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Hi! My name is Patricija, and last year, I had the amazing opportunity to do an exchange at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. Before leaving, I spoke with a professor who used to work there and realised one thing – the enjoyment and success of my exchange solely depended on me. This meant that I had to become a yes-person, saying yes to attending one of the several balls hosted there, saying yes to joining one or a few societies and saying yes to attending my professors' office hours. Of course, I also said yes to reading by the North Sea—which is right across from the School of English. This was made possible because I was an Honours student – meaning that a student is in the 3rd or 4th year of their undergraduate degree – and was only required to take two 15 ECTS credit modules. The rest of your time as a student depends on you. This is why the university has numerous societies one can join: there are sports, art, theatre, and music societies, as well as one of the world’s oldest debating societies. I also spent a lot of time exploring the town – and even attempted to hike the Fife Coastal Path where I met some grazing Highland cows. Speaking of the town, St Andrews is a three-street town with a population that consists of three things: students, seagulls, and golfers. Despite its modest size, the town’s history and mythology are vast and can be traced in every single building – from the 12th-century St Andrews castle and cathedral remains to the World Golf Museum and a cafe that proudly advertises that it is the place 'where Kate dumped Wills'.

In terms of academic benefits, the lecturers at the School of English make the exchange experience worthwhile. Last semester, I was extremely lucky to attend Dr Peter Mackay’s module on Celtic Modernisms. During those classes, I developed a strong interest in modernist Scottish, Irish, and Welsh poetry and discovered many parallels between their and our (Lithuanian) literary traditions. Not only was I able to learn about their literary traditions, but I was also able to witness how they continue – Dr Mackay was recently appointed to be Scotland’s National Poet – a Makar.

I could write pages about my experience at St Andrews, and hopefully, my enthusiasm shows just how delightful it is to get out of your comfort zone and apply for a study exchange.

We invite you to participate in the exchange program during Autumn semester (full academic year) of the 2025-2026 academic exchanges!

Choose your country/-ies, university/-ies, write a motivation letter, and fill in the registration form for the selection.

Registration for Erasmus+, ARQUS, Coimbra group, and Bilateral exchange will be open until midnight on February 16th! Don`t miss the deadline! Late applications will not be accepted.

Registration forms:

ERASMUS
ARQUS/Coimbra Group or Bilateral exchange

If you have any questions, please contact Viktorija Zujūtė, Coordinator of International Studies at the VU Faculty of Philology: t. (8 5) 268 7242; e: , .

The lists of partners for each program are provided below:

ERASMUS
Arqus / Coimbra Group
Bilateral agreements

 
Do you have any questions about exchanges?

-  Join our online info session! 
📅 February 12
⏰ 1:00 PM

We are pleased to invite you to the public lecture by Prof. Justin Cammy (Smith College, USA) "Between Art and Politics: Young Yiddish Writing in 1930s Vilnius".

Copyright: Leisa Thompson

The lecture will take place on Monday, 10 February at 17:00 in the J. Balkevičius Auditorium, Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University.

Justin Cammy is a literary and cultural historian of Yiddish, Professor of Jewish Studies and Comparative Literature at Smith College (Mass.), one of the most prominent contemporary researchers of Yiddish Modernism. In recent years, Prof. Cammy's research has focused on the work of the Yung Vilne group of writers and artists, the work of A. Sutzkever, E. Vogler, M. Levin, and the formation of other Jewish avant-garde groups in East Central Europe. Cammy’s critical edition and translation of Abraham Sutzkever’s "From the Vilna Ghetto to Nuremberg" (McGill-Queen’s UP) received the 2022 Leviant Prize in Yiddish Studies from the Modern Language Association. Last year, a Lithuanian translation of this book appeared (Hubris, 2024).

In a public lecture, Prof. Cammy will present the latest research on interwar Vilnius Jewish modernism and the avant-garde magazine "Yung Vilne".

We are very pleased with the new special edition of "Contemporary Women's Writing", coedited by Prof. Dr. Eglė Kačkutė, a researcher at the Vilnius University Faculty of Philology and Prof. Dr. Valerie Heffernan from Maynooth University. We are delighted that this prestigious journal, one of the best women's literary journals in the world, is opening up to geographical diversity and focusing on this particular theme of migration and motherhood in contemporary literature.

"The rich field of investigation within contemporary literary studies on motherhood has focused extensively on mothers’ own narratives of mothering. It has been concerned with a wide range of different maternal experiences in literature, such as ambivalent motherhood, single motherhood, both voluntary and involuntary non-motherhood, and lesbian, gay, and bisexual motherhood, yet representations of migrant mothers have attracted noticeably less attention to date. This special issue focuses on literary voices and representations of mothers who mother on the move, who mother in or through several languages, across linguistic and cultural barriers, or who negotiate non-motherhood in transnational settings. This special issue reflects too on the poetics of motherhood and mothering across literature in diverse cultures and languages", sais Professor.

We invite you to read the special issue featuring three contributions by Eglė Kačkutė: an introductory article and an interview with world-famous Quebec writer Kim Thúy co-authored with Valerie Heffernan, and a solo research article by Kačkutė analysing underlining reasons behind some migrant mothers‘ decision to not trasmit their mother tongue to their children. 

The link to the publication: Volume 18 Issue 2 | Contemporary Women's Writing | Oxford Academic

2024/2025 spring semester exam retakes will be held from the 4th until the 18th of February.

Retake dates for BA students >

Retake dates for MA students >

The dates are constantly updated as soon as the professors announce them.

If you cannot find the date for the needed subject, please contact the professor and follow the information on Faculty's website.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 

“Applied linguistics focuses on addressing specific language-related issues. Thus, it not only enhances our understanding of various aspects of language learning and use – such as its social, identity, psychological, cognitive, and neurophysiological dimensions – but also seeks to help answer critical language-related questions in our societies,” says Inga Hilbig, Associate Professor at the Faculty of Philology at Vilnius University,  who is also the head of the organizing committee for the 7th Conference of Applied Linguistics “Languages and People”.

Confirmed plenary speakers for this international and interdisciplinary event include Prof. Li Wei, one of the foremost scholars in translanguaging research, as well as Prof. Xiao Lan Curdt-Christiansen and Prof. Elizabeth Lanza, both leading figures in the field of family language policy.

Submissions for oral and poster presentations are due by February 17, 2025.

The conference will be held from 25–27 September 2025 at the Faculty of Philology, Vilnius University. For more information, please visit: www.litaka.lt

Dr Veslava Sidaravičienė, Research Assistant at the Department of Baltic Studies of the Institute for the Languages and Cultures of the Baltic of Vilnius University

Since secondary school, Vanesa Feldmane has known that her future would be tied to Lithuania and the Lithuanian language. Despite her visual impairment, Vanesa remains determined to pursue her life goals. Currently, she is studying in Lithuania and feels part of the community here. She hopes to stay in the country, as she appreciates the local language.

The student first developed an interest in the Lithuanian language while still at school. "I have relatives in Lithuania. My grandmother’s brother is Latvian. I thought that it was great that I could communicate with him, but his wife only speaks Lithuanian and Russian, and I don’t speak Russian." So, in her free time after school, Vanesa started learning Lithuanian on her own initiative, listening to YouTube videos and music.

"People, don’t torture yourselves by learning a language through political discussions! During the lockdown, I listened to Lithuanian National Radio and Television broadcasts, so I initially learnt to talk about politics. Later, during university seminars on food, I realised: "Now, I finally get to learn how to talk about this topic," laughed Vanesa.

She is currently pursuing her Master’s degree in Intermedial Studies of Literature at the Faculty of Philology of Vilnius University (VU).

Lithuanian language studies in Latvia

Vanesa knew she wanted to study Lithuanian, so there was no hesitation before enrolling in Baltic Philology at the University of Latvia. In addition to learning practical Lithuanian, students there also take courses in Lithuanian literature, folklore, and history, compare Lithuanian and Latvian grammar, and study translation theory. The Centre for Lithuanian Studies at the University of Latvia plays an active role in supporting the academic growth of students by organising research expeditions, collecting the latest Lithuanian literature and publications and hosting Lithuanian-Latvian translation workshops. It serves as a lively bridge for knowledge and cultural exchange between the two countries.

"I’m very happy that my teacher, Edmunds Trumpa, finally helped me fix my Lithuanian grammar. When I started university, I already spoke Lithuanian, but my grammar was kind of all over the place," she recalled.

During the first year of studies, in 2021, Vanesa took part in Lithuanian language and culture courses organised by Vytautas Magnus University. "Next year, my teacher suggested that I go to Vilnius to study Lithuanian there," remarked the student.

Even when she is back in Latvia, Vanesa now communicates exclusively in Lithuanian, speaking Latvian only with her parents and a few friends.

In her final year of secondary school, Vanesa met members of the Lithuanian Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired and found her best friend through Zoom. Now, she has many friends in Lithuania.

"I’m part of a community. These are people with whom I share common interests and can talk about anything. I’d really like to keep living, studying, and working in Lithuania. I truly enjoy Vilnius and its Old Town. The Lithuanian language is worth learning just for the way it sounds. It feels so good to speak Lithuanian," said Vanesa.

Although she is fluent in Lithuanian, some misunderstandings still happen. "For instance, with the names of plants. I told my friend: ‘You know, you could even poison me!". I’m not really on friendly terms with plants; I don’t even know their names in Latvian," she quipped. The student also remembers some funny moments with the word bauda, which in Lithuanian means "a fine" (as in a monetary penalty). In Latvian, the same word denotes "pleasure". It was the first word she learnt.

However, Vanesa does not let these small mistakes bother her – true friends would never laugh at her, even if she slips up.

Studies at Vilnius University

After completing her Bachelor’s degree, Vanesa did not think twice about pursuing her dream of moving to Lithuania. "My colleague and I were exploring study options at Vilnius University when we came across Intermedial Studies of Literature. That summer, I applied to three different programmes, thinking that even if I didn’t get into my first choice, at least I’d be living in Lithuania. It’s amazing – and a bit surreal – that I ended up exactly where I wanted to be and even secured a free study place," said Vanesa.

She is certain that, no matter what happens, her life will always be inseparable from Lithuania.

Vanesa is planning to write her Master’s thesis on gastropoetics: "This is a literature analysis based on descriptions of food and drink found in different texts. I’ll compare Lithuanian and Latvian works, examining how food is depicted and in what contexts it appears."

Vanesa is glad she had the opportunity to read a wealth of Lithuanian literature during her studies at the University of Latvia: "I’ve read "Metai" ("The Seasons") by Kristijonas Donelaitis, "Balta drobulė" ("White Shroud") by Antanas Škėma, and many other works. Since I had already learnt Lithuanian quite well during the lockdown, I could already read books while other students were still grasping the basics. I am deeply grateful to my professor, Edmunds Trumpa, for introducing me to Lithuanian literature. That solid foundation has given me the confidence I need for my studies at Vilnius University.’

When asked whether she has any difficulties finding professional and fiction literature in audio format, Vanesa is quick to respond: "I’ve never had trouble finding what I need at Vilnius University. The Lithuanian Audiosensory Library also has a vast collection of audiobooks, including the latest ones. Of course, you won’t find a book that was published just a week ago, as no one can release it in audio format that fast. In Latvia, just three or four books are turned into audiobooks each month, whereas in Lithuania, that number is far higher every week. Moreover, the Audiosensory Library has provided me with access to bookshare.org, a large database where I can find everything I need for my studies. Of course, the teaching staff are always there to support me as well."

She has been using the resources of the Audiosensory Library since 2020, when a colleague helped set up her account. "Imagine my excitement – being able to download all the books I want right away. All of them and hassle-free!"

Vanesa’s favourite Lithuanian author is Kristina Sabaliauskaitė. "No question! There’s no two ways about it," she added confidently.

According to Vanesa, "People with various disabilities, other than visual impairments, can also thrive at Vilnius University. The VU Disability Affairs Coordinator is an amazing person. She always makes sure everything is tailored to my needs."

This article concludes the series of five articles featuring alumni from centres of Baltic studies in other countries compiled by the Department of Baltic Studies at the VU Faculty of Philology. After graduation, they not only continue to deepen their knowledge of Lithuanian but also integrate the Lithuanian language, literature, and culture into their professional activities.

This article is part of the project ‘Information and Coordination Portal of Baltic Studies Centres’ (No. 1.78 Mr SU-1006) implemented by the Department of Baltic Studies at the VU Institute for the Languages and Cultures of the Baltic and supported by the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Lithuania.

Prepared by Dr Veslava Sidaravičienė, Research Assistant at the Department of Baltic Studies of the Institute for the Languages and Cultures of the Baltic of Vilnius University.

Dr Patryk Ryczkowski, a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellow at Vilnius University, starting from March 2025, under the supervision by Assoc. Prof. Mintautas Čiurinskas of the Department of Classical Philology, investigates a unique chapter in the religious and cultural history of early modern Europe. He will explore how the Basilian monks of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth shaped the Uniate Church’s identity through literature. His research focuses on hagiographies—accounts of saints’ and martyrs’ lives—and examine how they helped balance Orthodox traditions with Catholic influences. In this interview, Dr Ryczkowski discusses Vilnius’ role as a centre of Basilian activity and why this period remains relevant today.

Why is the Union of Brest such a pivotal event in religious and cultural history?

The Union of Brest, announced in 1596, marked the decision by some Orthodox bishops in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth to acknowledge the authority of the Pope while keeping parts of their Eastern traditions. This agreement led to the creation of the Uniate Church, which adopted a mix of Orthodox liturgy and theology and Catholic standards.

The Union’s influence extended beyond its origins in historical Poland and Lithuania, shaping the religious and cultural identity of Eastern and Central Europe for centuries. Today, its legacy persists in regions far beyond its roots, including parts of Western Europe and North America.

Your research focuses on Basilian hagiography—writings about saints and martyrs. Why is this literature so significant?

The Basilian monks were instrumental in shaping the identity of the Uniate Church through hagiographic literature—narratives of saints' and martyrs' lives. These texts served multiple purposes: they presented models of sanctity and allowed the Uniates to define their place between Orthodox and Catholic traditions.

Hagiographies are particularly interesting because they balance structure and adaptability. While they followed established literary patterns, they were flexible enough to reflect regional contexts or the intentions of their authors. For the Uniates, these writings were tools of inculturation, helping them present their Orthodox heritage in a way that aligned with Catholic expectations while maintaining their distinct identity.

Could you share how Vilnius fits into this narrative?

Vilnius played a central role in the history of the Basilian Order and the Uniate Church. During the 17th century, especially in its first half, it became both the main monastic and printing centre for the Basilians. As the seat of the Uniate metropolitanate, Vilnius was not just a spiritual hub but also a key administrative and cultural centre.

This makes Vilnius University—and its archive collections—essential for my project. Many critical sources, such as manuscripts and printed works, are preserved here. Relevant sources are held also in the Wróblewski Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. However, the archival situation remains complex. These texts are often dispersed across various collections, sometimes surviving as single copies in libraries outside Lithuania, like in Poland. Part of my project involves mapping and analyzing this fragmented literary heritage.

Figures like Josaphat Kuntsevych and Ignatius Kulczyński are central to your research. What makes them significant?

Josaphat Kuntsevych is a pivotal figure—a martyr who symbolizes the Union of Brest. As an Orthodox bishop turned Uniate leader, he sought to consolidate the Uniate Church but faced strong resistance, culminating in his violent death in 1623. His martyrdom was quickly elevated to sainthood, making him a powerful symbol of reunification with Rome.

Ignatius Kulchynsky, on the other hand, was a Basilian monk and a scholar who worked in Rome to popularize the Uniate Church. He compiled the „Menologium bazyliańskie” (Menologium Basilianum)—a collection of saintly lives—which showcased Basilian saints, including Kuntsevych, alongside figures like St. Basil the Great. This work helped integrate the Basilian tradition into the broader Catholic world, reinforcing the Church's visibility outside the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.

Your research highlights the Basilian monks as key cultural figures. How did they influence education and intellectual life in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth?

The Basilian monks played a key role in the intellectual and educational life of the Uniate Church. After the Union of Brest, they became central to the cultural revival of Uniate communities, establishing schools, printing presses, and centres of scholarship that combined Orthodox spirituality with Latin Catholic traditions.

They focused on educating both clergy and laypeople, producing theological texts and broader educational materials. Vilnius, as a key Basilian centre, hosted printing workshop that published religious literature in multiple languages, such as Polish and Latin. This multilingual approach reflects their ability to bridge Orthodox and Catholic cultures. Through education and scholarship, the Basilians preserved their Orthodox roots while helping to solidify the Uniate Church’s role in post-Tridentine Church.

The concept of ‘inculturation’ plays a central role in your work. Could you explain how it shaped the identity of the Uniate Church over time?

The concept of inculturation—adapting religious traditions to new cultural contexts while preserving their core—was key to shaping the Uniate Church’s identity. For the Uniates, this involved integrating Catholic practices, such as Latin hagiographic traditions, while maintaining Eastern Orthodox liturgical and spiritual elements.

This balance allowed the Uniate Church to serve as a bridge between Orthodoxy and Catholicism in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Over time, inculturation became not just a survival strategy but also a way to assert their distinctiveness, demonstrating how they could adapt without losing their heritage. This dynamic remains relevant today in the Greek Catholic Church, which continues to embody this synthesis of traditions.

How does this research change our understanding of post-Tridentine Catholicism?

The Catholic Church after the Council of Trent is often viewed as a monolithic institution, but my research highlights its diversity. The Uniate Church—and the Basilian monks in particular—represents a unique facet of early modern Christianity: a confession that sought to reconcile Eastern Orthodox traditions with Catholic theology.

By examining hagiography, I aim to show how the Uniates navigated this complex cultural and religious space, adapting Catholic forms while preserving elements of their Orthodox heritage. This not only sheds light on the dynamics of post-Tridentine Europe but also reveals the agency of smaller communities within the broader Catholic framework.

What challenges do you face when studying such a fragmented historical legacy, and how do you overcome them?

One major challenge in my research is the scattered nature of the sources. While many Basilian manuscripts and booklets were produced in Vilnius and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, they are now dispersed across Europe, sometimes surviving as single copies in distant archives.

To address this, I combine archival research with digital tools. Institutions like the Vilnius University Library and the Wróblewski Library of the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences provide critical access to these texts, while international collaborations and digital collections help uncover materials that would otherwise be hard to reach. This process not only reconstructs the Basilian literary heritage but also highlights its far-reaching cultural influence.

How does your research connect to contemporary issues of cultural and religious identity in Eastern Europe?

The story of the Uniate Church shows how religious communities adapt to change while maintaining parts of their identity. The Basilian monks managed to bridge two traditions—Orthodox and Catholic—by preserving their liturgical heritage and engaging with Catholic norms.

This history is still relevant today, especially in regions like Eastern Europe, where questions of heritage and identity remain important. It’s a reminder that dialogue and adaptation can help communities navigate cultural and religious boundaries without losing their distinctiveness.