
Studying in an Intercultural Environment: How to Adapt and What You Need to Know About Lithuanians?
Studying in Vilnius alongside people from all over the world—sounds exciting! Improving your English, making friends from countries you never knew much about, and broadening your horizons is an amazing experience. But is it easy to be surrounded by diverse cultures? What if your friend is always late and doesn’t seem to mind? How should you react if someone greets you with a hug, but that feels too personal for you?
We are sharing tips on how to adapt to an intercultural community (this applies to Lithuanians too!) and what is good to know about Lithuanians to make communication smooth and enjoyable for everyone.
Understand and Appreciate Cultural Differences
Different countries have different perspectives on many things. Don’t take every situation personally—remember that certain behaviors or viewpoints are often shaped by cultural differences. For example, a student from Asia may not immediately express their opinion on a topic because their culture values societal harmony over individualism. The best way to handle such situations is to show interest in other cultures and encourage open discussions where all participants feel valued and included.
Respect Personal Boundaries
Cultural norms regarding personal space and physical contact vary widely. In Northern Europe and many Asian countries, people tend to maintain more physical distance in personal interactions compared to Southern European countries, where hugs and kisses are common greetings. Recognizing and respecting these differences can help avoid discomfort and misunderstandings.
Value Competence Over Gender
Gender roles can differ across cultures. In Lithuania, women hold leadership positions in various fields, including business, politics, and academia. This means that both men and women are valued based on their competence, not their gender. For example, if a lecturer is a woman, her authority and knowledge are just as important as those of her male colleagues.
Participate in Shared Activities
Engaging in both academic and social activities is a great way to get to know people, understand different cultures, and build relationships. Group work during lectures, collaborative projects, and extracurricular events are excellent opportunities to experience cultural diversity firsthand. For example, an international evening where everyone presents their country’s cuisine or traditions can be a fantastic way to connect in an informal setting.
Learn the Language and Get to Know Local Customs
Even a basic knowledge of the Lithuanian language can help international students integrate more easily. For Lithuanians who may feel hesitant about their English skills, this is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zone and realize that openness and sincerity are more important than perfect grammar. Learning languages through conversation and humor, especially in informal settings, is an effective way to build respect and appreciation for different cultures.
Avoid Stereotypes
Don’t let stereotypes influence your interactions with people from other countries, especially before you get to know them personally. If a student from a certain country behaves differently than you expected, try to understand the reasons behind their actions rather than relying on preconceived notions. For instance, if someone is late for a lecture or meeting, first discuss different perceptions of time and try to accommodate each other to avoid future misunderstandings.
Lithuanians: What International Students Should Know (and What Locals Might Not Think About)
Reserved but Open
At first, Lithuanians may seem reserved or distant, but once they build trust, they are warm and open. Forming friendships with Lithuanians may take time, but it is worth the wait!
Punctuality
Time is highly valued in Lithuania, and being late is often considered disrespectful or irresponsible. If you are running late, it is important to inform others as soon as possible.
Love for Nature
Lithuanians enjoy spending time in nature, especially during warm seasons. A day by the lake, a weekend in a countryside homestead, or a walk in the forest are common leisure activities for people of all ages. For international students, this is a great opportunity to experience Lithuanian nature and connect with locals.
Direct Communication Style
Lithuanians often express their opinions directly. Some may find this communication style blunt, while others appreciate the honesty and lack of unnecessary embellishments.
By understanding cultural differences, respecting personal boundaries, and engaging in shared activities, studying in an international environment can be a rewarding and enriching experience. Welcome to Vilnius Business College—let’s learn from each other and grow together!