Projects
State Studies Foundation funded project "Internationality -- from ideas to real examples"
In 2024, Vilnius University Students' Representation central office implemented the project "Internationality -- from ideas to real examples", which aimed to strengthen the integration of international students into the higher education system, social and cultural life, as well as the labour market in Lithuania. The project was implemented from 2024 March 1st to 2024 December 1st and gathered more than 500 students from different study cycles and fields.
During the project a conference on the importance of internationality in higher education was held. A podcast on the same topic was created and then broadcasted. A publicity campaign on the experiences of international students was carried out alongside a research on their integration and employability. The SPEAK language learning platform was also optimised. An information package on employment rights and job search in Lithuania was developed. Vilnius University Career Days website was updated with useful information for international students.
The project helped raise the profile of internationality, fostered cooperation among the academic community, contributed to the development of better integration tools and paved the way for further changes to improve the experience of international students in Lithuania.
Vilnius city municipality-funded project "Celebrating Students' Day at Vilnius University"
The project focused on strengthening the community of Vilnius University through targeted educational and cultural activities to foster interactions and interconnection between students, academic staff and the administration. The project aimed not only to create platforms for communication, but also to actualise student life through contemporary contexts, involving participants in content creation and reflection processes.
The main activities were the following: a thematic exhibition of photographies and a trivia game. These were chosen as tools to achieve both the social and cognitive objectives of the project. The photographs presented in the exhibition, which reflected the student experience in the halls of residence and the initiatives related to it, formed the basis for a discussion on the culture of everyday life and its place in the academic environment. The trivia was a form of informally testing knowledge and community engagement. It involved different groups from all over the university. By looking at the results, some of the planned quantitative indicators were partially achieved, for example, although there were less people in attendance for the exhibition, the events still were well attended and the social media reach was in line with projections. It should also be noted, that students were involved in the organisation of the exhibition. It strengthened their practical skills and cooperation competences.
Newly submitted projects
Two projects were also submitted and received during the reporting period.
The first project is "Higher education for all - without borders". It aims to strengthen the social dimension of higher education in Lithuania, with a particular focus on the inclusion of underrepresented groups. Responding to persistent barriers despite agreed national priorities, the project foresees the following key actions:
- Analysis and recommendations:
A study will be carried out on the second accession queue and the effectiveness of social dimension measures. Based on the results, recommendations will be made and an open discussion will be held with stakeholders.
- Building a network of ambassadors:
It is planned to gather a team of 35 student ambassadors who will visit regional schools, conduct educational sessions and encourage students to choose higher education.
- Promoting student engagement:
An information website, a communication campaign and the development of podcasts on accessibility to higher education, with a particular focus on accessibility for students with disabilities.
The second project is "Working Outside the Classroom - the Key to Study Success?". It will aim to strengthen the employability of students and promote academic potential by working more closely with social partners and higher education institutions.
The project focuses on:
- Analysis and research on student employment:
A quantitative study (interviewing at least 1500 students) will be carried out to analyse their work experience, the quality of their internships and their skill gaps. There will also be qualitative workshops in three cities on the challenges of combining studies and work.
- Improving employability:
Several actions will be made: contact fairs with employers, seminar sessions on the labour market, practical skills workshops (CV writing, interviewing, time management) and regular newsletters on job opportunities.
- Promotion of academic careers:
An information campaign on academia and the research pathway, updates on academic activities, recruitment of local and international mentors and their meetings with students.