$275k Challenge Grant. You can make a difference and help transform lives for eternity!
Set your sights to the north of Eastern Europe, follow the setting sun on the Baltic Sea, locate the southernmost of the Baltic countries and hook a slight right off the beaten path to Vilnius. Study at one of the oldest universities in Eastern and Central Europe (est. 1579), get lost with new friends in a beautiful city of wandering cobblestones, plentiful cafes and various seasons.
Lithuanian was the last country to become Christianized in the 14th century and the Catholic faith endures with rich traditions that shadow a pagan history. Catholic churches dot the cities with beautiful paintings. Sadly, most see faith as something that only their grandmothers or mothers practice. Today, as Lithuanians become more connected with the global world you can find a variety of beliefs from Hindiusim to Athiesm.
Gather your friends for a semester or two for a study abroad you’ll never forget! Try new foods, practice speaking one of the oldest languages in the world (Lithuanian) and engage in life changing conversations that could impact eternity.
Cru (Called “Agape” in Lithuania) is currently active in three cities - Vilnius, Kaunas and Šiauliai. In Vilnius it is possible to study at Vilnius University. In Kaunas at Kaunas Technological Universityand Vytautas Magnus University. In Šiauliai at Šiauliai University. We are trusting God to open doors to have movements on all campuses here in Lithuania. Our priorities are at Vilnius University and Kaunas Technological University.
These universities offer a wide variety of programs for coursework that will count towards most students’ degrees. The study abroad office on your campus can help you select the courses you need for your degree requirements. Your course load will be similar to a normal load (about 16 credit hours) of classes you would have in the States.
Most classes for Fall begin September 1st and Spring February 1st. Although, you may want to come in advance to enjoy introductions to the city and to the university.
Type of ministry depends greatly on the city and different campus. However, we expect every student leader to share their faith weekly, initiate spiritual conversations and intentionally build relationships to share their faith. Also, each student commits to have discipleship meeting with other Cru student leader or staff and grow in their personal relationship with Jesus. Each year on January or February students from Baltics and Scandinavia gather together to Nordic Movement Builders Conference, where they are encouraged, trained and equipped to build movements on their campus. Price of the conference varies from 50€ to 200€ + travel cost (plane, bus or going by car).
Most universities offer student housing in dorms. If these are full, staff can direct students to websites or companies, that help you to find appropriate housing.
While English is widely spoken here by many people there can be possible language barriers with some students who don’t speak English. Often you can hear Russian and Polish language in addition to the national language. However, Russian language with students is not so beneficial as English. Many universities offer a Lithuanian language course in conjunction with your courses. Also, many classes are taught in English, but you do need to check this with the university and your program.
Costs vary depending on the university, academic program and the study abroad program you choose. It may be significantly less if your university has a direct exchange program with your university.
This depends on the university and you will need to check the website deadlines and the study abroad deadlines.
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