportation and pleasure trips. The funicular in Aleksotas links the old part of the city with the slopes of Aleksotas which offer a beautiful view of the city.

Statue of Liberty (Vienybės Sq.) This sculpture is the symbol of Lithuanian Statehood. It was inaugurated in 1928, destroyed during the Stalinist regime and restored in 1989.

Kaunas Zoo (Radvilėnų St. 21) This zoo-park is the only one in Lithuania. It is set up in the old oak grove and has around 270 species of animals and birds.

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Pažaislis Monastery It is one of the most beautiful architectural ensembles of the Baroque style in Lithuania. It was built in the 17th century as a Camaldoli Abbey under the supervision of Italian masters from Florence. Pažaislis music festivals are held here every summer. http://www.pazaislis.lt

Kauno Marios Regional Park (Miškininkų St. 2,Vaišvydava, Kaunas District) Artificially made Kauno Marios (Kaunas Lagoon) covering a total area of 63,5 km² was created in 1959. The open-air Folk Museum, Pažaislis Monastery and Kaunas Yacht Club are located nearby.

A. Mickevičius Valley The stone, whereon poet A. Mickevičius loved to sit and create poems, lies in the valley that surrounds the Girstupis rivulet.

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Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis National Art Museum (V. Putvinskio St. 55) http://www.ciurlionis.lt Open-Air Museum of Lithuania (Rumšiškės, Kaišiadorys District) http://www.llbm.lt/ Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum (Rotušės Sq. 13) http://www.maironiomuziejus.lt Devil Museum (V. Putvinskio St. 64) http://www.muziejai.lt/Kaunas/velniu_muziejus.en.htm Mykolas Žilinskas Art Museum (Nepriklausomybės Sq. 12) http://www.muziejai.lt/Kaunas/MZilinsk_galerija.htm F Galerija Žaliakalnis Funicular (Aušros St. 6) http://www.light.lt Military Museum of Vytautas the Great (K. Donelaičio St. 64) http://www.muziejai.lt/Kaunas/karo_muziejus.htm Tadas Ivanauskas Zoological Museum (Laisvės Av. 106) http://www.muziejai.lt/Kaunas/ivanausko_muziejus.htm Museum of Folk Music & Instruments (L. Zamenhofo St. 12) http://www.muziejai.lt/Kaunas/stulgos_muziejus.htm Museum of Exiles & Political Prisoners (Vytauto Av. 46) Lithuanian Sports Museum (Muziejaus St. 7) http://www.muziejus.lt/Kaunas/Sporto_muziejus.htm Ceramics Museum (Rotušės Sq. 15) Aviation Museum (Veiverių St. 132) http://www.lam.lt

MUSEUMS & GALLERIES IN

K AUNAS

More museums: http://www.muziejai.lt/panorama.htm

www.vdu.lt

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SUR VIVA L

LITHUANIAN

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NICETIES How are you? Kaip sekasi? Thank you Ačiū Sorry/excuse me Atsiprašau Please Prašom Cheers! Į sveikatą! Enjoy your meal Gero apetito

CIVILITIES Hello Laba diena Hi Labas Good morning Labas rytas Good evening Labas vakaras Good night Labanakt Goodbye Viso gero See you! Iki!

PRACTICALITIES Yes Taip No Ne

NECESSITIES What is your name? Koks tavo vardas? Help! Gelbėkit! Where’s the toilet? Kur tualetas? On the left Kairėje On the right Dešinėje

Where is…? Kur yra…? bus station autobusų stotis post office paštas phone-box telefono automatas hospital ligoninė police policija Do you speak English? Ar jūs kalbate angliškai? I do not speak Lithuanian Aš nekalbu lietuviškai I do not understand Aš nesuprantu Please repeat Prašau pakartoti Please write it down Prašau užrašyti I do not know Nežinau I’m a vegetarian Aš vegetaras How much does it cost? Kiek kainuoja? The bill please Prašau sąskaitą I would like Norėčiau tea arbatos coffee kavos wine vyno water vandens orange juice apelsinų sulčių bread duonos milk pieno beer alaus fruit vaisių salt druskos pepper pipirų sugar cukraus fish žuvies meat mėsos menu meniu knife peilio fork šakutės spoon šaukšto

Published by: Public Communications Office & the International Office at VMU. Photos: VMU archive. Design: B. Mockutė. Publisher: “Morkūnas & Co”. Sponsored by: European Commission within the “LLP/Erasmus” programme. © Vytautas Magnus University, Spring 2008