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Introduction
About us
Lithuania
Geography
Climate
History
Politics
Art & Culture
Religion
Sport
Gastronomy
Places worth visiting
Public transport
Lithuanian language
Voluntary work in Lithuania
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European Voluntary Service
The Charter of the European Voluntary Service
The roles of EVS partners
EVS funding rates
EVS trainings
Youthpass
AXA insurance for EVS volunteers
Intercultural learning
Conflict and crisis management
What’s next: after EVS or Post-EVS activities
Erasmus+ Youth
Key Action 1
Key Action 2
Key Action 3
Practical tips
Contacts
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Hi dear EVS volunteer!
In order not to appear grandmotherly – if you’re not very keen on reading, just take a look at this incredibly informative page and you’ll find out whether this guide is use-ful for you or not.
This “Survive in Lithuania during EVS” guide has been made for you by former EVS volunteers who would like you to have a great time in Lithuania. The guide is here to give you some information that will definitely become handy at one or more points of your EVS experience. It has been prepared to accompany you while volun-teering, living, or just STAYING in Lithuania, and contains useful information, direc-tions, recommendations, and much more.
In the first part of this guide you will find some general information about Lithuania; some essential facts and suggestions that you could do or try while staying here. In the second part of this guide you will find useful information about the European Voluntary Service. Who knows, maybe you will need it!!! The third part is about other possibilities in the Erasmus+ Youth programme (we are sure you will find where to use it). And finally in the fourth part you will find practical tips given by the volunteers who have already done their EVS in Lithuania. They say, they know!
Have a nice time in Lithuania during your EVS!!!
Ex-EVS volunteersEuropean Voluntary Service Association “SALTES”
P.S. And by the way there is always a space for ideas in order to improve this guide so all your comments are very welcome! Contact us here: [email protected]
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European Voluntary Service Association “Saltes” brings together European Volun-tary Service Association “Saltes” gathers people who have already done EVS or have participated in some other international youth exchange programme. “Saltes” is an independent non-profit organization which has its own members.
Our mission:
To spread and propagate ideas of voluntary work and non- �formal education; To unite the ex-EVS volunteers and support them with �information, help; to inspire for the further activities; To promote intercultural cooperation as well to educate socio- �cultural competence.
The tasks of “Saltes”:
To raise the quality of the European Union programme �ERASmUS+ YoUTH; To support sending and hosting organizations and volunteers �with all kind of help; To develop cooperation with foreign partners who work in the �field of voluntary work and informal education.
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Current activities:
To support initiatives and projects of the ex-EVS volunteers; �To consult, prepare and send local youths to volunteer abroad; �To share experience of international volunteerism in various �conferences, trainings and meetings; To prompt Lithuanian NGos to become sending or hosting �organization; To organize trainings about local and international �volunteering; To support non-formal youth initiatives; �To organize various cultural events, evening films, and �discussions; To coordinate projects of present EVS volunteers in Lithuania. �
You are always welcome to our events! Your experience is interesting to us! We under-stand you very well, because we know what it is like to be an international volunteer!
Take care and see you!
SALTES volunteers
For more info visit:www.saltes.net
This guidewas prepared by:
Laima Narbutaitė, Giedrė �Lankaitė, Vaiva Butrimanskaitė, Akvilė Budreckytė, Aušrinė PašakarnytėThe photos have been taken �by: Vytautas Kavaliauskas, Laima NarbutaitėDesign by: � Ieva VaivaraitėEdited by: � Aistė Natkevičiūtė–Čiplinskienė, Viktorija malinauskienė, Vaiva Ružaitė (Agency of International Youth Cooperation)
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Lithuania is the country you have chosen to do your European Voluntary Service. We hope you will feel like you are at home. And maybe even by the end of your EVS you will be able to say that “Lithuania is my country!”.
In this part of the guide you will find some information concerning Lithuania. At first we have made a selection in order to intrigue you to start your own trip of discovering Lithuania through EVS. Then you will find some testimonies of former volunteers’ who have done their EVS in Lithuania. So let us begin.
First of all, this is our flag. The flag of Lithuania consists of a horizontal tricolour of yellow, green and red. It was adopted on march 20, 1989. The yellow in the flag is to symbolize the golden fields of Lithuania, the green is for its green countryside, and the red represents all the blood that has been shed for Lithuania.
And now… let’s explore more about Lithuania!
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Lithuania is situated in Northern Europe and shares a border with Latvia, Belarus, Poland and Kaliningrad (a part of Russia). It faces to the Baltic Sea in the West. It has around 99 kilometres (61.5 mi) of sandy coastline.
The five biggest towns in Lithuania are: Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania), Kaunas, Klaipėda, Šiauliai and Panevėžys.
The landscape of Lithuania is quite flat; hilly plains do not reach more then 300 meters above sea-level. The area of Lithuania is 65,200 km2. There are a lot of lakes and marshes. 33% of Lithuania is covered by forests.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lithuania
Lithuania has the � shortest coastline of the Baltic Sea countries (just 38 km); the rest of the coast is sheltered by the Curonian Spit or sand peninsula. The geographical � centre of Europe is in Lithuania, actually not far away from Vilnius and molėtai. Lithuania is the � biggest country of the Baltic states with the largest population of 3 382 041 habitants (estimated in 2008).The longest river � is Nemunas (937 km). However, the biggest part of it doesn’t flow in Lithuania. Nemunas has about 180 tributaries and flows into the Curonian Lagoon (Lithuanian: Kuršių marios). The highest point � in Lithuania is the hill Aukštojas (293.84 m.) which is situated 24 km South from Vilnius. The name of this hill derives from the name of the supreme Baltic god. The biggest lake � is Drūkšiai (4479 ha) located in the Northeast of Lithuania, near Zarasai.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lithuania
There is also a � minor Lithuania, known as “Prussian Lithuania” (Lithuanian: Mažoji Lietuva or Prūsų Lietuva). The region was part of Prussia from the middle Ages up till 1945. Today most of it a part of Russia (Kaliningrad oblast).
Lithuania is also divided in historical and cultural regions:
Regions
Aukštaitija � (Highlands)Žemaitija � (Samogitia in Latin or Lowlands)Dzūkija � (hard to translate)Suvalkija � (hard to translate)
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To start with, Lithuania is in the medium cool weather zone. It means that we have medium hot weather in summer time and medium cold in winter time. Just to give an idea, the statistical medium temperature in July is 17°C and in winter -5°C (it means that it is not so warm as you wish and not so cold as you might have imagined). But of course, nature makes it own surprises, so you could happen to experience a hot summer, when it reaches more than 30°C (the Global Warming is indeed “global”); and there also could be very cold winter periods, when during the day time temperatures can drop as low as -20°C and -30°C at night. You don’t usually go out much during days like this (better share a cup of tea) to avoid freezing weather and running noses.Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lithuania
If you are coming to Lithuania in �autumn or spring time you will almost certainly need an umbrella or a rain coat. You should know that the name Lietuva derives from the Lithuanian word “lietus”, which means rain. So don’t be very surprised if you need an umbrella all over the season. If your project starts in winter you �will definitely need gloves, a scarf, a hat, and something warm to wear, for example, your grandmother‘s home knitted sweater. If you don‘t have one, don‘t worry you can find some cute ones here. old ladies in the market will offer you a huge range of hand made woolen garments. As in Lithuania we have whole �four seasons, you will really have an opportunity to see the full circle of life. The spring time can let you experience the rebirth of life (and emotions) coloured with small bunches of violets. It‘s mostly raining in summer and autumn, however, summer rain refreshes and autumn rain drenches your coat. Nevertheless, autumn will inspire you to go for a walk because of the colourful leaves and stars that become so bright in the sky. often in winter time we have sleet that can spoil the winter’s beauty.
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The first settlement in what is now Lithuania dates back to 10 000 BC.
In written documents, Lithuania was first mentioned in a medieval German manuscript, the Quedlinburg Chronicle, on 14 February, 1009. (Don’t ask in which context)
Mindaugas was the first and the only king of Lithuania. He was crowned on the 6th of July, 1253. It was also the official recognition of Lithuanian statehood as the Kingdom of Lithuania. Nowadays Lithuanians celebrate the 6th of July as Statehood Day.
Lithuanian nobility, city dwellers and peasants adopted Christianity in 1387.
During the fourteenth century, The Grand Duchy of Lithuania, under Grand Duke Vytautas magnus was the biggest country in Europe (with territory reaching from the Baltic to the Black Sea) and occupied the largest territory in all its history.
Grand Duke Jogaila was crowned the King of Poland in 1386. Lithuania and Poland were joined in a personal union, as both countries were ruled by the same Gediminas branch, the Jagiellon dynasty.
The united army of Poland and Lithuania achieved a great victory over the Teutonic Knights in 1410 at the Battle of Grunewald, one the of the largest battles in medieval Europe.
In 1547 the first Lithuanian book Catechism was written by m. mažvydas.
Lithuania is a country with a very rich and interesting history dating to ancient times. In this part we want to show you the most important (in some cases the most interesting) facts from Lithuanian history.
In 1569 The Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was formally united into a single state called the Polish – Lithuanian Commonwealth (Lithuanian: Žečpospolita)
In 1579 University of Vilnius was founded.
In 1795 the Commonwealth of Two Nations was divided in three parts, Lithuania was included into the Empire of Russia. Between 1868 and 1914 approximately 635,000 people (almost 20% of the population) left Lithuania.
In 1765 -1775 the first Lithuanian poem Metai was written by K. Donelaitis.
January 1 New Year’s Day �January 6 The Epiphany (Three Wise �men)January 13 Defenders of Freedom �DayFebruary 16 Independence Day �(1918)march 11 Restoration of �Independence (1990)Easter (Sunday and the following �monday)
may 1 Labour Day �The first Sunday of may mother’s day �The first Sunday of June Father’s day �June 24 midsummer Festival (Joninės) �July 6 Coronation of mindaugas, �King of Lithuania August 15 Assumption Day (Žolinė) �November 1 All Saints’ day � December 24 Christmas Eve �December 25-26 Christmas �
National holidays or days-off in Lithuania:
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During 1864 -1904 the press in Latin script was banned. During this period, the Russian alphabet was used in Lithuania.
In 1883 -1886 the first Lithuanian newspaper Aušra was published (illegally).
After a century of occupation, on the 16th of February, 1918 Lithuania re-established its independence.
In 1919 the first president of Lithuania, A. Smetona was elected.
In 1922 the first Constitution of Lithuania was established.
In June, 1940, at the beginning of World War II, the Soviet Union occupied and annexed Lithuania.
In 1941 Lithuania came under German occupation.
In 1944, after the retreat of the German armed forces (Wehrmacht), Lithuania was again occupied by the Soviet Union.
From 1944 to 1952 approximately 100,000 Lithuanians participated partisan fights against the Soviet system and the Red Army.
During the Soviet and Nazi occupations between 1940 and 1944, Lithuania lost over 780,000 of its people. Among them were around 190,000 Lithuanian Jews (91% of the pre-war Jewish in community), which is one of the highest total mortality rates of the Holocaust. An estimated 120,000 to 300,000 were killed by Soviets or exiled to Siberia, while others had been sent to German forced labour camps or chose to emigrate to western countries.
on the 11 of march, 1990 Lithuania restored its independence.
on the 29th of march, 2004 Lithuania became a member of NATO and on the 1st of may, 2004 joined the European Union.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lithuania
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Presidential Palace
The Republic of Lithuania is an independent democratic state expressing the com-mon will and interests of its people. The foundations of the social system are enforced by the Constitution of the Republic of Lithuania adopted in 1992 by a referendum which also establishes the rights, freedoms and obligations of citizens. Under the law, sovereign state power is vested in the people of Lithuania and is exercised by the Sei-mas (Parliament), President of the Republic, Government and Courts.
Nominally, the Republic of Lithuania is a parliamentary democracy and has a multiparty system.
Administration
The current administrative division was established in 1994 and �modified in 2000 to meet the requirements of the European Union. Lithuania has a three-tier administrative division; the country is divided into 10 counties (Lithuanian: apskritys) that are further subdivided into 60 municipalities (Lithuanian: savivaldybės) which consist of over 500 elderates (Lithuanian: seniūnijos)
The coat of arms of Lithuania, consisting of an armor-clad knight on horseback holding an olden sword and shield, is also known as Vytis (“the Chaser”).
The Parliament’s building
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The Judicial System of Republic of �Lithuania The Lithuanian court system consists of common courts, dealing with civil and criminal matters: the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals, district courts and regional courts. And special – administrative courts: The Supreme Administrative Court of Lithuania, regional administrative courts.The Constitutional Court of the Republic of Lithuania is not a part of the court system, but is an independent judicial body with the authority to determine whether the laws and other legal acts adopted by the Seimas are in conformity with the Constitution, and whether the legal acts adopted by the President and the Government conform to the Constitution or laws.
The President � of the Republic is the head of State. He/she is elected by the citizens of the Republic of Lithuania for a term of five years. one of the major responsibilities of the President is foreign policy. The President of the Republic settles basic foreign policy issues and, together with the Government, implements foreign policy.
The Government � of the Republic of Lithuania consists of the Prime minister and the Cabinet. The current Government has 14 ministries: environment, finance, national defence, culture, social security and labour, transport, health care, education and science, justice, foreign affairs, economy, interior, agriculture, energy.
The legislative body � of the Republic of Lithuania, the Seimas, is a one-chamber parliament composed of 141 members elected for a four-year term by secret ballot. The Seimas elects the Chairman (the Speaker) and the Deputy Chairmen. In every election there is a big range of various parties to choose from.
Political organization
Sources: http://www3.lrs.lt, http://www.teismai.lt/english/system.asp
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An unusual integration of many colourful traditions, values and forces - this is what describes Lithuanian culture. This complex phenomenon has successfully joined elements of pagan mythology with Christianity.
Professional Lithuanian art first appeared in the Renaissance period, but later large influences from Western Europe was felt. Productive contacts between Lithuania and the rest of Europe during the independence period of the 20th century contributed enormously to the development of modern Lithuanian culture.
Having outstayed a variety of external factors that came with immigrant artists, occupations, reluctant and strategical confederacies as well as cultural and scientific exchanges, for centuries Lithuanians were persistent in preserving elements that form the identity of their traditional culture.
Lithuanian folk music is based primarily around �polyphonic music played on flutes, zithers (Lithuanian: kanklės) and other instruments. Sutartinė � (glee) is a really unique example of Lithuanian folklore music.
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There are a lot of musical festivalsto satisfy different tastes:
Dainų šventė � , already celebrating its 100th anniversary, is a festival of traditional songs and dances; and is one of the biggest cultural festivals in Lithuania. Bliuzo naktys � is a traditional, international blues festival in Varniai, near Lūkštas lake. Starting from 1993, is it one the mass musical festivals in Lithuania. Black Horned Moon � (Mėnuo Juodaragis) is the festival of contemporary Baltic culture representing the heritage of heathen tradition, neo-folk currents and avant-garde of modern dark wave music. Gatvės muzikos diena � – street music festival which tours with various music around the streets in all Lithuania on may 17th. The moto of this festival is: „Start music. End war“.„Visagino country“ � – one of the biggest country music festivals in Eastern Europe. It usually starts in mid of August in Visaginas city and variuos performers play country rock, folk country, rockabilly, blue grass music. Lithuania is also known as a �country of jazz, so there are also international jazz festivals annually organized in Kaunas, Birštonas, and Vilnius.
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The history of modern professional arts in Lithuania began with artist �and composer Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis (1875-1911). His works covered symbolism and romanticism and he is considered to be a father of professional art and music in Lithuania. Lithuania has a � lively drama scene. over the last fifteen years Lithuanian drama has undergone substantial transformation. The restoration of independence added significance to the idea of national theatre.Film tradition emerged throughout Lithuania’s occupation by the �Soviets. Some important annual film festivals take place, such as Kino pavasaris and Nepatogus kinas.
In Lithuania there is also a local town tradition to c � elebrate the day when the town was mentioned for the first time in history. During this celebration the town usually offers a wide range of entertainments that varies from town to town:
- In Vilnius the international city’s festival “Capital days” (Lithuanian: Sostinės dienos) begins at the beginning of September. - Kaunas celebrates on 18-20th of may. - In Klaipėda the festival starts at the end of July (official day is the 1st of August). The main event is the Sea festival (Lithuanian: Jūros šventė) that gathers people from all over Lithuania. - Šiauliai has its official day on the 22nd of September, but sometimes they celebrate one or two weeks earlier.
Sources:www.culture.lt/Lietuva/en.html,
www.mjr.lt, www.dainusvente.lt, www.b2g.lt, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithuania
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The predominant reli-gion in Lithuania is Catholi-cism, reflecting Lithuania’s his-tory, with a strong presence from other minority religions. 79 % of Lithuanians belong to the Roman Catholic Church.
Various Protestant churches have established missions in Lithuania since 1990. Approx.4.8% of the population are Eastern Orthodox (mainly among the Russian minority), 1.9% are Protestant (mainly the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania) and 9.5% profess no religion.
The country has also minority communities of Judaism and Islam confession.
Historically Lithuania became home to a large and influential Jewish community that was almost entirely eliminated during the Holocaust. The first noticeable presence of Islam in Lithuania began in the 14th century. From this time it was primarily associated with the Lipka Tatars (also known as Lithuanian Tartars), many of whom settled in Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and currently now makes up nearly 1.6% of the population, following their own traditions and Islam confession.
In Lithuania you can also find a large heritage of heathen culture because up until the fourteenth century, Lithuanians were pagans worshipping various deities. There is some historical proof that ordinary people believed in pagan gods until the eighteenth century. No wonder, Lithuania is the last heathen country in Europe.
Chart 1. Religions in Lithuania, 2005
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/lithuania
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Don’t be surprised when you hear that the second religion in Lithuania is… BAS-KETBALL. many of Lithuanians are really proud of it!
Lithuanians national basketball team won the European Championship in 1937, 1939, and 2003. Also they won 2nd place in 1995 (Athens), and bronze in 2007. Lithuania won bronze medals in the first three olympics to include NBA players – 1992, 1996, and 2000, finished fourth in 2004 and 2008, and in eighth place at the London 2012 olympics.
The Lithuanian team won the FIBA EuroBasket for the third time in 2003. It also won the bronze medal in the 2010 FIBA World Championship and became vice-cham-pions in EuroBasket 2013.
Several Lithuanian basketball players have successfully played, or are still playing in NBA. Among them are Arvydas Sabonis, Šarūnas Marčiulionis, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas, Darius Songaila, Šarūnas Jasikevičius, Jonas Valančiūnas, Donatas Motiejūnas, and Linas Kleiza. These great names are known among basketball fans in all over the world.
other significant sports activities in Lithuania are discus throwing and athletics. For example Lithuanian athletes have won some medals in the olympics and Euro-pean/World championships. Discus thrower Virgilijus Alekna is two times olympic gold medallist and the greatest sportsman in our history.
Rūta Meilutytė is a Lithuanian swimmer, olympic gold medalist, and world record holder. She is the current world record holder in the 50- and 100-meter breaststroke (long course). At the age of 17 she is also the first and the only swimmer in history to win all the possible swimming titles in all age groups.
There are also Lithuanian cyclists with high achievements in prestigious cycling tours and World Championships. Among the best Lithuanian cyclists are twin sisters Jolanta Polikevičiūtė and Rasa Polikevičiūtė, Edita Pučinskaitė and Diana Žiliūtė. Raimondas Rumšas won the third place in prestigious race Tour de France in 2002.
one of the Lithuanian towns, Elektrėnai is famous for its tradition in ice hockey. Dainius Zubrus and Darius Kasparaitis are very famous and respected ice-hockey play-ers in Lithuania and both of them started their careers in Elektrėnai.
Orienteering is a popular sport that combines cross-country running with land navigation skills in the woods. Variations of the sport popular in Lithuania include bicycle orienteering and ski orienteering.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/sports_in_Lithuania
Traditional Lithuanian cuisine has been constantly changing and evolving due to our varied social and historical background. Also different regions in Lithuania have different traditions. In general, Lithuanian cuisine has much in common with other Eastern European (Polish, Ukrainian and Russian) cuisines, and shares some similari-ties with Hungarian, Romanian, and Georgian cuisines as well as Ashkenazi cuisine.
Anyway it shouldn’t be forgotten that the main feature of Lithuanian cuisine is simplicity!!!
Traditionally, the centrepiece of Lithuanian cuisine �is duona (dark rye bread) which is used substantially more often than light wheat breads. The potato is the basis of Lithuanian cuisine. A �lot of dishes are cooked from it. Among them are Plokštainis or Kugelis (a potato pie), Švilpikai (potato sticks) and also a potato sausage called Vėdarai. Didžkukuliai � or Cepelinai (zeppelins) – is known as the national Lithuanian meal. They are potato dumplings stuffed with meat, mushrooms, or cheese, often garnished with spirgai, fried minced onion and/or sour cream. one of the prides of Lithuanian cuisine is its wide use �of wild berries and mushrooms. Midus � is said to be the most ancient Lithuanian alcoholic beverage; there is a variety of mead made from honey. Alus � (beer) is extremely popular throughout the country, especially since independence in 1990. Several Lithuanian beers have won international awards.
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Soups are extremely popular, and are �widely regarded as the key to good health in Lithuania. Šaltibarščiai (cold borscht or pink soup) is a summer soup based on beets and soured milk, coloured to a shocking pink. It is made with cooked or pickled shredded beets and various other chopped vegetables, such as cucumber, dill or green onions. Lithuanian-Americans call this soup “Lithuanian Gatorade”, since it combines liquid, sugars, potassium, and salt along with protein and vitamins, and it revives athletes, hikers, and farm workers. In general, dairy products play an important role in �Lithuanian cuisine. Cheese is regarded as the number one food product in Lithuania. Several hundred kinds of cheese are available and made throughout the country. Starting from traditional hard cheese to fruit or smoked ones. Lithuanian curd snacks called sūreliai are also very popular in Lithuania.The most exotic and popular dishes of foreign influence is �Eastern (Karaite) cuisine and special dishes called kibinai and čeburekai. Christmas Eve table traditions have a very long history, and �consists of 12 different dishes made of fish, mushrooms, and grains. These vary from region to region and from family to family. over 100 different traditional Christmas Eve dishes are known throughout Lithuania.During Easter the main course is always a fancy �dish of meat, however, the most important thing on the table are intricately painted Easter eggs. Every cultural region in Lithuania has distinctive �dishes. The Highland (Aukštaitija) is famous for mealy dishes like pancakes and dumplings, meanwhile Dzūkija is known for its dishes of mushrooms. People of Suvalkija cook lot of dishes from meat, summer sausage and smoked hams. Samogitians are known for their dishes made from potatoes.
Source: http://ausis.gf.vu.lt/eka/food/fcont.html
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Are you nowwondering what to try?
maybe some former EVS volunteers can help you? Here they share their opinions of Lithuanian cuisine as well as where EVS volunteers can eat the most delicious dish or where to buy the cheapest food:
Archil, Geogria:“About Lithuanian food I can talk and talk for hours.<…> for me nicest
Lithuanian meal was not something very extraordinary, but just black rye bread and Lithuanian sausage<...>. It is also very popular “kepta duona”, roast bread with garlic and cheese, (especially with beer) and pink cold beet soup. It is impossible to imagine Lithuanian kitchen without mushrooms. But king of Lithuanian meals, #1 Lithuanian meal is ”Zeppelins” - Didžkukuliai or Cepelinai. You must eat it. If you will not eat “ce-pelinai”, you have no right to say ”I was in Lithuania.” Several words about Lithuanian beer. Lithuania is a Northern country, so here they have beer… Just try “Švyturys tamsus”. It is not only Lithuanian. No, just it is Lithuania<…>.”
Dorothee, Germany: “<…> You just have to get used to eat “grietinė” with anything; you have
to learn the difference between “pienas” and “kefyras” (when your coffee looks totally strange and tastes sourly it means you took kefyras from the shop); and you shouldn’t be too worried about getting some kilos during the year. There are three big supermar-ket chains “Iki”, “Rimi” and “maxima”, which are all quite cheap. maybe “maxima” is the cheapest and if you need some unusual food, just go to “Hyper-maxima” in “Akropolis”, there you will find anything you need <…> And if you want pizza, just try “Čili”, “Pizza Jazz” or “Cancan”.”
Carolina, Austria:“Lithuanian food is very fat, ample and traditional. Soups are very deli-
cious and ruling the menu! <…> To eat real good Lithuanian food I think you will find places somewhere outside the centres. Very nice are the traditional restaurants in Trakai<...>.
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Jenny, Germany:“Lithuanian food is soooooo tasty. And I am talking about real Lithu-
anian food! But there is nothing for diet-freaks because the food mainly consists of po-tatoes, bacon and “grietinė”, which means sour cream. It’s the best basis (and one you will need) if you want to try Lithuanian vodka. You should go to the cottages to eat there. or get a Lithuanian friend. You usually will be invited and can try reaaaal Lithu-anian handmade and home prepared food. For the ones without Lithuanian friends: try “Čili kaimas”. or ask colleagues for some recipe. Lithuanians are proud about their food and will be happy to share it. The cheapest way to get the ingredients is to buy at the daily markets you will find in nearly all suburbs. Just watch out. old ladies and
men are selling vegetables and foods from their garden in special market places. They will be like your
grandma or – pa, if you will start buying there regularly. And they are so thankful for a small
tip. often they will not take but are happy and thankful for the gesture. Every time I went to the market and had improved my Lithuanian language skills, my market
lady told me how proud she was of me.”
Laetitia, France:“<…> Lithuanian food is really heavy but really good in winter time.”
Ana, Portugal: “<…> Lithuanian food is veeeeeeery fat, the taste and the ingredients
are very different from the Southern countries but yet, as everything, it is good when you get used to it, and believe me, you will! <…> I just remembered one thing I was completely shocked that during my first day in my project the cookers gave me a soup with a sour cream! I had never seen such thing and I believe that was the only Lithuanian tradition about food that I couldn’t get used to <…>.”
We will just add - explore Lithuanian cuisine… it is worth it!!!Skanaus!!!
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VILNIUS
most visits to Lithuania start with the capital Vilnius, which was referred as “Athens of the North” because of its multicultural spirit. The charming old town has been recognized as a UNESCo World Heritage site. If you don’t know where to start from, we offer you a short list of places worth visiting in Vilnius:
Gediminas Tower of the Upper �Castle and the Bastion of Vilnius City Wall. Kalnų Park and Three Crosses. �Museums: � National museum of Lithuania, The Amber museum – Gallery, The museum of Genocide Victims and others. In the Old Town � : Pilies, Didžioji, Stiklių, Žydų, Gaono streets. Churches � : St. Catherine’s, the Cathedral, the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Church of St. Anne and the Church of St. Francis and St. Bernardino, and the Gates of Dawn. The Presidential Palace and the University of Vilnius. �The Republic of Užupis. �The Television Tower. �open air museum of the centre of Europe. �
TRAKAI and KERNAVE
Vilnius is adjacent to two former capi-tals – the historical Lithuanian capital of TRAKAI with the castle on one of the islands of lake Galvė; and the country’s first capital, KERNAVĖ, a prominent archaeological site included in the UNESCo World Heritage list. Visit them also!!!
The castle of Trakai
Kernavė
The Grand Courtyard of Vilnius University
The Television Tower
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KAUNAS
In the confluence of the Nemunas and the Neris, 100 kilometres from Vilnius, lies Kaunas - Lithuania’s second largest city. Kaunas has a lot to offer for visitors of all age groups: parks, museums; examples of Art Deco are still found in many restaurants and cafes of the old Town, and the annual Kaunas Jazz Festival. Among the most visited places are Kaunas Castle, Laisvės avenue and Pažaislis Convent.
Laisvės avenue
Pažaislis convent
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PALANGA � is a seaside resort in Western part of Lithuania, located on the Baltic Sea shore. It is the busiest Lithuanian summer resort with sandy beaches (18 km long and up to 300 m width) and dunes. NERINGA � is a municipality in the westernmost part of Lithuania, located in the Curonian Spit. Neringa is separated from mainland Lithuania by the Curo-nian Lagoon (Lithuanian: Kuršių marios) which, because there is no bridge, is only accessible by ferry. The villages in Neringa municipality are Nida, Preila, Pervalka and Juodkrantė. This municipality is the only one in Lithuania which is not called after a town or city.
RESORTS
For those looking for a place to relax and escape from the routine, noise and tensions of the city, work or life several resort towns located in the most spectacular parts of the country can are ideal. The main resort towns are:
Some 40 km South of Kaunas lies the Spa town of � BIRŠTONAS. It sits at the picturesque Nemunas river loop and is famous for a variety of recreational Spas and also for its own jazz festival. DRUSKININKAI � is another Spa town on the bank of river Nemunas in the Southern part of Lithuania, close to the border with Belarus and Poland. Near Druskininkai there is Grūtas Park (Lithuanian: Grūto parkas). It is a sculpture garden of Soviet-era statues and exposition of other ideological relics, founded by a Lithuanian entrepre-neur (and former wrestler). It is unofficially called Stalin’s World or Stalin World (with a reference to theme parks such as Walt Disney World and SeaWorld).
ZARASAI � is a city in North-eastern part of Lithuania surrounded by many lakes and rivers that attracts tourists during the warm season.
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SEASIDE
Ventė Cape (Lithuanian: Ventės ragas; sometimes referred to as Ventė Horn or Ventė Peninsula) is a headland in Nemunas Delta, located in the Šilutė district. It is known as a rest place for many migrating birds, particularly during the autumn migration. one of the first birds’ ringing stations in Europe, was opened here by famous Lithuanian scientist Tadas Ivanauskas in 1929 and is still operating.
The seaside is a popular holiday destination in any season. Lithuanians usually choose from Klaipėda sea-port, Palanga, Šventoji or the Curonian Spit, a sand peninsula of unique beauty on the Baltic Sea shore, which is also on the UNESCo World Heritage list. The beach is always considered to be a very romantic and nice place to spend the weekend.
OThER PLACES TO VISIT
The Hill of Crosses � (Lithuanian Kryžių kalnas) is a site of pilgrimage about 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. The number of crosses is unknown, but estimates put it at about 50,000.
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Rumšiškės � is best known for its excellent open-air ethnographic museum, one of the largest in Europe. The open-air museum displays the heritage of Lithuanian rural life in a vast collection of authentic re-erected buildings where the Lithuanian people lived and worked. The buildings of this museum are exposed as farmsteads and they all together represent the main ethnographic regions of Lithuania: Aukštaitija, Samogitia, Dzūkija and Suvalkija.
Aukštaitija National Park � is a national park in northeastern Lithuania, about 100 km north of Vilnius. The lakes cover 59.30 km² (or 15.5%) of the park territory. There are many sites to rent a boat or a kayak and also for people to rest overnight. one of the most famous sights in the Park is Ladakalnis hill, from top of which 6 lakes can be seen. It is a geomorphological monument. The most famous of the villages is Palūšė.
Useful Websites:
www.vilnius.lt � (official website of Vilnius City municipality)www.lietuva.lt � (Central Portal of Lithuania)http://www.turizmas.lt/en � (Lithuanian Tourism and Business Information Portal: search, maps, news)http://www.muziejai.lt/Index.en.htm � (official website of Lithuanian museums)www.visiteurope.com/lithuania � (official website of the European Travel Commission)www.inyourpocket.com/lithuania/en � (Website about Lithuanian tourism resources and service)
Sources: http://lietuva.lt, http://www.vilnius-tourism.lt, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
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TOURIST INFORmATION CENTRES in Lithuania
Trakai
Vytauto St. 69, LT-21001 Trakai
Tel./fax +370 528 51934
E-mail [email protected]
www.trakai.lt Birštonas
Jaunimo St. 3, LT-59219 BirštonasTel. +370 319 65740,fax +370 319 65640E-mail [email protected]
Zarasai
Sėlių Sq. 22, LT-32110 Zarasai
Tel./fax +370 385 51230
E-mail [email protected]
www.zarasai.lt
Kaunas
Laisvės Ave. 36, LT-44240 KaunasTel. +370 37 323 436,tel./fax +370 37 423678E-mail [email protected]://visit.kaunas.lt
Druskininkai
Gardino St. 3, LT-66204 DruskininkaiTel.: +370 313 60800, +370 313 51777, fax +370 313 52984E-mail [email protected]
Kernave
Kerniaus St. 4, LT-19014Kernavė, Širvintos regionTel. +370 382 47315,fax +370 382 47311E-mail [email protected]
Neringa
Taikos St. 4, LT-93121 NidaTel. +370 469 52345,fax +370 469 52538E-mail [email protected]
Palanga
Kretingos St. 1, LT-00132 PalangaTel. +370 460 48811, fax +370 460 48822E-mail [email protected]
Vilnius
www.vilnius-tourism.lt
Klaiped
a
Turgaus St
. 7, LT-91247 Klaip
ėda
Tel. +370 46 412 186,
tic@klaip
edainfo.l
t,
www.klaipeda.lt
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In Lithuania between the cities there are intercity trains (traukiniai) and bus services. For international journeys it is possible to take flights from three airports (in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga); a ferry from Klaipėda harbor as well to travel by train or by bus.
The system of paying for public transport differs in each city. Here are the main means of public transport in the biggest cities Vilnius and Kaunas:
BUS (lt. � autobusas)TRoLLEYBUS (lt. � troleibusas)TAXI (lt. � taksi)
In day time buses and trolleybuses are the cheapest, though, not always the most efficient way to reach your destination. In Vilnius you need to buy Vilniečio kortelė (Vilnius card) which is electronic bus and trol-leybus ticket. You can buy electronic monthly ticket or ticket for one ride as well as for specified time (30 minutes, 60 minutes, 1 day, 3 days, 10 days). When you enter a bus or trolleybus you need to activate your Vilniečio kortelė by placing it to the yellow composter and keeping when you hear it beeps. That sound means it is active. Beware – you need to activate your monthly ticket every month.
In Vilnius you can also buy paper ticket from the driver which is valid for one way and more expensive. Also note that the one-way tickets are only used for one means of transport; that means that you have to buy a new one-way ticket if you need to change the bus. That is when monthly tickets are far more convenient and cheap compared to one-way tickets.
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In other towns tickets are still made of paper and you can buy it in kiosks or from the driver.
In the evening, buses SToP operating quite early (at about 23.15), afterwards you might need to take a taxi home (it is cheaper if you dial special short taxis’ number and not hail it on the street).
For INTERCITY TRAVELLING usually buses are faster and trains are cheaper (keep in mind this is opposite to international travel). For route
Vilnius - Kaunas both price and timing are pretty the same. However, some places are way too far from train routes, so buses are the only way to reach them.
For intercity travelling there is another possibility. But be aware that it is NoT SAFE at all. They are sometimes called BLACK TAXIS. Private people will collect as many people as they can and bring them to other cities in their private cars. You can usually find them in parking areas close to the main stations and bus stations. You will notice them by their „inconspicuous“ look or lots of people walking in their direction. Sometimes they also ask if you want to go to this or that place. You have to bargain for the price so you can save some money and reduce the fare. But be careful about letting them know that you are a foreigner – they could try to get as much money as they can. There are usually several of them so just go to the next one and tell them you will take their lift if their offer is better.
It usually works.
HITCHHIKING is another way to reach your destination in Lithu-ania. outside the country it is also possible, but keep in mind that it is also not the safest way of travel-ling.
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Choosing the means of TRAVELLING oUTSIDE THE CoUNTRY depends on how far you want to go. For visiting neighbouring countries it is convenient and reasonably cheap to go by train or bus. For longer distances you may want to travel by plane. Vilnius International airport is the main airport in Lithuania with more routes and airline companies providing services. Several cheap airlines provide services to/from Kaunas airport (1,5 hour by car and 2 hours by bus from Vilnius). Palanga is another airport near to the coast and more convenient for those living in Klaipėda other places in the Western part of Lithuania.
Always try to get a � monthly ticket for buses and trolleybuses if walking is too far. (Your Coordinating or Hosting organization could be responsible for this. Ask them!!!)When you get a � one-way ticket do not forget to validate it in the bus or trolleybus (if you get caught you will have to pay a fine). In some towns when you buy the ticket from drivers, you don‘t need to validate it. So if you don‘t know to whether validate or not, ask the driver or someone near you.It is also a possibility to get a � special ticket for one or few days only for buses or trolleybuses or both. For example, it is very convenient if you make your EVS in Vilnius but you decide to spend the weekend in Kaunas. Ask for this special ticket in Lietuvos spauda kiosk in Kaunas and Vilnius and do not worry anymore while getting on the bus.Don’t forget to use your � student discounts when travelling by local public transport, using intercity or international bus, or train services.When � hitchhiking try not to be alone.The basic rule for travelling abroad: � trains are more comfortable while buses are cheaper. If you choose the latter, don’t forget to take a book, food and napkins with you, and of course a lot of patience!
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WhERE TO GET mORE INFORmATION:means of transport for different cities
VilniusPublic transport routes/timetables: www.vilniustransport.lt �Intercity bus station: www.autobusubilietai.lt/ �Taxi: www.taksi.lt/taksi-vilniuje.html �
KaunasPublic transport routes/timetables: www.marsrutai.lt/kaunas or �www.stops.lt/kaunas/Kaunas Taxi companies (and phone numbers): www.taksi.lt/taksi-kaune.html �Intercity bus station: www.kautra.lt/en/ �
KlaipėdaPublic transport routes/timetables: www.marsrutai.lt/klaipeda �Intercity bus station: www.klap.lt/index.en.html �Information for ferry from Klaipėda: http://www.krantas.lt/en/ferry_tickets_online/ �
PanevėžysPublic transport routes/timetables: www.marsrutai.lt/panevezys �Intercity bus station timetable: www.panevezioautobusai.lt �
The airportsVilnius International airport: www.vilnius-airport.lt �Kaunas International airport: www.kaunas-airport.lt �Palanga airport: www.palanga-airport.lt �
Airlines operating flights from and to LithuaniaRyanair (from Kaunas airport) – www.ryanair.com �Airbaltic – www.airbaltic.com �And others: http://www.vilnius-airport.lt/en/airlines/ �
TrainsLietuvos geležinkeliai - Lithuanian Railways for all destinations: �
http://www.litrail.lt/en/home
Buseswww.autobusubilietai.lt/ �
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Suprasti daugiau(to understand more)…
As you may have already noticed the Lithuanian language is very difficult and not similar to the European languages you already know (except if you have some knowl-edge of the Latvian language). Lithuanian is an Indo-European language that, together with Latvian, forms a branch of Baltic languages. Though, while staying in Lithuania you can try to communicate in English, Russian or German, but in order to be able to fully integrate properly into Lithuanian life you should immediately start learning Lithuanian. For sure it‘s difficult at the beginning, but it‘s worth trying. Your time in Lithuania, as well as your project will be much more successful and you will feel less of an outsider if you have a command of the local language. Studying Lithuanian is also very rewarding because local people will really appreciate your efforts. And for consolation, even though the Lithuanian language is hard, it‘s possible to learn it. many ex-volunteers managed to do it.
You should start with the basic grammar and try to learn some new words every day. Just don‘t be afraid to speak. If you feel that your language course is not satisfying enough there are also some books available for individual learning.
The easiest part about learning Lithuanian is that all the letters are always pro- nounced individually where they stand. And all the letters must be pronounced! The only exception is the letter ch which is considered as a sepa-rate sound and never stands for c and h rate sound and never stand separately. So if you want to learn new words, there is always at least an easy way to read them (although pronunciation might seem difficult anyways as we put many sounds together. Eve-rything else depends on patience and motivation.
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Labas – hello;
Labas rytas – good morning;
Laba diena – good afternoon;
Labas vakaras – good evening;
Labanakt – good night;
Viso gero, sudie – good bye;
Iki, ate – see you later, bye;
Ačiū, dėkui – thank you;
Labai – very much (this word can go in the front of the word ačiū);
Prašom – you are welcome (the answer to thank you or also has the meaning of here you are);
Nėra už ką – not at all (answer to thank you);
Atsiprašau – sorry, excuse me, pardon;
Viskas – everything, but it can be used to say that’s it (meaning that’s all I wanted, I’ve finished, it’s enough).
Koks tavo vardas? – What is your name?
Malonu susipažinti – Nice to meet you.
Aš esu savanorė/savanoris – I am a volunteer (female/male)
Skanaus – Bon appétit
Taip. Ne. Nežinau. – Yes. No. I don’t know.
Mano vardas… – my name is…
Aš esu iš… (Anglijos, Rusijos, Voketijos, Prancūzijos, Ispanijos, Lenkijos) – I am from… (England, Russia, Germany, France, Spain, Poland)
Aš nesuprantu lietuviškai – I don’t understand Lithuanian.
Aš suprantu tik truputį – I under-stand just a little bit.
Ar jūs kalbate… (angliškai, rusiškai, vokiškai, prancūziškai, ispaniškai, lenkiškai)? – Do you speak… (English, Russian, German, French, Spanish, Polish)?
Aš norėčiau… (alaus, kavos, arba-tos, vandens) – I would like… (beer, coffee, tea, water)
Gal galėtume sumokėti? – Could we pay?
Kiek kainuoja…? - How much is it…? (About price)
Kur yra (moterų/vyrų) tualetas? – Where is the (ladies/gentlemen) toilet?
Kaip lietuviškai pasakyti …? – What’s the Lithuanian word for…?
Ką tai reiškia? – What does it mean?
Useful Lithuanian words & phrases:
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If you’re struggling with the Lithuanian language, try to speak your �language but do not hesitate to use Lithuanian words you already know – you will learn faster and others will understand your efforts and help you.other languages in use: in Lithuania many people can speak or at least �understand Russian quite well. In Vilnius, the Polish language might be also used sometimes. Younger people speak English quite well and some are able to communicate in German.Remember, it’s much more important how keen you are on getting to �know something and not the words you use. A mix of languages, body gestures, sketching - everything suits! That way you’ll know more and enjoy more!
Where to find out more:
Different languages dictionaries online: http://www.zodynas.lt/ �Lithuanian – English – German dictionaries online: �http://www.vokieciu-lietuviu.com/ and http://www.lietuviu-vokieciu.com/on-line Lithuanian language learning website: http://www.oneness.vu.lt/lt/ �https://translate.google.lt/ �
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Siranush, Armenia:“The language is not easy but very beautiful! At first you have to learn:
„Aš nesuprantu ir nekalbu lietuviškai“ (I don’t understand and speak Lithuanian); „La- bas!“ (Hey); „Ačiū!“ (Thanks)”
Torsten, Germany:
“<….> do not give up, and don’t be tired of asking…<…> take time, don’t loose patience… <…> a lot of volunteers just left school when they start volunteering. The result is that they enter the language course and still behave like at the school. They think they have to be funny, to be “cool”, to impress the others with their “jokes” etc. And for sure it is not cool to do homework or to participate in the class actively… Dear future volunteer, please do not behave in that way!!! Do not mind about what the others might do or say... just do, think, participate, and ask as much as you can. one thing you really should understand is: the language course is FoR and NoT AGAINST you. It is not some kind of a foolish school you are forced to visit by your organization <…>.”
Dorothee, Germany:“Lithuanian language IS difficult and in the beginning you cannot even
see the difference between Lithuanian and Russian. But keep on learning, don’t care too much about grammatical structures. Lithuanians are always happy when they see that you are at least trying to learn their language. Put Lithuanian words in your flat for fridge, chair, etc., you can put vocabulary on your toilet door and tell the Lithuanian people around you that they should keep talking to you in Lithuanian. It is hard in the beginning, but it really helps a lot! Useful words: gerai, taip, labas, iki, ate, viskas.”
What have the former EVS volunteers said about Lithuanian language?
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Kevin, Germany:Very difficult to learn…be prepared. The three most often used words:
„Labas“ – Hello; „Viskas“ - everything or finished; „gerai“ – good/oK.“
Laetitia, France:“Useful words: „Į sveikatą“ means cheers; „labas“ means hi; „iki“ means
bye; „ačiū“ means thanks.”
Carolina, Austria:“For me the difficult part with the Lithuanian language is changing of
the endings. You have to learn them more or less by heart. But more important is vocabulary. It is better to know a word in any case than to have just some few words, but the correct ending. Probably it isn’t also bad to try to listen to Lithuanian songs; buy a Lithuanian music CD. (maybe one for the children arba Hokshila!). Because with music it’s much more easy and funny to learn. When you really want to learn the language you have to force yourself to speak it with the natives. Cause many (young) Lithuanians speak quite good and willingly English or also German. First important Lithuanian words: “Atsiprašau!”, “Aš nesuprantu lietuviškai (arba rusiškai)!”
Anna maria, Germany:
“Lithuanian is f*** difficult! But don’t give up! If you try and talk, you will learn it. Useful words: “Prašau, sustokite čia!” is the best sentence to stop a maršrutinis (microbus).” So just don’t give up!!!
You can do it!
Tu gali!
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In this section you will find out more about the situation of voluntary work in Lithuania. In 2008 TNS Gallup did a research study about voluntary work in Lithuania. Some very evident facts about voluntary work in this country came to light. Check it out.
The main facts
Research revealed that the majority age group involved in voluntary activi-ties are15-19 years old youths, who at-tend school or studies, are alone, or live in rural areas. Among all age groups older and single people are least likely to participate in any voluntary activities.
Those who are already engaged in voluntary activities often agree that voluntary work is respectable, has a public benefit and they would like to see their children as volunteers at least once in their lifetime. They are often opposed to the idea that voluntary action is not necessary, that it is an empty waste of time; that people engaging in such activities are not respected and can be considered as weirdie.
The best-known voluntary organizations in Lithuania are long-acting organiza- tions with their own traditions, whose activities are regularly covered in the me-dia. Examples in Lithuanian are:
Lithuanian Red Cross society (77%); �Caritas (72%); �Save the Children, Lithuania (“Gelbėkime vaikus“) (65%). �
Lithuanians associate the word “Voluntary work” most often with
their own volition, voluntary �activities;army, army volunteers; �work without remuneration. �
The main reasons that encourage peo-ple to engage in voluntary activities are:
the desire to help others (59%) �necessary and meaningful way to �spend your time (30%);find friends, communicate with �people (20%);the maintenance of ideas that they �support (19%).
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In Lithuania typical volunteer activities or volunteering are often associated with- these three activities:
Help patients, handicapped, old nursing home; �Environmental management; �Blood, organ donor. �
more than a third of all respondents in the survey have stated that they would agree to participate in volunteering activities, if they were offered.
The most interesting activities would be/are:
Environmental protection, handling (31%); �Help children and young people (28%); �Help the elderly (19%); �
People do not engage in the voluntary work because of:
the lack of time (41%); �the lack of awareness of where and how to participate and volunteer (26%); �health disability (20%); �feeling incapable to help others (14%). �
From the reasons indicated above, the second point could be identified as a hub of the problem. It shows that information about voluntary activities does not reach the potential volunteers in Lithuania. It is also clear that people sometimes do not know how they could help, or what they could do as volunteers.
In short:
While the general understanding of voluntary work is quite narrow in �Lithuania, many are actively engaged in voluntary activities mainly dealing with environmental management.The social attitudes towards voluntary work stem from the lack of respect and �recognition in wider society.Helping children or the elderly, animal care and voluntary participation �in various arts or sports fields could be an attractive niche in promoting voluntary activities and reputation.
Source: http://www.tns-gallup.lt/en/disp.php/en_news
Animal care by (17%); �Arts and culture (13%); �Sports (13%). �
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What is EVS? What should I do during EVS? How will I do it? Who can help me? You can find the answers to these questions and much more, in the second part of this guide.
Let us start…
Have you ever heard that EVS is a true “learning service”? Believe me EVS is much more. It is learning for life! Through volunteering, young people acquire new knowl-edge, skills and attitudes. While being exposed to intercultural challenges and new personal experiences they also expand their horizons, learn more about themselves, and grow as human beings.
Some people call it EPS (European Party Service), others call it ETS (European Travelling Service) or YFS (Year for Yourself ); and we are sure, if you use your imagi- nation you can come up with an equally creative abbreviation. Yes, EVS does include partying and promotes travelling, but more than anything derives from the ideal of volunteering, the idealism of volunteers, hence EVS! Needless to say, volunteering in Lithuania and offering your time and enthusiasm to local activities implies a higher level of commitment, involvement and seriousness than just partying and travelling.
In this chapter, you will find important information that you may have skipped before or not looked at for a second time, but it is so ImPoRTANT! Here we will give you some more information about different roles of the involved parties, the principles of EVS through the EVS Charter, Volunteer’s Insurance, the Budget, Youthpass and Conflict management. All these issues are basic to your experience and will help you to get the most out of it.
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The European Voluntary Service has been in Lithuania for around 14 years, if we take into account its pilot period (since 2000). Since then, thou-sands of young people have had the chance that you are having now and the percentage of the young people benefiting from it in various ways are amazing. Learning a new language, getting professional experience, be-coming more open to cultures, mak-ing friends, self- development and much more (Volunteer’s Perceptions of the Impact of the European Vol-untary Service in their lives, Brussels, 1999) it is all the things that one can expect from or experience during their EVS.
Learning a new language �
Getting professional �experience
Becoming more open to
�cultures
making friends �
Self-development �
And much more �
What can one
expect from
or experience
during their EVS
This non-formal learning is seen as a means for motivating young people to develop their skills not only on a personal and social level, but on a professional level as well. As a result, the voluntary service wishes to provide a comple-ment to an individual’s formal educa- tion and training, allowing young people to take a more active role in determining their future and their integration into the labour market and society.
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The Charter of the European Voluntary Service (EVS) is one of the Erasmus+ Programme documents related to EVS and The European Voluntary Service (EVS) Charter highlights the roles of EVS sending, receiving and coordinating organisations and the main principles and quality standards of EVS. Each EVS Activity promoter adheres to the provisions set out in this Charter.
EVS partnership
A solid partnership between EVS Sending, Host, Coordinating Organiza-tions, and the volunteer is the basis of every EVS Activity. Adequate match-ing between the volunteer profile and the tasks has to be in place. An Activity Agreement is signed by all the partners before the beginning of the Activity.
The Sending Organization � (So) is in charge of the preparation and the support of the volunteers before, during, and after the EVS activities.The Host Organization � (Ho) has to ensure safe and decent living and working conditions for the volunteer throughout the entire Activity period. It has to provide adequate personal, linguistic, and task-related support, including the identification of a mentor for the volunteer.The Coordinating Organization � (Co) (applicant) has the role of facilitating the implementation of the project by offering administrative and quality support to all project partners and enabling their networking.
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EVS principles to be ensured:
Non-formal learning � and intercultural dimension, through a clear definition of a learning plan for the volunteer.The service dimension through a clear definition of the non-profit-making �character of the project and the volunteer tasks. Fulltime service and active role of the volunteer in implementing the activities have to be ensured. EVS volunteer activities must not replace any employment.Benefit to and contact with the local community. �EVS is free � of charge for the volunteers, except for a possible contribution to the travel costs.Accessibility and inclusion: � when recruiting EVS volunteers, the organizations maintain the overall accessibility of EVS for all young people, without prejudice related to ethnic group, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, etc. If the project targets volunteers with fewer opportunities, facilities and capacity in providing tailor-made preparation, then all the necessary support have to be in place.
EVS quality standarts to be ensured
Support to the volunteer �- Before, during, and after the EVS activities, in particular in crisis prevention and management.- For insurance, visa, residence permit, travel arrangements and all the EVS administrative procedures.- Facilitating the volunteer’s participation in the EVS training cycle.- by foreseeing proper evaluation measures.Information �- All EVS partners have the right to receive complete information on the Activity and agree on all aspects.- Visibility, dissemination, and publicity measures have to be in place.Recognition �- Each EVS volunteer is entitled to receive a Youthpass.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/pdf
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The EVS charter describes the role of EVS organisations acting as sending, receiving or coordinating organisation and defines the main principles of EVS and the mini-mum quality standards that must be respected within an EVS Activity. Here is a sug-gestion on how the roles and tasks of organisations involved in EVS could be shared (in some cases these roles must be compulsorily performed by a given organisation).
This section suggests how such roles and tasks could be shared (normally these roles must be compulsorily performed by a given promoter).
Coordinating organization (CO):submits the application and bears the financial and administrative respon- �sibility for the entire project towards the National Agency or the Executive Agency;coordinates the project in cooperation with all sending and receiving organisa- �tions;distributes the EVS grant between all sending and receiving organisations; �ensures that the volunteer(s) receive(s) the EVS Info Kit and attend(s) the full �EVS Training and Evaluation Cycle;provides support to the volunteer(s) it places in the receiving organisation(s); �carries out all or some of the administrative tasks of the sending or receiving �organisation(s) involved in the project;ensures, with the sending and receiving organisations, that each volunteer is �in possession of the European Health Insurance Card (if applicable) and is covered by the obligatory EVS Insurance plan foreseen in the Erasmus+ Pro-gramme;
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provides support for the learning/Youthpass process. Completes, with the �sending and receiving organisations and the volunteer, and issues, a Youthpass Certificate for those volunteers who want to receive it at the end of their EVS.
Sending organization (SO)Preparation �- helps the volunteer(s) to find and contact a receiving organisation;- provides adequate preparation for the volunteer(s) before departure, according to the individual needs and learning opportunities of the volunteer(s) and in line with the Volunteer Training Guidelines and minimum Quality Standards of the European Commission;- ensures, in cooperation with the receiving organisation, that the volunteer receives support in carrying out language preparation (if applicable, support to carry out the online language course and assessments provided by the Commission);- ensures the participation of the volunteer(s) in the pre-departure session, if organised by the National Agency or SALTo.Contact during the voluntary activity �- keeps in contact with the volunteer(s) and with the receiving organisation(s) during the project.Upon volunteer’s return �- provides support to volunteer(s) to help reintegrate them into their home community;- gives volunteers the opportunity to exchange and share experiences and learning outcomes;- encourages the involvement of the volunteer(s) in dissemination and exploitation of results and learning outcomes;- provides guidance regarding further education, training or employment opportunities;- ensures the participation of the volunteers in the annual EVS event organised by the National Agency in their country.
host organization (hO)Mentor �- identifies a mentor who is responsible for providing to the volunteer(s):
• personal support,
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• support to carry out the online language course and assessments provided by the Commission (if applicable)• support to carry out a self-reflection on the learning outcomes of the EVS activity (through the use of Youthpass).
Task-related support �- offers supervision and guidance to the volunteer(s) through experienced staff.Personal support �- provides personal support and support during the learning/Youthpass process to volunteer(s);- gives the volunteer(s) the opportunity to integrate into the local community, to meet other young people, to socialise, to participate in leisure activities, etc.;- encourages contact with other EVS volunteers whenever possible.EVS training and evaluation cycle and language support �- ensures the participation of the volunteer(s) in the on-arrival training and mid-term evaluation organised by the NA or SALTo;- arranges language learning opportunities and support to volunteers undertaking language courses.Principles of EVS �- ensuring universal accessibility to EVS: receiving organisations cannot specify that volunteer(s) should be of a specific ethnic group, religion, sexual orientation, political opinion, etc.; neither can they require qualifications or a certain educational level in order to select the volunteer(s);- offering to the volunteer(s) the opportunity to carry out a well-defined set of tasks, allowing some of the volunteer’s ideas, creativity and experience to be integrated;- identifying clear learning opportunities for the volunteer(s).Accommodation and food �- providing suitable accommodation and meals (or a food allowance, covering also the holiday period) to the volunteer(s).Local transport �- ensures that means of local transport are available for the volunteer(s).Allowance �- gives the due allowance to the volunteer(s) on a weekly or monthly basis.
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VolunteerGeneral �- Follows and respects ERASmUS+ programme, the philosophy, aims, priorities and procedures, as well as the way activities are implemented in the Sending, Reveiving and Coordinating organisation.- Participates in the EVS project for free. The volunteer must not in any way pay fully or partially, directly or indirectly for participation, exept for travel costs.Prior to the arrival �- Receives proper preparation from the Sending organization according to his/her needs, as well as clear information about the host project. - Has the right to be covered by the obligatory EVS group insurance plan appointed by European Commission. The enrolment must be done by the Coordinating organization (or in certain cases – Sending organization).- Takes an active role in setting up his/her EVS activity together with the Sending organization and the Receiving organization.- Attends a pre-departure training organized in his/her country.During the service period �- Respects the rules and the organizational structure existing in the Ro.- Follows his full-time service schedule set up together with Ro. His/her working activities (including language and other training related activities) should take up 30-37 hours per week.- Has a responsibility to attend on-arrival training, mid-term and Annual EVS volunteers meetings and fill the relevant project reports.- Respects the legislation in force in the host country. He/she must not act in any way that could put others or him/herself at the risk of being injured.- Has the responsibility to take good care of the accommodation that has been provided for him/her.- Keeps the Ro informed about his/her whereabouts during the EVS period.
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The Erasmus+ programme supports EVS projects financially. Grants are awarded by the National Agency on behalf of the European Commission, to organizations to fund volunteers to carry out EVS projects. A general objective is that the volunteer does not have to contribute financially to an EVS project. organizations (So/Ro/Co) receive fixed amounts for EVS projects. The provisions offered by the organiza-tions differ from each other depending on the kind of organization, the city where the organization is, and its activities etc.
one thing that is the same for all EVS volunteers in Lithuania is that you will re- ceive €80.00 a month as your pocket money. Food, rent or local transport costs are not included in this amount of money. You can spend it any way you want to.
In case of a serious incident of conflict situation �- In case of conflict situation, the volunteer should cooperate actively with the So, Ro, Co and the mentor to avoid communication problems.- In the case the volunteer wants to leave the activity, he/she should firstly consult the Sending, Receiving, and Coordinating organizations, as well as National Agency. Early leaving of the activity should always be the last option.
Sources: Erasmus+ Programme guide (2014), EVS Charter (2014)EVS Quality Guide in Lithuania (2012)
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In a way, participating in these trainings is both your right and responsibility. one thing we know is that, if you miss them, you will be missing a ‘big thing’: discussions, working groups, games, energizers, networking, reflection groups, new people, new cultures, new ideas, and a lots of fun!
In Lithuania, the organizer of these trainings is the JTBA (Lithuanian National Agency). There is also a pool of experienced youth trainers who always give their best for your benefit!
A compulsory partof your EVS consists of a series of trainings that you will have to attend. These trainings are based on non-for-mal education techniques and methodologies, and although there are some guidelines for the nationalagencies on why, what, or how, each training varies on its emphasis, intensity and duration.
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Note
You will be informed by your SO, HO or CO about the dates of the trainings.
Pre-Departure training
This training is not compulsory and can be organized either by the Na-tional agency of your country or by your Sending organization. It is ment for the volunteers before departing to the host country. This training gives volunteers an opportunity to talk about their expectations, develop their motivation, and obtain information on their host country as well on the Erasmus+ Programme. It can also be an opportunity for volunteers to meet and talk to the former EVS volunteers.
On-Arrival training
Welcome to Lithuania! In a welcoming training you will meet other EVS volunteers who arrive to Lithuania in the same period as you. The training is about what the volunteering is, how you feel about being in this country, intercultural learning, how to manage conflicts in your work, and what is or what to expect from a tutor/mentor.
mid meeting
This meeting will be organised in the middle of your project. It gives you the possibility to see how far you have gone with achieving your goals. What have you done until now and what do you still want or have to do. What were the obstacles and what was much easier
than you thought; and of course, also to reinforce contacts and meet new people that are doing EVS in your host country!
Annual meeting of EVS volunteers
once you are back in your home country, your National Agency will organize this meeting with the aim of evaluating your EVS experience, focused on the volunteer in order to inspire the person to proceed with volunteering activities and creation of new projects.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/pro-gramme/mobility/european-voluntary-service_en.htm
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Every person who has taken part in an Erasmus+ project is entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate. This describes and validates both the non-formal and informal learning experiences acquired during the project. Therefore, you as an EVS volunteer are entitled to get one!
But what is this Youthpass? Let’s put it in a simple way. Youthpass is related to edu- cation and learning, but not in the formal way we all know (for example school and university). It is all about learning in a non-formal way, thus, non formal learning!
As an EVS volunteer, you are going through a learning process. During your EVS there will be learning points where you will develop different skills. Some of you will develop more, others less, but wouldn’t it be such a pity, if all that would not be recog-nized by anyone? For this reason Youthpass is here to help you to realize and evaluate your learning process, also to provide you with a proof of your EVS.
All Youthpass certificates have a common structure, a coherent layout, and contain the following information:
personal details about the participant; �
general description of the relevant Key Action of the Programme, in �this case – European Voluntary Service;
key information concerning the project and the activities done by the �participant;
description and assessment of the participant’s learning outcomes �during the project.
The Youthpass is largely based on a series of “key competences”, described as a com- bination of knowledge, skills, and attitudes appropriate to the context. These com- petences are ones that all individuals need for personal fulfillment and develop-ment, active citizenship, social inclusion, and employment.
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Learning to learnHow to organise your own learning
�To be able to deal with obstacles
�Being responisble for your own learning
�To evaluate/assess the outcomes of your
�learning
mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology
The ability and willingness to use �mathematical modes to deal with problems and challenges in everyday lifeThe ability/willingness to use knowledge �to explain the natural world, to identify questions and to draw evidence based conclusions
Digital competence
Is about the confident and critical �use of Information Society TechnologyBasic skills to use computers and �Internet
Interpersonal, intercultural and social competences and civic competence
The ability to communicate in a �proper way with friends, family and colleaguesTo be able to deal with people �from all kind of different backgroundsTo be able to deal in a �constructive way with conflictsKnowledge about what is going �on in your village, city, country,Europe and the world �Knowledge of concepts/ideas �of democracy/citizenship/civil rightsYour participation in civil life �
Comunication in foreign languages
The ability to express and understand �in a foreign language according to
your needsA positive attitude towards cultural
�differences and diversity
Curiosity in languages and �intercultural communication
Comunication in
mother tongue
The ability to expresss thoughts,
�feelings and facts in words (oral/
written)
To be able to interact in an
�appropriate way
Cultural expression
To appreciate the importance �of creative expressions of ideas,
experiences and emotionsEverything which has to do with �media, music, performing arts,
literature and visual arts
Enterpreneurship
The ability to turn ideas into action �To be creative and innovative �To dare to take risks �Project managemenet �
Key CompetencesWhAT ARE ThEY ABOUT?
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Through the Youthpass the European Commission ensures that participation in the Programme is recognized as an educational experience and as a period of non-formal learning and informal learning. This document can provide a great benefit for the future educational or professional pathway for the participant. Each beneficiary of the Erasmus+ grant under the Key Actions concerned is responsible for:
informing all participants involved in the project that they are �entitled to receive a Youthpass certificate;
issuing such certificates to all participants who requested to �get one. (Do request one!)
These obligations are specified in the model of grant agreement between the benefi- ciary and the relevant National or Executive Agency.
Take into consideration that Youthpass for EVS is issued through the collaboration of the volunteer, the Receiving organization and the Coordinating organization (if the Coordinating organization is not also the host)! Ideally the Youthpass should be issued just before the end of the project, but it is highly recommended to take it into account through all phases of your project cycle (preparation, implementation, evaluation).
For more information visit: www.youthpass.eu
how doesthe YOUThPASS look like?
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All EVS volunteers are insured with the insurance programme which provides par-ticipants in the European Voluntary Service (EVS) with coverage during their period of voluntary activity. Cover is offered free of charge to EVS Volunteers. The Insurance premiums are paid by EACEA.
The EVS insurance plan offers the following guarantees:
Health costs; �Assistance and repatriation; �Death & Disability Benefits: Permanent disability and Life Insurance; �Third-Party Liability in Private Life. �
The role of the AXA Group and mSH INTERNATIoNAL is to obtain for you the financial security of a solid insurance policy, the administrative services of a specialist for groups residing outside their country of origin, as well as the information, medical and repatriation consultancy services of an insurance company that has 35 call centres and 6,500 medical correspondents in 180 countries. As a general rule, you will be in contact with mSH INTERNATIoNAL, which will coordinate all the services, except for repatriation and assistance, which will be handled by AXA Assistance.
All EVS Volunteers may claim the insurance, but will only be covered if the registra-tion form for the group insurance plan has been completed and signed by the Volun-teer and the Sending or Hosting organisation, or by the Volunteer and the Coordinat-ing organisation in the case of projects on a European scale and multilateral projects with third-party countries. mSH INTERNATIoNAL will send back confirmation to the Coordinating organisation or the Sending organisation, as well as the National Agency that sent the Volunteer.
Cover is valid throughout the world, 24/7, from the date when you leave home en route to the Hosting country, up till the second month following your return home at the end of your European Voluntary Service. Cover is also in place for preparatory meetings before your departure and for follow-up and final assessment meetings after your return.
Source: http://global.msh-intl.com/ (European Commition > European Voluntary Service > Volunteer’s guide).
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What to do if the accident happens!
If it happens first � contact your CO/RO or your mentor/ tutor, a person whom you can trust and who is dedicated to support you in all kinds of situations. She/he could help you (for example to explain in native language what happened in appropriate medical institutions. And also don’t be modest if you need just moral support).When visiting a doctor or hospital, show your � EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, if you are insured by another insurance company). If you do not have an EHIC, explain how you are insured (tell them about AXA/mSH International; could also happen that they say they don’t know AXA/mSH International insurance and might ask you to pay directly). If the costs are high, contact Co or mSH International and ask if they can pay directly. It will prevent you from having to pay out an advance of the costs.For the usual medical expenses (consultations, pharmacy, �tests, radiology, as well as dental and optical care), first pay the expenses before sending them to the management centre for reimbursement. For any expense greater than €400, please attach any document �filled in by the practitioners showing details of the treatment, the nature of the illness or injury, and the type of treatment prescribed. In the absence thereof, mSH INTERNATIoNAL may require you to send additional documents, which will delay the refund of your health expenses. You can fill in the � reimbursement request form on the Participants’ Pages of the website, under “Fill out a Claim Form”.Print out the pdf document and send it by post to mSH International management centre, together with documentary proof of health expenses (original invoices duly paid and your medical prescriptions). Save the receipts and bills!!! All originals (but don’t forget to make copies of receipts and bills for yourself as well) must be sent to mSH International in France if you want them to cover all your medical costs.
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Contacts
Health costs �Permanent Disability and Life �InsuranceThird-Party Liability in Private �Life
�
mSH INTERNATIoNAL(EVS plan)82, rue Villeneuve92587 Clichy Cedex, FRANCEE-mail: [email protected]. + 33(0)144208210Fax: + 33 (0) 1 44 20 48 79
Assistance and Repatriation �
AXA ASSISTANCE (Assistance and Repatriation)Le Carat 6Rue André Gide92320 Chatillon, FRANCE E-mail:[email protected]. + 33 (0) 1 55 92 26 06Fax: + 33 (0)1 49 65 25 54
The multilingual team at EUROPEAN BENEFITS ADMINISTRATORS and
AXA ASSISTANCE are operational 24 hours a day and
a doctor is constantly in attendance.
mSH International gives oportunityfor you to download your �insurance card via your Participant’s Pages on www.msh-intl.com/global/Your Enrollment/Insurance ID card. Your insurance card will make it easier for you to handle administrative matters in hospitals. What does the International Health Claim Form look like? �Where do you get it? You should login online www.msh-intl.com/global. – go to Participants’ Pages and print out your Claim form.Should you have any questions or need assistance to understand �how the insurance cover applies to your situation, contact the two organizations which provide the services and manage the Plan. Below you can find all the necessary contacts.
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Here you will find some useful information which you use, not only during your EVS but in your everyday life too.
During your stay abroad you will be exposed to other values, habits, rituals and living environments. Conversely, your hosts will also be exposed to your values, hab-its, rituals and living conditions. If you want to know why it is like that, and what is really happening keep on reading.
Intercultural learning first of all means that you have to know and understand yourself in order to understand others. It is a challenging process as it involves very deep-rooted general ideas about what is good and what is bad; about how you struc- ture or perceive your world and your life. In a process of intercultural learning it is essential to put into question, what we take for granted and what we really feel. our identity is constantly challenged by other people’s ways of doing and thinking and not always we are able to avoid the conflict. Developing intercultural sensitivity is a gradual process from denial to integration of differences.
It happens that EVS volunteers coming to Lithuania tend to go through a culture shock at times. Lithuania, like every other country, has its advantages and disadvan- tages, its pros and cons, its beauty and ugliness, its fairness and unfairness (although we, romantic volunteers, would like to think only in a positive way). For you coming here does not necessary mean that you have to become Lithuanian! No one could ever ask something like that from you. We are only asking you to give your best to go through your own intercultural process, discover who we are, and then you as a free person can decide naturally, how much you will change and become more Lithuanian or even more of the nationality of your lovely foreign volunteer friends and colleagues that you will be interacting with.
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Below you can have a look at the main stages of intercultural learning(by Grosehen/Leenen).
Where do you put yourself? How can you move on to the next step?Try to answer these questions and good luck with your intercultural learning!Sources: www.evsactually.gr, www.salto-youth.net
Having constructiveand interactive satisfying To wide my own cultural options:- ability to deal flexible with cultural rules- to choose reasonable in situations between cultural options relationships in and to a strange cultural environment.- To deal practically intercultural conflicts- To assume selected strange cultural standards
See and accept my own culture
To realize, that other cultural models are strange, without judging them
To deepen own-culture awareness
Widening of cultural horizon (having more criteria of identifying other cultures)
To develop an understanding and respect for strange cultures. Breaking down stereotypes.
To wide my own cultural options:- ability to deal flexible with cultural rules- to choose reasonable in situations between cultural option
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In project teams, including an EVS situation, many decisions need to be made where parties will have different points of view, different interests and therefore con- flict is likely to arise. Yes, it can be quite distressing but it is certainly not the end of the world. In the world as we speak, there are millions of conflicts going on starting from intrapersonal levels up to the national and even international levels.
When conflicts arise many of us automatically fall into adversarial way of thinking
– “You vs. me”. Doing so typically means there is a winner and there is a loser. How- ever, in reality both sides usually lose something because the relationship is damaged and the problem is often not truly resolved.
most of us are aware that there is a more constructive way to deal with conflict. Typically called a win-win, collaborative or cooperative approach, it can be applied to all kinds of conflict, from small everyday disputes between individuals to the large ones that divide communities.
So, how do we move from an adversarial approach to a cooperative or “common ground” approach? It can be easily done by shifting our attitude and behavior, and of course, with a little bit of practice and experience.
The following “D-E-C-I-D-E” framework may make it easier to approach problems or difficult situations.
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Define……the problem or situation and stick to the definitions. Don’t keep �compounding it or making it more complicated.…clearly who must be involved in the process and in what way. �…a time limit, or deadline, at least for a tentative decision. �…what information is needed to solve the problem and who will collect it. �Information includes opinions as well as facts. �make a clear note of everything that has been defined and ensure that all �relevant people receive a copy.
ExploreCollect the information without judging anyone’s view of the problem or �suggested solutions.
Clarifymake sure everyone involved in making the decision has and understands the �necessary information.
IdeasThink of all the possible solutions: silly as well as serious. Use creative problem- �solving techniques such as brainstorming, small group discussion instead of simply discussion in the whole group. make the different ideas visual.
DecisionAccept that no solution or decision will be able to satisfy everyone; any deci- �sion will be imperfect and have limitations. Be prepared to compromise!Evaluate the suggestions in a clear, calm way! �make a decision, by voting if that is your way or if it is necessary, or preferably �by coming to an agreement that everyone is willing to accept or agree on.Check that everyone are directly involved in the decision making and are �willing to see the decision implemented even if they disagree with it. If some are not, decide whether to go ahead anyway (and risk sabotage) or repeat the whole exercise.Clarify who will ensure that the decision is carried out or the solution put into �the practice, when and how it should happen and when it will be reviewed.
Evaluate…Assess whether the problem has been completely solved or if other aspects now need �to be considered.
D - E - C - I - D - E
Source: www.evsactually.grFor more info: S., Adirondak, (1998), ‘Just about managing, effective managing for voluntary organi- sations and community groups’, 3rd ed., Sandy Adirondack and London Voluntary Service Council.
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Accept that conflicts are a natural part of life: � There are seven billion people sharing resources and living together on this planet. Conflict is the natural result of differences in the world. We all have different needs and beliefs and we will always have conflicts.Treat conflict as an opportunity: � Conflicts originally are neither positive nor negative. It is the way we deal with the situation and the other parties that determine the consequences. Conflicts don’t have to be destructive. Instead we can view conflict as an opportunity to grow, learn and improve relationships.Be aware of your initial reaction and take �a deep breath: We all have automatic responses to conflict. We may want to run away, put up our defenses or dig in and fight. our immediate responses depend on who is involved in the conflict and what it’s about. Instead of giving in to our initial impulse, it’s important to pause and think about our approach.Choose your approach: � There are always choices in a conflict. Some conflicts are just not worth dealing with. In other cases, we may feel that the best response may be to say “no.” But when the goal is to solve the problem in a positive way, a cooperative approach is the best option. We have a choice between a win-lose approach, where we focus on each other as the problem, and a win-win approach, where we solve the problem together.Listen and learn: � Conflicts are often based on stereotypes and lack of information. We need to find out more about each other – ask questions and listen until we truly understand each other’s point of view. We all want to be heard and understood. Truly hearing and being heard can actually transform a conflict.
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Discover what’s important: � We tend to have disagreements over our positions-the way we see things or what we want. But we seldom talk about our interests and needs – the reasons why our positions are important to us. There is value in expressing our interests and needs honestly, and asking the other parties about theirs. often there is some overlap in interests and needs – the common ground where we are likely to find solutions.Respect each other: � Conflicts can be very emotional. Whatever happens, we must respect everyone’s dignity. A lasting agreement can only hold if the parties grow to trust one another. We need to take responsibility for our role in the conflict and stay away from blaming; it only creates resentment and anger.Find common ground: � Finding common ground does not mean settling for the lowest common denominator. It’s about generating the highest. often when people disagree, they meet in the middle and everyone has to compromise. Finding common ground is creating a new “highest common denominator.” It means identifying something we can all aspire to and work towards together.Be creative: � There are always many different ways to solve a problem and meet a need. If there is trust and commitment, a solution is possible. The goal is to generate alternatives and make sure we address the deep issues, not just the superficial symptoms, so the conflict is less likely to recur.
A final point...Each and everyone of us can make a difference. Working together to find common
ground is a learning experience for all involved. It takes courage to take this route because it is rarely the easy option, but ultimately it can be the most rewarding. By choosing to deal with a conflict in a non-adversarial manner, we create a place where it is safe to disagree and contribute to transforming the way the world deals with conflict.
Source: http://www.sfcg.org/resources
And don’t forget! There are always your fellow volunteers, your mentor, your host and sending organizations and the respective National Agencies of the “Erasmus+” programme that can help you in serious situations!
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What to expect after EVS? The end of EVS could cause a feeling of frustration, fear that now you have to be an adult, to decide what to study, or to find a serious job, get married, buy a car, fireplace, and have kids. For some people it could also mean a return to old rou- tines. Well, we’ve been through all this so we know exactly how you feel and if you don’t want to stop your travels and voluntary activities yet just keep on reading.
If your EVS has finished remember:
THIS IS NoT THE END – THIS IS oNLY THE BEGINNING!
There are a number of different things you can do after EVS! Yes! A lot of things, actually, and we would like to mention a few of them: work within EVS, get active in other Erasmus+ projects, go abroad for trainings, other volunteering opportunities, follow non-formal education and so on and so forth.
We will give you some useful information about the possibilities after the EVS. Just decide what you want:
Maybe you want to learn or continue learning?
In this section, you can find a list of links concerning education (formal, non- formal and online) possibilities, also training opportunities that can be short or long term, where the majority of them are funded.
or maybe you are full of energy and still want to volunteer?
Volunteering for some is not just an act of idealism, an act of philanthropy or solidar-ity. For some, it is a way of living. There are many other ways you can get involved.
Want to know more? Surf our links online! And “Get education! Get training!” This is the way to move forward!
1. Salto-Youth Resource Centres;2. Erasmus+;3. Study Abroad;
4. AIESEC – international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential;5. Study in Europe.
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Or maybe you are full of energy and still want to volunteer?
Volunteering for some is not just an act of idealism, an act of philanthropy or soli- darity. For some, it is a way of living. There are many other ways you can get involved. We recommend you get in touch with local non-profit organizations in your country, learn about their mission, their vision, and their activities. most of the non-profit (non- governmental) organizations are working with volunteers. We are sure you will find the way you want to volunteer in some of them. Also be in contact with your host and sending organization. They are NGos that work with various volunteers and not just EVS. It is a great chance for you to express your gratitude and also transfer all these great things you have learnt to their environment. Also youth organizations and youth information centers are there to serve you in this sense; meaning give you information on other volunteering opportunities (and generally after EVS opportunities). Finally, the simplest place you can start with is internet search engines! If you just search for the word volunteer/volunteerism, you will have thousands of results! Take always your time to see if the proposed activities fit with your profile and expectations and always get in personal contact with them before you engage yourselves in any kind of commitment.
Below you will find a list of links with opportunities that we came across in regards to volunteering and work camps.
or maybe you want to work abroad?
Working is always an option but how can we find a job abroad? Just check our links, and of course do your own research on the web!
And don’t forget!The end of EVS – IS ONLY THE NEW BEGINNING!
1. European Network of YouthCentres;2. Voluntary Service overseas;3. International Volunteer ProgramsAssociation;
4. United Nations Volunteers;5. European Volunteer Centre;6. Service Civil International.
1. Hobsons Careers;2. monster – International Getaway;3. EURES – The European Job mobility Portal.
Source: www.evsactually.gr
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As you have already understood, EVS is only one part/action of the Erasmus+ Youth programme. In this part of the guide we will give a short summary of others actions of this programme.
The ERASmUS+ Programme (successor of the YoUTH IN ACTIoN and LIFE LoNG LEARNING programmes) is a programme for youth. It is EU’s new pro-gramme for boosting skills and employability through education, training, youth, and sport.
Between 2014–2020 the programme will provide opportunities for over 4 million Europeans to study, train, gain work experience, and volunteer abroad.
Funding for youth activities under Erasmus+ aims to improve the key competences, skills and employability of young people, promote young people’s social inclusion and well-being, and foster improvements in youth work and youth policy at local, national and international level.
objectives of the Erasmus+ Youth Programme:
Improve the key competences, skills and employability of young people; �Promote young people’s social inclusion and well-being; �Foster improvements in youth work and youth policy at local, national and �international level;Contribute to developing the quality of support systems for youth activities �and the capabilities of civil society organizations in the youth field;
Various opportunities are available under Erasmus+, including opportunities for young people (aged 13-30), youth organisations, and other stakeholders active in the field of youth.
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Promote European cooperation in the youth field. �
In order to achieve its objectives, the Erasmus+ Youth Programme foresees three Key Actions meaning possibilities for you!
KEY ACTION 1 – LEARNING mOBILITY OF INDIVIDUALS
Young people have the opportunity to participate in youth-exchanges or to volunteer for a period up to one year in another country. Youth workers can take part in training and networking activities abroad or spend some time in a youth organisation abroad for a job shadowing or an observation period.
KEY ACTION 2 – COOPERATION FOR INNOVATION AND ThE EXChANGE OF GOOD PRACTICES
organisations can apply for funding to work in partnership with organisations from other participating countries. The projects funded under this action will focus on sharing, developing and transferring innovative practices in education, training and youth provision between participating countries.
KEY ACTION 3 – SUPPORT FOR POLICY REFORm
The Erasmus+ programme will fund strategic activities supporting policy reform across the EU. Funding opportunities in the field of youth under this action can take the form of meetings between young people and decision makers.regional or local entities.
Source: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/programme/index_en.htm
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The actions supported under this Key Action are expected to bring positive and long-lasting effects on the participants and participating organisations involved, as well as on the policy systems in which such activities are framed. Key Action 1 supports the following activities:
Youth exchange
Youth Exchange allows groups of young people from different countries to meet and live together for up to 21 days. During a Youth Exchange, participants jointly carry out a work programme (a mix of workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays, simulations, outdoor activities, etc.) designed and prepared by them before the Exchange. Youth Exchanges allow young people to develop competences, become aware of socially relevant topics/thematic areas, discover new cultures, habits and life-styles, mainly through peer-learning, strengthen values like solidarity, democracy, friendship, etc. The learning process in Youth Exchanges is triggered by methods of non-formal education. Youth Exchanges are based on a transnational cooperation between two or more participating organisations from different countries within
and outside the European Union.
European Voluntary Service
This activity allows young people aged 17–30 to express their personal commitment through unpaid and full-time voluntary service for up to 12 months in another country within or outside the European Union. Young volunteers are given the opportunity to contribute to the daily work of organisations dealing with youth information and policies, young people’s personal’and socio-educational development, civic engagement, social care, inclusion of disadvantaged, environment, non-formal education programmes, media literacy, culture and creativity, development cooperation, etc.
EVS asks for no qualifications beyond motivation and enthusiasm and it is not a replacement of military service or a substitution for existing or potential paid jobs. An EVS projects should help young people to learn about taking responsibility, being involved in a team and defining themselves. The programme hopes that as their skills develop and they confront the challenges of living in a different culture, their self-confidence and independence also increases.
Mobility of youth workers
This activity supports the professional development of youth workers in the form of a) participation of youth workers in seminars, training courses, contact-making events, study visits; b) a job shadowing/observation period abroad in an organization active in the youth field.
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The Actions supported under this Key Action are expected to bring positive and long-lasting effects on the participating organisations, on the policy systems in which such Actions are framed as well as on the persons directly or indirectly involved in the organized activities.
This Key Action is expected to result in the development, transfer and/or implemen-tation of innovative practices at organizational, local, regional, national or European levels.
Projects supported under this Key Action are intended to produce the follow-ing outcomes:
Innovative approaches to addressing their target groups, by providing for �example: more attractive education and training programmes, in line with individuals’ needs and expectations; use of participatory approaches and Information and communication technology (ICT) based methodologies; new or improved processes of recognition and validation of competences; greater effectiveness of activities for the benefit of local communities; new or improved practices to cater for the needs of disadvantaged groups to deal with social, linguistic and cultural diversity; the opportunity to be awarded the European Language Label for excellence in language learning or teaching.A more modern, dynamic, committed and professional environment inside �the organization: ready to integrate good practices and new methods into daily activities; open to synergies with organisations active in different fields or in other socio-economic sectors; strategic planning of professional development for staff in line with individual needs and organizational objectives;Increased capacity and professionalism to work at EU/international level: �improved management competences and internationalization strategies; reinforced cooperation with partners from other countries, other fields of education, training and youth and/or other socio-economic sectors; increased allocation of financial resources (other than EU funds) to organize EU/international projects in the field of education, training and youth; increased quality in the preparation, implementation, monitoring and follow-up of EU/international projects.
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The activities in support for policy reform are targeted at the achievement of the goals of the Europe 2020 Strategy, of the Strategic framework
for European cooperation in education and training (ET 2020) and of the European Youth Strategy.
The action which helps to achieve the goals is called Structured Dialogue. This Action promotes the active participation of young people in democratic
life and fosters debate around topics centered on the themes and priorities set by Structured Dialogue and the renewed political framework in the youth field.
Structured Dialogue is the name used for discussions between young people and youth policy-makers in order to obtain results which are useful for policy-making. The debate is structured around priorities and timing and foresees
events where young people discuss the agreed themes among themselves and with policy-makers, youth experts and representatives of public authorities in charge of youth.
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So my dear volunteer, we wrote a lot about EVS, about Lithuania; we tried to give you some useful information which could be of essential importance during your EVS, but we also know that the most effective way to give topical information for EVS volunteers is to ask the former EVS volunteers to share their experience. We asked them to share the practical tips how to “survive” during EVS. Also we asked to say, what the volunteers should necessarily do during the EVS.
once again we are sure they say, they know!
To your mind what should the EVS volunteer KNOW/hAVE IN ORDER to “survive” in Lithuania?
Kevin, Germany:“Resistance against cold, good sense of humour and a
high tolerance for vodka”.
Torsten, Germany:“ <…> do not compare things with your home, of course they are
different, but that doesn’t mean that they are bad. Take things as they are, do not worry, and try to make the best of it <…> find your place within all that…<…>.”
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Dorothee, Germany:“Do not be afraid of a long cold and dark time during the winter. It
will be wet, dark and grey, but also you will enjoy the sun and the spring more when it finally comes. And maybe you are lucky and there are some days with snow. Do not have very high expectations concerning your accommodation. Probably it will be lower than your normal living standard, but you will get used to it very fast and you will see how satisfied you can be with living more simply and without television (you would not understand a word anyway).”
Carolina, Austria:“Before coming to Lithuania try to inform yourself about washing
clothes with your own hands. Bring warm stuff with you; slippers are very important cause many houses in Lithuania are not very good isolated.”
Ana, Portugal:“Need to be flexible and open-minded. The rest will come with time
and it is part of this wonderful journey”.
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how to survive the FIRST mONTh in Lithuania?
Kevin, Germany:“Just hope you have cool flat mates”.
Laetitia, France: “Meeting volunteers!”
Torsten, Germany:“ <…> take your time; do not expect too much; keep on watching
things and do not worry if you do not know what to do in the beginning <…> do not go home as it starts to be difficult.”
Dorothee, Germany:“Keep smiling, nodding and saying „Taip, taip, gerai, gerai“ if anybody
talks to you in this horrible language, where you don’t understand not a single word. And never be afraid of asking! Lithuanians don’t bite… (well, at least not all)“
Carolina, Austria:“Try to get to know your new home state, the people and their cul-
ture.With friends between the volunteers it is even easier to feel very comfortable.”
Jenny, Germany:“Buy a pocket dictionary and keep your ears open to learn the pro-
noun-ciation of the Lithuanian words. Relax and keep in mind that you applied on your own for this great time. Not everything will be perfect in the beginning. Move your ass and do as much as possible with the other volunteers even though you might feel like a mole, who just wants to go back into his molehill. You will notice that Lithu-anians are not aliens, but normal people, doing what normal people in your country would also do. Don’t send too many emails home – sympathy from somebody, who doesn’t share your experiences will be not as vital as sympathy from somebody, who shares the same situation with you (and probably feels the same as you).”
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Tips for EVS volunteers in Lithuania
Kevin, Germany:“Bring warm clothes, be open-minded, and don’t lock yourself in your-
room all day.”
Torsten, Germany:“<…> do not miss the chance to find out something about Lithuanian
identities. Do not just cope to your own former imagination; do not try to complete your old stereotypes. Just try to get to know the people who are next to you. Try to un-derstand who they are and how they became the way they are. <…> Do not forget that you are now living in Lithuania… Do not avoid Lithuanian contact just because of the language problem. It’s no sense just to stuck in between volunteers and act like on a class trip. <…> And ask, ask, ask and practice... Never get tired of that <…>”
Dorothee, Germany: “Always remember: Viskas bus gerai! (means - “Everything will be ok”).”
Carolina, Austria:“Realize your opportunity to get to know a new culture and country just on
your very personal own way! Be open for all the new impressions but also don’t be afraid to ask, or to talk to somebody when something is new, strange for you; probably when somebody explains it to you, you can see it in a different way. Just do it and enjoy!!”
Anna maria, Germany:“Let everything come to you, don’t be stuck in your native culture!
And make a lot of parties to meet a lot of volunteers and to find new friends.”
Archil, Georgia:“Sure, first month is the most difficult, but I can repeat, that I don’t think
conditions in Lithuania are so difficult that volunteer needs some special remedies to survive. of course you have to study some Lithuanian rules, but it is like everywhere in the world and nothing very particular.”
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Jenny, Germany:The Volunteer-structures in Lithuania are quite young compared to such
countries like France, Great Britain and so on. This can cause confusion, because not everything is perfectly organized and done for the 100 000 000 times… but the main advantage of this is that you can help to create these structures and introduce your-self in this process.”
Zeljko, Austria:“Concentrate on your responsibilities in the host organization. Do a
lot. Enjoy time in the nicest European country. “
Ana, Portugal:“Very, very, very warm and practical clothes will be your best friends
forthe winter (it’s quite long!).”
Siranush, Armenia:“Enjoy your time in Lithuania! Don’t worry about stupid stuff around
you - it’s the same everywhere. :)”
Archil, Georgia:“First of all, Labas, savanori. I hope, you
can already understand this. Now I am sitting at home and remembering times in Lithuania. Believe me, it was just glamourous. What can I tell you? Lithuania will stay forever in my heart. I hope that after some time you will understand my feelings. EVS is great. It is time to dis-cover yourself. To discover yourself as a person, who you are, and what you can do in your life. EVS is a unique possibility to understand your powers. EVS is… it is just a period of your life that might not repeat ever again. You have to know, our work is great and we are worth to be honoured!! You have to know, we have to be proud of this, that we are the volunteers! I think that is enough. Now it is your time. Thus, let’s start!”
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What should the volunteer NECESSARILY do in Lithuania during EVS?
Kevin, Germany:“Party! Visit the surrounding countries! Get to know other cool people!”
Dorothee, Germany:“Make a trip through the Lithuanian countryside while the dande-
lions are in flower and the whole country is yellow, maybe you can go by bike and take a tent. of course you have to visit the typical tourist attractions like Nida, the Hill of Crosses and Kernavė during the midsummer night.
Go somewhere by hitchhiking. Swim in one of the hundreds of beautiful lakes. Eat cepelinai. Discover Vilnius and its hidden places. Celebrate traditional Lithuanian holidays like Užgavėnės. Go to the street music festival. Enjoy the EVS-
seminars and visit all the other volunteers. Drink degtinė, rent a trolleybus and celebrate great parties. Talk to Lithuanians; discover their history and their culture. Go to basketball match between Lietuvos Rytas and Žalgiris. Listen to Lithuanian music (Andrius mamontovas, Saulius mykolaitis, mokinukės). Learn traditional Lithuanian dances and songs…There are a thousand things more to do, so enjoy your stay!”
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Carolina, Austria:“Go to the seaside and Nida. Find out the differences between the of-
ten grey Lithuanian cities and the especially beautiful and unspoiled countryside. Eat šaltibarščiai, cepelinai, try degtinė. Go hitchhiking through the whole country! Also visit neighbour states.”
Jenny, Germany:
“Travelling, travelling and… travelling. Visit all the other volunteers in the neighbouring countries and take the chance to travel to Russia <…> one Night in In-tro and Balti drambliai (hot hot underground parties!); cross the frozen Neris in winter, a beer at night on the hill of the Three Crosses, Banja in a sauna on the closer country- side, a 4-hand-abjanga-massage in the Lithuanian ayurvedic centre <….>”
Anna maria, Germany:“Eat cepelinai, see Nida, go to Trakai, eat koldūnai, go to sauna, go to a
club (and see fifas), go to a village, see a National park, find a Lithuanian friend, see the Hill of Crosses.”
Archil, Georgia:“First of all volunteer have to go to work and also I think it is most
important not to stay alone!”
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LIThUANIAN NATIONAL AGENCY Jaunimo tarptautinio bendradarbiavimo agentura (JTBA)
ministry of foreign affairs of the Republic of LithuaniaJ. Tumo-Vaižganto str. 2, LT-01511 VilniusWebsite: http://www.urm.lt(presents diplomatic missions, consular and foreign policy information).
European VoluntaryService Association “SALTES”
Useful links:
Migration Department under the Ministry of the Interior: �www.migracija.lt (for visa, temporary residence permits and other information on migration issues).Embassies and Consulates in Lithuania: �http://www.urm.lt/default/en/embasycontacts/listing/category.2 Tourist Information Centres in Lithuania: � https://www.lietuva.lt/en/tourism (scroll down until you find Tourist Information Centres in Lithuania )
Address: Pylimo st. 9-7, LT-01118 VilniusTelephone: +370 5 249 7003Fax: +370 5 249 7005Website: www.jtba.ltE-mail: [email protected]
Address: Gedimino av. 26–412 01104 Vilnius, Lithuaniamobile tel.: +370 670 17813Website: www.saltes.netE-mail: [email protected]
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Your own list of important contacts
European Commission
Directorate-General for Education and CultureWebsite: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/index_en.htm
Education, Audiovisual, and Culture Executive Agency
Website: http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/index_en.php
Youth helpdesk
(General information, accredita- tion, insurance, visa support, crisis management): [email protected]
Emergency contacts
Police / Ambulance / Fire Brigade: 112
“Inquiry service”
Call 118 – it provides the necessary information hastily and precisely (conversation: 1,50 Lt/min. (approx. 0,43 Eur/min.)
112
118
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89
90
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LITHUANIAN NATIONAL AGENCY OF ERASMUS+ YOUTHJaunimo tarptautinio bendradarbiavimoagentūra (JTBA)
Address: Pylimo st. 9–7 LT-01118 VilniusTelephone: +370 5 249 7003Fax: +370 5 249 7005Website: www.jtba.ltE-mail: [email protected]
EUROPEAN VOLUNTARY SERVICE ASSOCIATION
“SALTES”
Gedimino av. 26–412 01104 Vilnius, Lithuaniamobile telephone: +370 670 17813Website: www.saltes.netE-mail: [email protected]
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union. The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsi ble for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Survival guide for EVS volunteers
