The Faculty of Pedagogy at Vilniaus Kolegija / University of Applied Sciences is implementing a significant project that has opened a new chapter in the field of Lithuanian language education—for the first time in Lithuania, teachers from Lithuanian schools operating abroad are pursuing formal studies. Fourteen teachers from 12 Lithuanian schools operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, and Spain have enrolled in the three-year program at Vilniaus Kolegija / University of Applied Sciences. The program combines in-person sessions in Lithuania with distance learning.
In early May, Vaiva Juškienė, Dean of the Faculty of Pedagogy, traveled to Ireland together with Rima Aleknavičiūtė-Stasiulė, the project manager, head of the Internship Coordination Department, and director of the Competence Development Center. The visit had a specific purpose: to gain a closer understanding of the practical work of teachers at Lithuanian schools, observe their classes, and help strengthen the practical pedagogical skills needed for daily work with Lithuanian children living abroad.
During the visit, the faculty representatives visited the Lithuanian school “4 Vėjų,” where they observed lessons taught by the school’s teachers who are studying at VIKO. After the classes, the course of studies, internship experiences, next steps in learning, and plans for the final semester were discussed with the school’s director, Arūnas Teišerskis, and the students.
During the visit, the group also visited the Lithuanian School in Barcelona and its branch in Lleida. There, they observed classes, familiarized themselves with the school’s activities, and discussed opportunities for further cooperation with the school’s director, Solveiga Stankevičiūtė. The experience of this school is particularly important because the education of Lithuanian children living in Spain often takes place in a multilingual and multicultural environment, making knowledge of child psychology, teaching methodologies, and Lithuanian language education especially relevant for the teachers.
These studies are important not only for the teachers themselves but also for the entire global Lithuanian community. Teachers at Lithuanian schools often work on a volunteer basis, balancing this work with their main jobs and family life; therefore, the opportunity to obtain formal pedagogical training in Lithuania enhances the quality of Lithuanian education abroad.
During the visit, the opportunity was also taken to establish ties with the University of Lleida. During a meeting with representatives of the university’s Doctoral School, discussions focused on opportunities for faculty members of VIKO’s Faculty of Pedagogy and graduates of the Consolidated Teacher Training Center, of which the Faculty of Educationis a part, to pursue doctoral studies. It was also agreed to initiate a cooperation agreement in the fields of preschool, primary education, and social work study programs.
The project contributes to strengthening Lithuanian language education abroad, the professional growth of educators, and closer cooperation between Lithuanian higher education institutions and Lithuanian communities worldwide. These studies are funded by the project “Tęsk: Come, Improve, Contribute!” under the “Teachers First” initiative, using co-financing from the European Social Fund and the European Union.
