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1. Policy framework

2. Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

3. Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning, and of youth work

4. Quality assurance

The Law on Education states that parties of the education system have the right to participate in the international dimension of education, international programmes or otherwise collaborate with the counterparts of education systems of foreign countries. Lithuanian Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid was adopted on the 16 May 2013. This law determined the goals of the Lithuanian development cooperation policy, formation, implementation, coordination and financing of the Lithuanian development cooperation, and ways of providing humanitarian aid. On the 3 November 2016, the new edition of the law was adopted. This edition introduced important changes: strengthening the role of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs in coordination of the Lithuania development cooperation, expanding the number of institutions participating in the development cooperation, gathering the administration of development cooperation projects in a single agency, etc.

 

The special attention is given to increase internationalization of higher education in Lithuania. One of the indicators of National Education Strategy for 2013-2022 is the ratio of arriving students from Bologna region and departing students to Bologna region for temporary studies. In strategy emphasizes that 1) Lithuanian educational relations with the Lithuanians of the world, Lithuanian education, intercultural literacy, virtual education are also important in order to support their national identity; 2) it is important to properly take care of the influence of migration on education, the training of incoming students and pupils, and to increase internationality. In 2013, the Programme for Promotion of the Internationalisation of Higher Education for 2013-2016 was approved. The key aim of the Programme is to identify the main directions of high education internationalisation’s stimuli in order to increase the quality of higher education, the competitiveness of higher education institutions, supporting the development of Lithuanian (Baltic) studies abroad, and consolidation with Lithuanian emigrants and Lithuanian foreign origin diaspora.

 

The key institutions engaged in the coordination of student, teacher and academic staff mobility, cooperation of education and research institutions and creation of partnerships and networks are the Education Exchanges Support Foundation. Many of the programmes realized by Lithuania are the European Union‘s (EU) and the Nordic countries‘ mobility programmes. 

 

In the Plan for the promotion of internationalization of higher education for 2013-2016, it is noted (paragraph 16.9) that priority directions of academic mobility is:

1. Mobility of Lithuanian teachers and students to:

1.1. The states of the Baltic Sea region;

1.2. European Union countries;

1.3. Non-EU countries providing competitive higher education - Australia, Japan, United States of America, Canada, South Korea.

2. Attracting students from:

2.1. Eastern Partnership countries and other states of the post-Soviet space;

2.2. Countries of the Asian region - Indonesia, Japan, China, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore, India;

2.3. States of the Middle East region - Bahrain, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Turkey.

3. Attracting foreigners and emigrants of Lithuanian origin, especially from countries that do not belong to the European Union, the European Economic Area or the post-Soviet area.

 

Since 2014, the EU programme ‘Lifelong Learning’ and the parts of the programmes have changed to new ‘Erasmus+’ programme with three parts: mobility for purposes of learning; cooperation for purposes of and exchange of innovation and the best practice; the support for policy reforms.  In Lithuania, since 2007, Education Exchanges Support Foundation is the national agency entrusted with the administration of Erasmus+ programme and other initiatives funded by the European Commission (EC) and the Government of the Republic of Lithuania in the field of education and vocational training. 

 

The Erasmus PLUS Program covers several areas, one of which is Youth, which is a program area that supports activities related to non-formal education. This program area is administered and all questions related to it are answered by the Youth Affairs Agency.

 

Key Action 1: Learning Mobility of Individuals

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.

As regards pupils, students, trainees, apprentices, adult learners and young people, the mobility activities supported under this Key Action are meant to produce one or more of the following outcomes: 

• improved learning performance;

• enhanced employability and improved career prospects;

• increased sense of initiative and entrepreneurship;

• increased self-empowerment and self-esteem;

• improved foreign language and digital competences;

• enhanced intercultural awareness;

• more active participation in society;

• enhanced positive interactions with people from different backgrounds;

• better awareness of the European project and the EU values;

• increased motivation for taking part in future (formal/non-formal) education or training after the mobility period abroad.

Mobility projects for higher education students and staff

This higher education mobility action supports physical and blended mobility of higher education students in any study field and cycle (short cycle, bachelor, master and doctoral levels). Students can either study abroad at a partner higher education institution or carry out a traineeship in an enterprise, a research institute, a laboratory, an organisation or any other relevant workplace abroad. Students can also combine a study period abroad with a traineeship, further enhancing the learning outcomes and development of transversal skills. While long term physical mobility is strongly encouraged, this action recognises the need to offer more flexible physical mobility duration to ensure the Programme is accessible to students from all backgrounds, circumstances and study fields.

This action also supports higher education teaching and administrative staff to take part in professional development activities abroad as well as staff from the world of work to teach and train students or staff at higher education institutions. These activities may consist of teaching as well as training periods (such as job shadowing, observation periods, training courses).

Furthermore, this action supports blended intensive programmes, allowing for groups of higher education institutions to jointly develop blended mobility curricula and activities for students as well as academic and administrative staff.

 

In the long run, the combined effect of the several thousands of projects supported under this Key Action is expected to have an impact on the systems of education, training and youth in the participating countries, thus stimulating policy reforms and attracting new resources for mobility opportunities in Europe and beyond.

In this regard, in 2024 the Programme will also continue to be mobilised in order to mitigate the socio-economic and educational consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine by supporting mobility projects that facilitate the integration of people fleeing the war in Ukraine.

"Erasmus+" statistics in the field of education and training in Lithuania.

 

Cooperation agreements and contracts are signed with the following countries:

·  Bulgaria, in the field of education, science, studies and culture (effective from 1997);

·  Spain (1997), Greece (1998), Israel (1998), United Kingdom (1998), Finland (1999), Hungary (1999), Poland (2000), Holy See (2000) and Slovenia (2002) in the field of culture, education and science;

·  Italy (1998), in the field of culture, education, studies, science and technologies;

·  USA (1994), in the field of science and technologies;

·  China (1992), in the field of science and technologies;

·  China (1993), Venezuela (1993), Romania (1997) and Columbia (2001), in the field of culture;

·  Turkey (1999) and Mexico (2003), in the field of education, culture, arts and sport;

·  Ukraine (1993), in the field of education, science and culture;

·  Uzbekistan (1995), in the field of culture and arts;

·  Uzbekistan (1995), in the field of education, science and technologies;

·  France (2003), in the field of culture, education, science, technologies and engineering.

· other.

All contracts are valid until now. A number of other agreements and contracts were signed, including those on exchange of study visits with the Czech Republic (2000) and Sweden (1994); on co-operation between young people and exchanges with Poland (1997); on cultural exchanges and cooperation with Venezuela (1993); on provision of employment for people on study visits to upgrade their professional qualifications and command of the language with Germany (1993).Cooperation with the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) is developed on the basis of both bilateral agreements and multilateral programmes. Together with Sweden, Lithuania is responsible for implementation of the Baltic Region Education Agenda 21 in that region. The Ministry of Education and Science is engaged in bilateral and multilateral cooperation ensuring effective involvement in education programmes and projects of international organisations. Various activities in education, including mobility and placements of specialists, study visits and exchanges are organised.

 

In 2004, the Lithuanian members of the Joint Committee for cooperation between the Governments Lithuania and Italy in the fields of culture, education, studies, research and technologies were appointed.

 

In 2004, a programme for cooperation with Spain in the fields of education and culture for 2004-2008 was approved.

 

In 2005, an agreement regarding mutual recognition of documents granting a right to higher education and also of partial studies, higher education qualifications and degrees in science and arts was concluded between the Governments of Lithuania and Poland.

 

Subject to agreement between the Ministries of Education and Science of Lithuania and the Belarus on cooperation in the field of education, a cooperation programme for 2005-2009 was concluded.

 

A cooperation agreement in the field of education, higher education and scientific research for a period of 2006-2008 was concluded between the Ministries of Education and Science of Lithuania and the Hungary.

 

In 2005, the process of implementation of international agreements and arrangements in the field of research was organised: support was provided to the bilateral cooperation in the field of research and technological development between Lithuania and the Ukraine.

 

In 2008, a bilateral international agreement on a cooperation programme in the field of education was concluded with Slovakia.

 

Cooperation under the DUO-Korea sub-programme in support of exchanges between students, lecturers and researchers of institutions of science and studies for the period 2008-2009 was established with Korea.

 

In 2009, an updated Programme for Cooperation between the Lithuanian and Flemish Governments for 2009–2012 was signed pursuant to the Agreement between the Governments of Lithuania and Flanders. Implementation of the Programme provides a framework for the countries to support the mutual exchange of students and researchers and promote a closer collaboration between institutions of research and higher education.

 

In 2009, the Governments of Lithuania and Germany signed an agreement on the equivalence recognition of higher education qualifications and degrees. 

 

In 2009, the Government of Lithuania and the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers signed the agreement on the mutual recognition of qualifications granting access to higher education and also higher education qualifications and degrees.

 

Agency of Youth Affairs was established on 1 July 2021 after the reorganization of the Department of Youth Affairs under the Ministry of Social Security and Labor and the Youth International Cooperation Agency. One of the main aims of the agency is to ensure the development of international youth cooperation and successful participation of Lithuanian youth in European Union programmes for young people.

Since 1992, while encouraging bilateral cooperation with the neighbouring countries and more remote countries in Western and Central Europe, Asia and other continents, the Ministry of Education and Science has been developing cultural cooperation agreements (more is here).

 

A number of other agreements and contracts were signed, including those:

- on exchange of study visits with the Czech Republic (2000) and Sweden (1994); 

- on co-operation between young people and exchanges with Poland (1997); 

- on cultural exchanges and cooperation with Venezuela (1993); 

- on provision of employment for people on study visits to upgrade their professional qualifications and command of the language with Germany (1993).

 

Cooperation with the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) is developed on the basis of both bilateral agreements and multilateral programmes. Together with Sweden, Lithuania is responsible for implementation of the Baltic Region Education Agenda 21 in that region. The Ministry of Education and Science is engaged in bilateral and multilateral cooperation ensuring effective involvement in education programmes and projects of international organisations. Various activities in education, including mobility and placements of specialists, study visits and exchanges are organised. 

 

Lithuanian Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid was adopted on 16 May 2013. This law determines the goals of the Lithuanian development cooperation policy, formation, implementation, coordination and financing of the Lithuanian development cooperation, and ways of providing humanitarian aid. On 3 November 2016, the new edition of the law was adopted. This edition introduced important changes: strengthening the role of the Ministry of the Foreign Affairs in coordination of the Lithuania development cooperation, expanding the number of institutions participating in the development cooperation, gathering the administration of development cooperation projects in a single agency, etc.

 

The purpose of the Inter-institutional Action Plan on Development Cooperation (The Plan) adopted in 2016 is to set development cooperation policy guidelines of Lithuania as well as implementation measures, to ensure continuous and efficient development cooperation activities of Lithuania and to coordinate them, to enhance the role of Lithuania as a reliable and responsible donor country in the region, the European Union, the United Nations, and other international organisations, the international community, and aid recipient countries. The Plan also aims at supporting studies of foreign nationals in Lithuania. This Plan lays down development cooperation policy guidelines from 2017 and sets out concrete measures in order to contribute to the achievement of the sustainable development goals set by the UN 2030 Agenda within the aid recipient countries. The Plan is based on the Lithuanian Law on Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Aid, Lithuania’s foreign policy priorities, taking into account relevant strategic documents of the UN and EU, and international commitments. It helps ensure continuous and efficient implementation and coordination of the development cooperation activities and enhance Lithuania’s role as a reliable and responsible donor country in the international community. 

 

Information on the submission of applications for development cooperation projects, selection procedures, implementation and information for providers as well as any other project-related information is available in:

1) Description of Procedure for the Implementation of Development Cooperation Activities and Provision of Humanitarian Assistance by State and Municipal Institutions and Agencies, approved by Lithuanian Government Resolution No 129 of 22 February 2017;

2) Description of Procedure of the Implementation of the Development Cooperation and Democracy Promotion Programme, established by Order No. V-63 of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania on 21 March 2017.

 

Work & Travel USA is the longest-running program of its kind in Lithuania in the context of non-formal education and youth work. Work & Travel USA matches U.S. host employers with international students for short-term, seasonal jobs or work practices and apprenticenships across the United States. Students work for up to four months and use their earnings to travel around the U.S. for up to one month after they finish their commitments. Host employers add new cultures, diversity, and an exciting exchange element to their businesses.

 

In the Plan for the promotion of internationalization of higher education for 2013-2016, it is noted (paragraph 16.9) that one of the priorities of internationalization of higher education is increasing the quality of academic mobility. In promoting academic mobility, it is important to achieve not only quantitative but also qualitative results. In order to ensure better recognition and crediting of study results, the application of the structure of European and Lithuanian qualifications, the European credit transfer and accumulation system and the use of the diploma supplement are extremely important. The balance of bidirectionality of academic mobility has a great influence on qualitative academic mobility.

The Centre for Quality Assessment in Higher Education operates in Lithuania, which performs:

• Evaluation of higher education institutions
• Evaluation of intended study programs
• Evaluation of ongoing study programs

 

Organizations carrying out mobility activities according to the "Erasmus+" program must comply with the Erasmus common quality standards. The standards aim to ensure a pleasant experience and good learning outcomes for all mobility participants and also to ensure that all organizations receiving funding from the Program contribute to the implementation of its goals. In the mobility consortium "Erasmus", the quality standards are applied to the activities of all organizations receiving funding - both the coordinator and the consortium members. Erasmus plus mobility programms quality assurance:

Practical aspects. Funding organizations must ensure the quality of practical and logistical aspects (travel, accommodation, visa applications, social security, etc.). If these tasks are outsourced to a participant or service provider, the funding organization will be fully responsible for service delivery and quality control.

Health, safety and compliance with applicable regulations. All activities must be organized in accordance with high standards of participant safety and security and in compliance with all applicable regulations (e.g. parental consent, minimum age of participants, etc.). Funding organizations must ensure that their participants are adequately insured as defined in the general rules of the Program and the applicable Regulations. 

Selection of participants. Participants must be selected through a transparent, fair and inclusive selection process. 

Preparation. Participants must be adequately prepared for the practical, professional and cultural aspects of their stay in the host country. Preparation should be organized in cooperation with the host organization (and, if necessary, host families).

Monitoring and mentoring. If necessary, based on the activity format, the sending and receiving organizations must appoint a mentor or similar person to follow the participant during his stay in the host organization and help him achieve the desired learning outcomes. A lot of attention must be paid to the participants' familiarization with the host organization and their integration, as well as monitoring the learning process.

Support is provided during activities. During mobility activities, participants must be able to request and receive support from their host and sending organizations at any time. Contact persons, means of communication and procedures applicable in exceptional circumstances must be established for both organizations prior to the commencement of mobility activities. This procedure must be communicated to all participants.

Language support. The funding organization must provide adequate language training that meets the personal and professional needs of the participants. If necessary, the organization receiving funding should make the best use of special measures and funding provided under the Program for this purpose.

Determination of learning outcomes. The expected learning outcomes of each participant or group of participants during the mobility period must be agreed upon. Learning outcomes must be agreed between the sending and receiving organizations, as well as the participant (in the case of individual activities). The form of the agreement will depend on the type of activity.

Assessment of learning outcomes. Participants' learning outcomes and other benefits received should be systematically evaluated. The results of the evaluation should be analyzed and used to improve future activities.

Recognition of learning outcomes. The sending organization must properly recognize the results of formal, self-directed and non-formal learning and other results achieved by the mobility participants. Where possible, recognition procedures should be carried out using available European and national instruments.