…that university students can take that next step for their future under Lithuania’s skies.
For several years, American and Canadian university students of Lithuanian heritage participated in short-term internships (unpaid, for professional experience only) on their own or under the guidance of the previous Lithuanian-American Community’s (LAC) vice president, the late Birutė Bublys. As numbers of those wanting to intern and the need to formalize a program became a necessity, the LAC sponsored what was now known as Lithuanian International Student Services (LISS) in 2008. LISS had a home and a director, Birutė Bublys with administrator Rasa Ardys-Juska.
The first official summer of internships was in 2009 with 28 students: the majority were in “Stažuotė” or internships for Lithuanian-speaking university students program and a small group were in the “Labdara” or Community Service program. In 2010, the numbers jumped to 50: with students in the Stažuotė program, the Labdara program, and in the newly-unveiled “Studijos/Stažuotė” or Study/Intern immersion program for those students who wanted to study the language and intern.
In 2010, Birutė Bublys signed an agreement with Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) to work together with LISS and provide educational and professional support concerning jobs and courses. Thus, that summer, the Study/Intern program participants studied the Lithuanian language at VMU led by VMU’s professors. It was also agreed that VMU would grant all LISS university students 5 university credits for completing their internships and a cumulative project based on their field of study and professional interests. This allows students global professional experience in addition to polishing their language skills and strengthening cultural and historical knowledge.
At the start of 2011 and after Birutė Bublys had passed away, Rasa Ardys-Juska was appointed as the LISS director. That summer, 50 students from theU.S.and Canada participated in the program, which was held in Vilnius and Kaunas. The summer of LISS 2012 is being organized presently – with the full intent to enhance Lithuanian cultural knowledge, history, and language skills while meeting the present-day needs for professional experience of those who participate in LISS.
LISS continues to fulfill its mission to aid university students of Lithuanian descent or have interest in Lithuania to work and refine their studies. While LISS helps them also enrich their lives, so that they may feel that they can be an integral part in Lithuania’s future.
Why choose LISS?
- This is an invaluable experience to live in Lithuania in LISS-provided living quarters like a resident of Lithuania;
- Expand your studies by working in the field that you are preparing for at your university;
- Make international connections with professionals in your future field;
- Enrich your Lithuanian language skills through your working or volunteering or studying experience;
- Participate in the cultural, academic, and political events – excursions to significant historical places highlight your stay;
- Enhance your resume or Curriculum Vitae with an international work certificate that highlights your global experience;
- Interns will receive 5 university credits from Vytautas Magnus University.
WE THANK our sponsors and partners…
Lithuanian Foundation, Inc.
Vytautas Magnus University
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania
Lithuanian Canadian Community
Lithuanian-American Community, Inc.
