Looking for German Traces in Western Lithuania: An Intercultural Journey by VU Students and Teaching Staff

This spring, the Department of German Philology of Vilnius University (VU) organised a dedicated study trip to Western Lithuania, which allowed 15 students and four members of academic staff to explore the echoes of German culture in Lithuania. This three-day expedition, partly funded by the Fund for Teaching and Learning Internationalisation Initiatives, provided a unique opportunity for the participants to broaden their academic knowledge while also fostering personal and intercultural relations between Lithuanian and Ukrainian students.

The trip was organised within the framework of the compulsory course unit ‘Germans and Lithuania: Linguistic and Cultural Junctures’ for first-year students of German Philology, which aims to present the heritage of the German language and culture in Lithuania as well as to enhance students’ linguistic and socio-cultural competencies. During the trip, the participants explored the activities of the German community in Klaipėda and the German legacy in the Curonian Spit.

The expedition involved not only first-year students of "German Philology" but also second-year students of the study programme ‘English and Another Foreign Language (German)’, including Ukrainians studying at VU. The tour started in Klaipėda, where the participants met with the representatives of the active German diaspora to learn about the community’s history, activities, and major cultural events, such as St Nicholas Day, Advent celebrations, and other traditions.

The trip continued with a visit to the Curonian Spit, where the participants had the chance to explore the local history and specific features of the natural landscape. The students were particularly impressed by a visit to the Thomas Mann House in Nida, where they learnt more about the writer’s works and his links to Lithuania. A guided tour at the national park allowed the participants to discover the local flora and fauna as well as strengthen their relationships through engagement in community activities, such as an evening team-building event at the seaside.

Each attendee enhanced the journey by sharing their unique ideas and experiences, which not only made them richer knowledge-wise but also helped create friendly intercultural links between students. The expedition also highlighted the significance and benefits of involving students in hands-on experiences that expand academic boundaries and help them better understand both German and Lithuanian cultural heritage.

Such study trips are expected to become a regular practice of the Department of German Philology, as they give students the opportunity not only to deepen their knowledge of the study subject but also to explore new forms of communication and cooperation with international peers.

The trip was also funded by the German-Baltic Future Foundation (DBJW) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).