This year’s summer courses received a record number of applications, and for one third of the course participants it’s not the first time round to improve their knowledge of Lithuanian language at Klaipeda University.
“News of this course has spread around the world. Obviously, quality speaks for itself, because not only are people coming here for the first time – a really high number of those, who come to study, come back once or several times,” says Dr. Kristina Blockytė-Naujokė, the Course Coordinator and the Head of KU Center of Lithuanian Studies and Foreign Languages.
Foreigners from all over the world will learn Lithuanian language and get acquainted with Lithuanian culture. The participants came from as far away as Australia, as well as from Argentina, Colombia, Canada, Brazil, Venezuela, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Latvia, Poland, Austria, Finland, the Philippines, Armenia, the Czech Republic, Norway, Hungary, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Indonesia. Carlos Levenstein, Lithuania’s Honorary Consul in Brazil, is also attending the course.
There are 14 learning groups in total, divided according to language level (from beginner to C1), respective project, and language of the country of origin. A total of 19 lecturers will be teaching in 5 languages.
The Lithuanian Language and Culture Academy also includes a 2-week Lithuanian Studies program for teachers of Lithuanian schools abroad. Teaching under this program will also take place in two ways: regular face-to-face contact with a teacher and distance learning. As many as 20 teachers from Iceland, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, France, the USA, the UK, Turkey, Italy, Georgia (Sakartvelo), Sweden, Armenia, and the Czech Republic will undergo training.
“Klaipeda University is different from other institutions in that it creates a unique educational space not only for teachers, but also for their family members traveling together. Children can take part in educational programs and adults can join to learn Lithuanian”, the Course Coordinator Dr. K. Blockytė-Naujokė takes delight in the uniqueness of the Academy.
The third project, which will also start together with the Lithuanian language course, is dedicated to war refugees from Ukraine. The project aims to promote the integration and reduction of exclusion of Ukrainians, also to provide them with wider and more flexible opportunities to learn the official language and to feel that they add value to Lithuania. More than 100 Ukrainians will take part in intensive Lithuanian language courses under special programs designed for them.
At the Academy opening event, the participants were welcomed by Dr. Benediktas Petrauskas, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Development of KU, Prof. Dr. Rimantas Balsys, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, as well as Dalia Henke, Chairperson of the Lithuanian World Community.
“It’s good to see such a colorful, knowledge and development-seeking audience from all over the world. This summer’s Lithuanian language course is special because it attracted a record number of participants. It’s not the first time round for as many as a third of them. They continue to improve their knowledge of Lithuanian language. I wish them a successful and interesting journey of knowledge and a memorable time getting to know Lithuanian culture, the seaside, and its nature,” welcomed Dr. Benediktas Petrauskas, Vice-Rector for Infrastructure and Development of KU.
During the event, a certificate was presented to Liz Boyles, the newly appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Lithuania, who has just completed an intensive Lithuanian language course.
“It’s difficult to learn Lithuanian, especially the grammar. I think an ambassador should know the national language of the country he or she is working in. Although it is not compulsory”, says L. Boyles.
The 23rd KU Lithuanian Language and Culture Summer Academy will make the finish on August 9.
