Study Exchange and Internship Opportunities for Students

International Cooperation Department invites all students of the VMU take advantage of an opportunity and apply for student exchange and internship abroad.

We offer even four different options for international mobilities:

Erasmus+ studies (EU/EEA countries). Submit your applications by 14 March 2022. For Music Academy students – until February 22.
VMU bilateral exchange and Erasmus+ studies (for non-EU /EEA countries). Submit your applications by 14 March 2022.
Erasmus+ internships (EU / EEA countries). Submit your applications by 28 February 2022.
International internships (non-EU / EEA countries). Submit your applications by 30 April 2022.

Wondering where to go? On March 1–3 join Erasmus Days’22 during which you will be able to find out more about exchange opportunities. The events will allow you to get to learn more about the mobility opportunities, hear about experiences of other students, and join various interesting and meaningful initiatives. During these three days full of both online and on-site events, students will share their experiences, and will learn more about mobility.

More information

Competition for Traineeship at non-EU Countries

VMU students are invited to participate in competition for traineeship at non-EU countries with VMU Mobility scholarship.

Students have to submit completed online application form (Application form for traineeship in non-EU/EEE countries) until 30th of April 2022.

Selection criteria:

traineeship compatibility with Study programme at VMU;
confirmation from hosting organization for acceptance into traineeship programme;
motivation;
results of studies or research during the last two semesters (for VMU Mobility scholarship GPA should be no less than 8.0);
good knowledge of language in which traineeship will be commenced.

Traineeship period should end no later than 2022-08-31.

Students will be personally informed via e-mail about the results till 15^th of May.

Note, traineeships with VMU Mobility scholarship are only for students. Recent graduates can no longer participate in this programme.

Selected students will receive VMU Mobility scholarship. Eligible countries and number of scholarships:

VMU Mobilitity scholarship

Group of countries[1]	Duration of Traineeship	Number of scholarships	Scholarship
Countries of regions: South Asia, East Asia and Pacific; Middle East; North America; Latin America & the Caribbean	1 – 3 months	10	650 Eur/month
Countries of regions: Europe and Central Asia; North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa	1 – 3 months	10	550 Eur/month

More information about traineeship programme:

[1] https://datahelpdesk.worldbank.org/knowledgebase/articles/906519-world-bank-country-and-lending-groups

Diplomas of the VMU Agriculture Academy Awarded to the Graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty

At the graduation ceremony on 28 January, the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty at the VMU Agriculture Academy were awarded with the Bachelor and Master degree diplomas certifying successful completion of their studies. Despite the ongoing restrictions related to the pandemic management, such as maintaining safe distance, wearing the face masks, they did not spoil the sincere wishes expressed by the teachers or the sparkle in the graduates’ eyes upon successful achievement of another important milestone and result in their lives.

The event host and the coordinator for research and project activities of the Faculty, Assoc. Prof. Anastasija Novikova, passed the words of congratulations to the graduates from Prof. Dr Juozas Augutis, Rector of VMU to the graduates from the Bioeconomy Development Faculty who had successfully completed the first-cycle full- or part-time studies in Accounting and Finance, first-cycle full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, second-cycle full-time studies in Business Logistics: “The diploma award ceremony is a special event. This moment encompasses a lot of components: the determination and presistence throughout the years, occassional feeling of uncertainty or inconfidence and, finally, the victory accompanied by the excitement of the new milestone and new step.”

According to the Rector, the time span spent at the University made the young people stronger, more educated, provided more knowledge and colors to their lives. “As you are about to step into the new stage of life, taken a moment to look back at the path you’ve made and celebrate own persistence, determination, and patience. And then go further into the future with the new strength and enthusiasm. Today, I would like to wish you all to be brave and open with the strong foundation you have built. Always remember that the doors of Vytautas Magnus University are and always will be open to you”, – the Rector shared with the graduates.

According to Prof. Dr. Astrida Miceikiene, Chancellor of the VMU Agriculture Academy, graduation from a University is one of the most exciting moments in one’s life. “A degree or diploma is not just a paper. It is the acknowledgement that hard work has brought the results, and you can head into the future on the wings of science. This is a great academic achievement! The diploma is your ticket to better opportunities in life, and you should cherish it”, – the Chancellor wished this to all the graduates and encouraged them to return to the University for Master, PhD studies and become active members of the Agriculture Academy Alumni club.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bernardas Vaznonis, Dean of the Bioeconomy Development Faculty, and Algirdas Grybauskas, Head of Transport Sector at Kesko Senukai Lithuania, UAB, wished the graduates courage in assuming responsibility and a successful career path.

Simona Domarkaitė, graduate from the fist-cycle, full-time studies in Logistics and Trade, expressed gratitude to all the former teachers, administrative staff, and peers on behalf of the graduates for the encouragement, support and time spent together meaningfully and amicably together. She noted that there were no such thing as former members of the academic community, as this was the life-time membership. Simona was awarded with the diploma Cum Laude for the remarkable learning outcomes issued by the Order of the VMU Rector.

#StudentsTalk: VMU AA Opened up Opportunities to Improve Myself in a Personal and Professional Way

Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student, Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department at VMU

Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy is not only an institution of studies and research, but also a space where solutions are created, discussed, and sought after, where every innovative idea is extremely important. It is interesting to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.

Andrii Zabrodskyi, Environmental Engineering PhD student from Ukraine and currently Chief Specialist at International Cooperation Department, working at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, shared his experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and his journey here at VMU Agriculture Academy.

– Why and how did you choose to study at VMU Agriculture Academy?

I already wanted to go to graduate school in Ukraine, but my scientific supervisor advised me to try my hand in Lithuania. He heard about this possibility discussing with his colleague from VMU Agriculture Academy. When I arrived at Lithuania for the first time, I really liked these places, especially Kaunas and its surroundings, so I decided to study PhD, as I always wanted, and fully enjoy the beauty of Lithuania.

– What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?

Not so much. Just short knowledge about history, geography, culture, mostly from school lessons. Even now I don’t know too much, but I am trying to discover more every weekend.

– What study program do you study? What research do you carry out?

I am PhD student in Environmental Engineering. My research topic is related to soil compaction and possible solution for minimizing its negative effects. Nowadays its very actual problem in Environmental Engineering. Together with Ukrainian colleagues we described theoretical model for support optimal tire inflation pressure for minimizing compaction risks and maximization tires service term. It may sound difficult, but when you are engaged in it, it founds really interesting.

– In what activities besides studies are you engaged at the University?

In 2020, I started as a volunteer helping foreign students in VMU International Cooperation Department (ICD). Since I really enjoy this activity, I decided to continue working at this field, so since September 2021, I have been working in the ICD, coordinating full-time foreign students at VMU Agriculture Academy. I would like to continue this even after my graduation.

– What study or practical activities at VMU Agriculture Academy are the most memorable for you?

There is no doubt it is working at the Agriculture Academy Experimental Station in Akademija together with my colleagues from Faculty of Engineering and Faculty of Agronomy.

– What experience do you appreciate the most?

VMU Agriculture Academy opened up opportunities for me to improve myself in a personal and professional way. Coming here in Lithuania, even not knowing a lot about the country, lead me to the present, where I communicate in Lithuanian language, carry out highly important PhD research and realize myself in professional field working with VMU Agriculture Academy students. I appreciate it a lot and hope my journey at VMU Agriculture Academy could be an inspiration for students, that still have doubts about trying themselves in something new.

Andrii is open to answer the questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy – it is his work and his pleasure. If you are interested, feel free to contact Andrii on Facebook.

VMU AA Autumn Intake 2022/2023 is open. Apply now!

Would like to gain strong knowledge, solid skills, and invaluable international experience? Thinking about an unforgettable European student adventure and traveling the world?

Top-quality studies in a high-ranking university and living in a European Capital of Culture 2022 – Kaunas – located in the center of Europe may be the perfect combination for You.

Your lifetime adventure can start now. With VMU Agriculture Academy.

Autumn Intake 2022/2023 study programmes:

Application deadlines:

June 1st – for Applicants from non-EU/EFTA Countries
July 1st – for Applicants from EU Countries and for non-EU/EFTA Countries with Lithuanian Embassies

Information about Application and Admission Procedures: Admission to Degree Studies | VMU

Information about Scholarships: Scholarships | VMU

APPLY HERE

Contact person: VMU Agriculture Academy International Coordinator Ekaterina Makrickiene ekaterina.makrickiene@vdu.lt +370 37 752 200

More information about VMU Agriculture Academy study programmes

Conference “Young Scientist 2022”

The 19^th Conference of Young Scientists YOUNG SCIENTIST 2022 will be held on 21 April 2022 (remote). The Conference is intended for the first- and second-cycle students representing all the universities. Its goal is to engage the students in research activities, cultivate the skills of public presentation of the research findings, present the research achievements, and hold discussions on the relevant issues of bioeconomy, Green Deal, climate change, ecosystem sustainability, rational use and protection of natural resources. Participants of the conference will be awarded with the participation certificates. The presenters will be eligible to publish their papers in the conference proceedings or another science publication, e.g. science journals “Žemės ūkio mokslai” (Agricultural Sciences), “Agricultural Engineering”.

Participation is free of charge.

CONFERENCE TOPICS

Bioeconomy

Accounting and finance: challenges and opportunities
Innovations and solutions in business logistics
Sustainable development of rural areas
Management of agri-business and other bioeconomy business organizations
Bioeconomy, sustainability of agriculture and food sector

Biosystems engineering

Mechanical engineering
Real estate cadastre
Power engineering
Transport engineering
Technology engineering
Water engineering
Land management

Sustainability of agricultural, forest, and water ecosystems

Agronomy
Sustainability of agricultural ecosystems
Sustainable food production chains
Mitigation of the climate change effects on ecosystems and adaptation
Ecosystem services
Sustainable forestry
Wildlife population management

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

Participant registration deadline: 15 February 2022

PAPER SUBMISSION

Recomendations for article authors

Papers shall be uploaded through the electronic submission system from 1 February to 15 March 2022.

The papers will be subject to review.

Contacts:
Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy
Studentų Str. 11, 53361 Akademija, Kaunas district.
Email: martynas.narmontas@vdu.lt

PARTICIPANT REGISTRATION

UNeECC Annual Conference will take place at VMU Agriculture Academy: 5-7 October 2022. Save the date!

Photo: visit.kaunas.lt

With Kaunas becoming the European Capital of Culture in 2022, the role of universities in the development of the cultural and scientific program is extremely important. Vytautas Magnus University (VMU) became the new member of University Network of the European Capitals of Culture (UNeECC). With the initiative of UNeECC, the annual conferences at the universities of European Capitals of Culture is organised each year. In 2022 the annual conference will be organized by VMU and will take place at VMU Agriculture Academy.

Conference Title: Culture and Nature – Partners in Dialogue

Conference Date: 5-7 October 2022

Conference Place: Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, Kaunas, Lithuania

More information regarding registration, call for abstracts, and more will be updated soon at the websites of VMU Agriculture Academy and UNeECC.

We look forward to connecting with you for the UNeECC Annual Conference!

More information about VMU engagement in European Capitals of Culture environment.

UNeECC is a network that aims to ensure the recognition of the role and contribution of universities to the success of the cities conferred the title “European Capital of Culture”, to provide the member universities with a possibility of continuous and full participation in the European Capitals of Culture movement, and to foster inter-university cooperation to develop and reshape the universities’ regional position to create new activities for cities and universities.

#StudentsTalk: Being Surrounded by International Students Enriched Me as A Person

Daniya Mazhikova, Accounting and Finance student

Realizing the importance of our community of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy, we want to get to know our wonderful students, who enrich the Academy with its uniqueness, smartness, and openness to the world.

Daniya Mazhikova, Accounting and Finance student from Kazakhstan, shared her experience about choosing studies in Lithuania and studying here at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

– Why did you choose to study at Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy?

Firstly, I liked the website and campus of VMU Agriculture Academy. Secondly, I found the right, really good faculty and study programme for myself. Thirdly, the best point is that Lithuania is in the middle of Europe, so I can easily travel to other countries and see the world.

– What did you know about Lithuania before coming here?

Before applying for studies, I knew only the capital city of Lithuania and the location of the country. Then, to get to know the country I was going to study and to live in, I watched videos about Lithuania and Vytautas Magnus University as well. So, before coming here, I already have some information about the country.

– What activities, studies, practical experience at VMU Agriculture Academy was or is the most memorable for you?

I have met a lot of international students, which enriched me as a person. It’s an invaluable experience.

Daniya Mazhikova always support newcomers who are interested about university. She is open to share her student experience and answer questions about studying at VMU Agriculture Academy. Contact Daniya on:

Facebook
Instagram

ERASMUS+ Promotes the Mobility of Non-academic Staff

On November 29th – December 3rd, three non-academic staff members of VMU Academy of Agriculture – Bioeconomy Development faculty‘s Personal assistant to the Dean Aurelija Markelytė, Administrator of Master’s Studies Daiva Ardzijauskienė, together with AA Administrative group‘s Marketing Manager / “Smart teenager’s academy” manager Dėja Bubinaitė, participated in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility For Training visit “11th ADM VALENCIA: Training & job shadowing for administration staff” at Polytechnic University of Valencia (Universitat Politecnica De Valencia), Spain.

The “11th ADM VALENCIA: Training & job shadowing for administration staff“ program, developed by the Polytechnic University of Valencia, covered the technique of ‘job shadowing’, which focused on different administrative areas such as: human resources, accounting and finance, marketing and communication, quality and accreditation management and study administration. Representatives of the host units introduced the participants to the areas of work of their departments, challenges and strengths, later on discussions followed by the participants sharing their experiences at native universities. Participants in the Erasmus+ training visit took selected courses in ‘English’ or ‘Applied IT Tools for University Staff’ to strengthen their individual skills. Finally, each day the participants took part in active „Mediterranean Lifestyle“ seminars, organized by the host organization, during which they got to know the Mediterranean culture, Spanish way of life and traditions, and the cultural heritage of Valencia’s old town.

The Erasmus + training visit encouraged the mobility of non-academic staff, which achieved both organizational and personal development goals. The basic professional skills of the university administration staff were improved, communication and teamwork skills were strengthened, the competence of managing the University administration tasks was raised, more experience in managing strategic educational institutions was gained and lastly, strong internationally competitive cooperation relations between Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy and Valencia Polytechnic University were maintained. This Erasmus + training visit improved the basic professional work skills of the colleagues, strengthened their communication and teamwork skills, which and other good practices will be shared in raising the quality of work at the Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy.

Researchers at the VMU Agriculture Academy: Expert Services to the European Commission

The VMU Agriculture Academy has become a provider of expert services to the European Commission (EC). This is the strong sign of acknowledgement of the scientific potential of the Academy. The winning project by VMU Agriculture Academy has become its membership ticket to the consortium uniting 18 competent partners. This will enable the Academy to make a significant contribution to implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the future financial period of the EU focused on the dissemination of knowledge and innovations in agriculture.

Overarching Goal: Modernization of the Agricultural Sector

“The contract between the expert consortium and the EC came into effect this July and will remain effective for 9 years subject to yearly renewal, i.e. will cover the coming budget period of the EU and another three years that will involve further implementation of projects under various programs,” – Prof Antanas Maziliauskas, Rector Emeritus of VMU and one of the project initiators shared his joy. The consortium signed the contract under the measure “Networking Activities in Support of the Common Agricultural Policy”, Lot 2 “Support for networking activities focusing on specifically targeting innovation and knowledge exchange — EIP-AGRI”.

The overarching goal of the CAP is modernization of the sector by accumulating, sharing, and applying the knowledge to practice, implementing innovations, and improving digitalization in agriculture and rural areas. The objective of the consortium will involve facilitation and support to collaboration to promote the dissemination of innovations and knowledge in the areas of agriculture, forestry, and rural development at the EU level. This will open new possibilities to the researchers at the VMU Agriculture Academy.

Scope of Activities of the Consortium: from Analytical Work to Practical Workshops

“There is tremendous analytical work ahead for the consortium experts as they will be analysing the projects under various programs (Horizon 2020, Horizon Europe, LIFE, INTERREG, EIP-AGRI, etc.) and identifying the innovations to be delivered by respective projects. They will also assess their applicability in the agriculture across the Community. The information shall be linked not only the key goals of the CAP, but also the Green Deal, in particular, the Farm to Fork, Biodiversity Strategies, and the new Forest Strategy that is still in the process of development.

Modern agriculture raises new questions to science, and one of the consortium objectives is to assess the relevance of these issues and direct them towards the Horizon Europe programme for the Community researchers to submit applications and conduct respective research.

The experts also collect and analyse remarks and requests by farmers practitioners to conduct research. This helps identify the most promising subject areas, including those of the specific projects of the EIP activity groups.

Another area of the consortium activity is promotion of knowledge and innovation sharing. This will involve organization of seminars, practical workshops, expert discussions that are expected to result in specific proposals. The team is in charge of preparation of three focus groups annually, expert selection, content of the activities, moderation of discussions, and preparation of reports. For example, the experts representing different countries and areas brought together in a focus group will be discussing on the environmentally friendly water management solutions not requiring big investments, but based on the innate capacity of the nature to recover, for one year,” – A. Maziliauskas has shared the agenda. Prof A. Maziliauskas will perform one of the major coordinating roles in the focus group.

During the new CAP period, the consortium will continue the activity of the EIP-AGRI SF support office established in 2013 for innovation and knowledge sharing. The experts work in their respective fields of expertise. The group of the Consortium of organisations consists of public agencies, R&D centres, two universities (including the VMU Agriculture Academy), NGOs, advisory agencies from 15 EU countries. The coordinator of the Consortium is the Belgian Flemish Land Agency (VLM). It has provided its facilities in Brussels and hosts the office of EIP-AGRI SF support service for knowledge and information sharing. The consortium partners delegate their respective representatives to the office. The office team consists of Brussels stationed experts as well as other “regular” and “non-regular” experts living in 14 member countries, working remotely, and attending the events in Brussels or other EU countries.

Responsible Roles Allocated to the Researchers at VMU Agriculture Academy

The representatives of VMU Agriculture Academy are involved in different subgroups. Prof Dr A. Maziliauskas is the expert of research and innovations in the area of climate and natural resources, and Assoc. Prof Dr Rasa Pakeltienė is the expert of knowledge and innovations in the area of cooperation and knowledge and innovation sharing. The both representatives of the Academy have already started their work in the main expert team for contract implementation. In case of a large volume of works, there is the possibility to include more researchers at the VMU Agriculture Academy into the contract activities.

The Consortium pursues a particularly important goal of active engagement with the administrations of the member countries. Its objective is promotion of cooperation between the national CAP networks and all the entities creating, implementing, and disseminating innovations.

With dissemination of knowledge and innovations (AKIS) being one of the key umbrella activities, part of the experts will focus particularly on the promotion, analysis of agricultural knowledge and innovation activities, and provision of the recommendations on the improvement thereof and reduction of fragmentation of the activities. The team works under the principles of clusterisation, analyses, and provides consultations to different AKIS clusters. Assoc. Prof R. Pakeltienė is responsible for the analysis and consultation of the AKIS cluster of and dialogue with the Western European countries.

New Challenges Promoting the Demand for Expert Services

When preparing the CAP strategic plans, the EU countries prioritized development of the cooperation networks and dissemination of agricultural knowledge and innovations. Innovations and knowledge sharing are promoted for the agricultural, forestry sectors and rural areas to become more sustainable and competitive, help the farmers, foresters, and local rural population create more sustainable sources of income, strengthen resilience to the global changes, help save on the resources, reduce the use of fertilizers and chemical materials, at the same time maintaining an optimum investment to revenue ratio.

For the above reasons, the interdisciplinary knowledge, development, acceleration, and coordination of the cooperation networks is a very important part of the CAP, and the researchers at VMU Agriculture Academy will contribute significantly to the implementation thereof.

For more detailed information about the EIP-AGRI activities and opportunities for cooperation and expert work, please visit the EIP-AGRI website using the following link.