Education Exchanges Support Foundation - Overview of Activity in 2008

EDUCATION EXCHANGE SUPPORT FOUNDATION

Overview of activity in 2008

PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS ADMINISTERED BY THE
EDUCATION EXCHANGE SUPPORT FOUNDATION .....................................3
LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME..............................................................................3
COMENIUS ................................................................................................................................5
Comenius Partnerships .............................................................................................................5
Preparatory visits ......................................................................................................................7
In-service Training ...................................................................................................................7
Assistantship.............................................................................................................................8
Schools Hosting a Comenius Assistant ..................................................................................10
New Comenius activity — the Comenius Regio Partnership .................................................11
ERASMUS ................................................................................................................................12
Erasmus Mobility ...................................................................................................................12
Erasmus Intensive Language Course......................................................................................14
Erasmus Intensive Programmes .............................................................................................15
Erasmus Preparatory Visits ....................................................................................................16
Financing of the Erasmus programme ...................................................................................16
LEONARDO DA VINCI .........................................................................................................17
Mobility projects ....................................................................................................................17
Innovation Transfer projects...................................................................................................19
Partnership Projects ................................................................................................................20
Preparatory Visits ...................................................................................................................21
GRUNDVIG..............................................................................................................................22
Grundvig Learning Partnerships ............................................................................................22
In-service Training .................................................................................................................23
Preparatory Visits ...................................................................................................................24
New Grundvig activities.........................................................................................................26
Grundvig seminars..................................................................................................................27
NORDPLUS PROGRAMME..................................................................................................28
ACADEMIC EXCHANGES UNDER BILATERAL AGREEMENTS ..............................30
OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS .......................................................................33
Europass .................................................................................................................................33
Euroguidance .........................................................................................................................34
Study Visits ............................................................................................................................35
European Language Label......................................................................................................37
National Bologna Expert Group.............................................................................................38
Erasmus Mundus ....................................................................................................................39
Tempus ...................................................................................................................................40
Joint projects...........................................................................................................................40
Dissemination projects ...........................................................................................................41
NEW ACTIVITIES ..................................................................................................................43
European year of creativity and innovation............................................................................43
Trademark of Lithuanian Higher Education...........................................................................45
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MONITORING ............................................................46
DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION..............................................................................48
PERSONNEL AND MANAGEMENT...................................................................................50
QUALITY ASSURANCE ........................................................................................................51
FINANCING .............................................................................................................................52

2008 was important for the activity of the Education Exchange Support Foundation as many
significant changes, interesting events and new experiences took place. In addition to the
Lifelong Learning Programme supported by the European Commission, the Nordplus
programme which is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers commenced. This
programme is aimed at encouraging cooperation among various institutions of school
education, adult education and higher education. We were appointed national coordinators for
2009—the year of creativity and innovation in Europe—and for the first time, we organized the
competition for quality projects administered by the Education Exchange Support Foundation.
65 institutions and 71 individuals participated in the competition. In November, ten winners
were announced during a formal celebration. They received special prizes—original statues—
from the Education Exchange Support Foundation. The prizes are a result of the latest
cooperation between the Education Exchange Support Foundation and the Design Innovation
Centre of the Academy of Art. In the 2nd semester of 2008, twenty-three 2nd year students of
the Faculty of Design at the Academy of Art led by teacher of sculpture, Jonas Gerulaitis,
worked on designing statues for the awards.

We organized an introductory conference on topics for the forthcoming year, created a website
promoting creativity and innovations, and joined partners and colleagues in preparing for
publicity of the trademark for Lithuanian higher education, which is due to be implemented
next year upon receipt of support from the European Social Fund. Midway through the year,
our team moved to a new office.

Programmes and projects administered by the Education Exchange Support
Foundation

LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAMME
Comenius – school education
Erasmus – higher education
Leonardo da Vinci – vocational training
Grundvig – adult education
Transversal programme: language, information and communication technologies; political
cooperation and dissemination of results.
Jean Monet programme – teaching, scientific research and debates on the topic of the European
Union.

Euroguidance – vocational guidance and counselling.
Europass – unified documents that recognize skills and qualifications all over Europe.
Erasmus Mundus – united master’s programmes and mobility
Tempus – development of education reform in partner countries.
Bologna process – information on creation of the European higher education area.
Academic exchange under bilateral contracts – state scholarships and apprenticeships.
NordPlus Horizontal – intersectoral and project activities.
NordPlus Junior – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic schools of general
education.
NordPlus Higher Education – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic institutions of
higher education.
NordPlus Adult Learning – cooperation and mobility of Nordic and Baltic institutions of
adult education.

The Education Exchange Support Foundation administers 16 international programmes of
education, and participates in international projects and national initiatives.

In 2008, the Foundation participated in two international dissemination projects, and from next
year, together with national agencies of other counties, it will take part in two international
initiatives.

2009 has been declared the year of creativity and innovation in Europe. The Education
Exchange Support Foundation was delegated as national coordinator for this year.

COMENIUS

Comenius is a programme aimed at secondary school education. The purpose of the
programme is to boost the quality of education and strengthen the European dimension by
supporting transnational cooperation and mobility of schools.

Comenius Partnerships

Comenius Partnerships are projects aimed at school cooperation which brings all institutions
from countries participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme together in order to achieve
common goals. Projects can be bilateral or multilateral; the duration of the projects is two
years.

The budget for Comenius Partnerships in 2008 amounted to 1,491,000.00 euros. 1,287,000.00
euros were allocated to multilateral partnerships and 204,000.00 euros—to bilateral
partnerships.

The requested amount for financing all applications totaled 4,060,000.00 euros: 3,516,000.00
euros were requested for multilateral partnerships and 544,000.00 euros—for bilateral
partnerships.

Received and financed applications for Comenius Partnerships in 2007–2008:

2007 2008
Multilateral Bilateral Multilateral Bilateral
Number of received 333 32 233 32
applications
Number of financed 136 9 80 13
applications

Note. In 2007, institutions submitted applications for the continuation of projects (100
projects) and new projects (265 projects) according to the revised project financing rules of the
European Commission. As of 2008, the duration of all projects changed to two years and the
grant was also awarded for a period of two years; therefore, no applications for the
continuation of projects were submitted. According to the previous rules, the grant was
awarded for a period of one year. Consequently, in 2008, the number of both submitted and
financed project applications decreased.

The highest number of applications for Comenius Partnerships was received from Kaunas
County. Vilnius and Šiauliai Counties submitted 55 applications each. We noticed an increase
in interest of Šiauliai County institutions in all Comenius activities.

Received and financed applications for Comenius multilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by
county:

County 2007 2008
Submitted Financed Submitted Financed
Alytus County 15 5 13 5
Kaunas County 85 38 47 21
Klaipėda County 36 17 28 6

Marijampolė County 11 5 13 3
Panevėžys County 13 5 13 8
Šiauliai County 68 23 50 17
Tauragė County 13 5 9 2
Telšiai County 8 3 8 5
Utena County 18 8 4 1
Vilnius County 66 27 48 12

Received and financed applications for Comenius bilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by
county:

County 2007 2008

Received and financed applications for Comenius multilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by
type of institution:

Institution 2007 2008
Institutions of pre-school 16 6 14 5
education
Institutions of primary 19 10 7 4
education
Institutions of general 264 101 184 62
education
Vocational schools 19 9 18 6
Institutions of special 15 10 10 3
education

Received and financed applications for Comenius bilateral partnerships in 2007–2008 by type
of institution:

education
Institutions of primary 4 1 2 2
education
Institutions of general 0 0 1 0
education

Preparatory visits

The aim of Preparatory Visits is to assist school representatives who wish to prepare a
Comenius Partnership project in becoming acquainted with future partner institutions, and to
present the opportunity to prepare a qualitative project application together, or to participate in
contact seminars and find partners.
The budget for Comenius Preparatory Visits for 2008 amounted to 65,116.50 euros. The total
amount requested for the financing of all applications came to 126,917.21 euros.

Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by type of
visit:

Type of visit 2007 2008
Visit to an institution 39 21 31 12
Participation in a contact seminar 51 29 64 40

This year, institutions from Kaunas County were most active.

Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by county:

County 2007 2008

Received and financed applications for Comenius Preparatory Visits in 2007–2008 by type of
institution:

education
Institutions of primary education 4 4 6 2
Institutions of general education 82 42 78 43
Institutions of higher education 0 0 1 0
Other 0 0 1 0

In-service Training

In-service Training aims to provide an opportunity for teachers and other pedagogical staff to
improve their teaching skills and knowledge, and to become familiar with educational systems
and innovations in Europe. The budget for Comenius In-service Training in 2008 was
280,191.15 euros. In order to finance all applications submitted for this activity, as much as
837,198.36 euros was needed.

This activity was most popular among teachers of secondary education from Kaunas County.
We are pleased to note that the leading counties, Kaunas and Vilnius, which usually submit the
highest number of applications, were closely followed by Šiauliai County, which submitted as
many as 75 applications.

2007 2008
Number of submitted applications 215 428
Number of financed applications 127 108

Received and financed applications for Comenius In-service Training in 2007–2008 by county:

County 2007 2008

Received and financed applications for Comenius In-service Training in 2007–2008 by type of
institution:

Institutions of pre-school education 8 5 12 6
Institutions of higher education 7 3 1 1
Teacher training institutions 1 0 1 0
In-service training institutions 1 1 11 1
Institutions of special education 1 1 3 0
Public institutions 2 1 1 0
Other 2 0 17 5

Assistantship

The aim of this activity is to provide an opportunity for future teachers to expand their
understanding of the European dimension in basic education; and to improve their foreign

language skills, learn about other European countries and their educational systems, and
improve their teaching skills.

The budget of the Comenius Assistantship for 2008 was 101,020.00 euros.

Received and financed applications for Comenius Assistantship in 2007–2008 by teaching
subject:

Teaching subject 2007 2008
Art 1 1 0 0
Civil education 0 0 1 1
English 17 8 13 8
French 1 0 0 0
German 2 2 4 2
History 1 0 1 1
Native language 2 1 0 0
Mathematics 0 0 1 1
Religion/ethics 0 0 1 1
Other 1 0 0 0
Total: 25 12 21 14

Received and financed applications for Comenius Assistantship in 2007–2008 by county:

County 2007 2008

Schools Hosting a Comenius Assistant

The aim of this activity is to provide schools the opportunity to accept a Comenius assistant
from another European country participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme. Practical
training of the student helps strengthen the European dimension in the institution and
implement CLIL (Content and Language and Language Integrated Learning), which further
supports the learning of other languages and increases the selection of foreign languages in the
school.

In this activity, grants are not awarded to hosting institutions.

In 2008, the number of Lithuanian institutions wishing to host foreign assistants increased by
2.5 times.

2007 2008
Submitted applications 17 42
Rejected as ineligible - 1
Agreed between schools and assistants 8 11
Assistants came 5 6

Applications received and agreed with schools wishing to host assistants in 2007–2008 by type
of institution:

Institutions of pre-school education 2 0 1 0
Institutions of special education 0 0 1 0

Applications received and agreed with schools wishing to host assistants in 2007–2008 by
county:

County 2007 2008

New Comenius activity — the Comenius Regio Partnership

The Comenius Regio Partnership—a new activity of the Lifelong Learning Programme—
supports interregional cooperation in education in Europe. The main aim of the Regio
Partnership is to promote purposeful cooperation among partner institutions. Cooperation is
focused on a clearly defined topic that is important to both partners, e.g., difficulties in school
management, teacher training, consistent European cooperation on topics of education, integral
teaching, violence at school, racism, xenophobia, early leavers, etc.

The Regio Partnership consists of two partners from regions of different countries. Each of the
partners/regions involves:

• Local or regional authority related to school education;
• At least one school;
• At least one other local institution directly related to education (for example, youth or
sports club, parents’ and pupils’ association, teacher training institute or another legal
entity that offers training services, local employer, museum, etc.).

This year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized a special informational
event, to which potential submitters of Comenius Regio Partnership applications (units of
county governors’ administration or municipal authorities of education) were invited.

ERASMUS

The Erasmus programme is dedicated to assurance of quality of higher education, promotion of
mobility of students, teachers and other personnel; multilateral cooperation among institutions
of higher education and business enterprises, and assurance of transparency and coherency of
degrees between higher education and vocational training. Only institutions holding the
Erasmus University Charter may participate in the programme. The Erasmus University
Charter has been granted to 46 Lithuanian institutions of higher education, 36 of which have
been granted an extended Charter that also entitles the holders to organize students’ traineeship
placements in foreign enterprises in addition to standard mobility activities.

Erasmus Mobility

Participants of this programme comprise Lithuanian institutions of higher education and
research institutes that have been given the right to organize doctoral studies together with
universities, i.e. organize exchanges of students, teachers and other personnel with institutions
of higher education and enterprises abroad.

The Education Exchange Support Foundation has received applications from 45 institutions of
higher education for the organization of mobility in 2008–2009: 18 universities, 26 colleges
and 1 scientific research institute. One university that holds the Erasmus University Charter did
not apply for the organization of mobility.

Number of institutions participating in the Erasmus Mobility programme in 2008–2009

Distribution by type of institution of higher education

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Universities
Scientific research institutes
Colleges

Approved mobility applications of 2008 (by type of activity)

Erasmus mobility activities Number of Number of
institutions of higher institutions of higher
education that education that
submitted submitted
applications in 2007 applications in 2008
Number of institutions that plan student 44 45
studies mobility
Number of institutions that plan student 23 32
traineeship mobility
Number of institutions that plan teaching 45 44
mobility
Number of institutions that plan staff 38 40
training and placement mobility

Approved mobility applications of 2008 (by type of institution)

Erasmus mobility State Non-state State Non-state Scientific Total
activities in 2008 universities universities colleges colleges institutes
Number of institutions 15 3 15 11 1 45
that plan student studies
mobility
that plan student
traineeship mobility
that plan teaching mobility
that plan staff training
mobility

Results of Erasmus Mobility in 2007–2008

In 2007–2008, 44 schools of higher education participated in the Erasmus Mobility
Programme.

Total preliminary number of mobility participants in 2007–2008:
1. About 2,650 students went to higher schools and enterprises abroad for studies and
traineeship.
2. About 1,000 teachers and other staff went to teach, or to be trained, in higher schools and
enterprises or organizations abroad.

Dynamics of student mobility

/schema/

Number of students who participated in mobility

Dynamics of teachers and other staff mobility

/schema/

Number of teachers who participated in mobility

Planned figures of mobility for 2008–2009

The total number of planned and financed participants of mobility for 2008–2009:
1. At least 2,840 students were sent for studies and traineeship to higher schools and
enterprises abroad.
2. At least 1,192 teachers and other staff were sent to teach, or to be trained, in higher schools
and enterprises or organizations abroad.

Erasmus Intensive Language Course

The Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC) is a special language course designed for
those who wish to study the more unusual languages of countries participating in the Erasmus
programme. Currently, the EILC is established in 23 EU countries, including Lithuania.

In winter 2008 (from the budget of 2007–2008), the course was implemented by two
institutions of higher education: Vilnius University and Kaunas University of Technology. The
winter course was attended by 20 students from seven EU countries: The Czech Republic,
Italy, Poland, France, Norway, Germany and Spain.

The programme budget: 25,998 euros were allocated to Lithuania for 2008–2009.

By 14 March 2008, six Lithuanian institutions of higher education had submitted applications
to finance organization of the EILC in 2008–2009. Five applications were selected for
financing. One of the selection criteria was the geographical location of institutions wishing to
implement the course in respect of the flow of incoming students. One institution from Vilnius,
two institutions from Kaunas and two from Klaipėda were selected for financing.

Results

2007 2008
Number of submitted applications 10 6

In summer 2008, the course was implemented by four institutions of higher education: Vilnius
Pedagogical University, Vytautas Magnus University, Klaipėda University and LCC
International University. Vilnius Pedagogical University and LCC International University
each had two groups of students, while Vytautas Magnus University and Klaipėda University
had one group of students each. The summer course was attended by a total of 71 students
from 12 EU countries: Germany, The Czech Republic, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Latvia, Austria,
Slovakia, France, The Netherlands, Hungary and Portugal.
Kaunas University of Technology will organize the EILC in January 2009.

Erasmus Intensive Programmes

Erasmus Intensive Programmes are short-term study programmes with the aim of introducing
students to teachers from various universities representing participant countries. The purpose of
the activity is to provide conditions for students and teachers to work jointly in international
groups, in a specifically tailored teaching and learning environment; and also to look at the
subject from a different perspective, and exchange experience about the contents of the studies
and methods of study programmes. The target group for this activity is institutions of higher
education and studies.

As of 15 March 2008, ten applications had been submitted: two—for continued projects, and
eight—for new projects. Three new projects, which received the best rating from external
experts, were selected for financing. Financing was also granted to two projects continued from
the previous year.

Results of Erasmus Intensive Programmes of 2007–2008

2007 2008
Continued projects New projects Continued projects New projects
(2–3 years long) (2–3 years long)
Submitted 1 5 2 8
applications
Applications that 3 6
met eligibility
criteria
Financed 1 3 2 3

Approved projects of Erasmus intensive programmes of 2008

Institution Project name Financing, in euros

Klaipėda University A BETTER TOMORROW 37,187 euros

Mykolas Romeris University WASPOLSS Tracking New
European Ways in Social Policy,
Legal and Social Services
Vilnius University INVEST: Innovation, New 36,650 euros
Ventures and Entrepreneurship
in Social Work Teaching
Kaunas College ILS: Implementation on the 36,456 euros
(labour) Market of the Lisbon
Strategy
Vilnius Academy of Art Contemporary Past: new forms 20,454 euros
in memorial building

Erasmus Preparatory Visits

The purpose of Erasmus Preparatory Visits is to facilitate visits to future partner institutions in
order to discuss cooperation under the Erasmus programme and conclude inter-institutional
cooperation agreements; to visit foreign enterprises in order to discuss future cooperation when
organizing Erasmus students' placements, and to meet partner institutions intending to
participate in Erasmus Intensive Programme activities.

Results of Erasmus Preparatory Visits of 2008 (for the period until 30 November)

2007 2008
Number of submitted 9 14
applications
Number of financed 7 6
applications

Financing of the Erasmus programme

Total administered budget in 2008:
1. 4,478,199 euros (15,462,326 litas) of European Commission funds allocated for
implementation of the Erasmus programme in 2007–2008.
2. 13,836,000 litas of additional funds from the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania
allocated for implementation of the Erasmus and other EU programmes in 2008.
3. 5,050,000 euros (17,436,640 litas) of European Commission funds allocated for
implementation of the Erasmus programme in 2008–2009.

Funding of the Erasmus programme (in euros)

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Funds of the European Commission National funding


LEONARDO DA VINCI

The Leonardo da Vinci Programme is designed to promote and support cooperation between
EU member States in improving vocational training, implementing innovations in educational
systems of EU countries and fostering the European spirit. The task of the programme is to
train European citizens for the labour market and, considering the needs of enterprises, to assist
in supplying the market with a qualified labour force under conditions of increasing
competition. By participating in the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, organizations, vocational
training institutions, local authorities, employers’ organizations and other public organizations
from various European countries contribute to the design of the future vocational training
policy.

Mobility projects

Mobility projects are intended for the mobility of persons participating in vocational training,
professionals in vocational education and training, and people on the labour market.
Participants of mobility projects can visit any of the 31 European countries involved in the
programme for the purpose of professional development and improvement of professional
knowledge and skills; furthermore, they may take part in practical traineeships in enterprises,
become familiar with novelties in vocational training and the most state-of-the-art
technologies, exchange experience with colleagues, etc. The total duration of mobility projects
is from six to 24 months. Financed costs include project administration costs, mobility costs
and costs of linguistic and cultural preparation of the participants.

In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation administered 146 mobility projects
under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2006–2008. The total grant allocated to mobility
projects amounted to 2,853,660 euros.

Proportion of submitted and financed mobility project applications under the Leonardo da
Vinci Programme of 2007–2008 by target groups:

2007 2008
Number of Number of Number of Number of
received financed received financed
applications projects applications projects
Mobility projects for trainees in 35 26 40 31
initial vocational training (IVT)
Mobility projects for people on 3 2 14 6
the labour market (PLM)
Mobility projects for 55 37 51 37
professionals in vocational
education and training (VEPRO)

Proportion of requested and awarded grant for mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci
Programme of 2007–2008 (in euros):

Requested grant, in euro Awarded grant, in euro
2007 2,091,566 1,289,586
2008 1,854,246 1,315,547

105 applications were submitted for the competition for funding of mobility projects under the
Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2008. 74 projects received funding. The total grant allocated
for mobility projects in 2008 amounted to 1,315,547 euros.

Vocational schools were the most active in the competition—47 of them submitted
applications for mobility projects. One of the vocational schools submitted as many as five
applications; two schools submitted four applications each and two schools—three applications
each. 35 projects for vocational schools and vocational training centres received funding. It
was refreshing to see that, as compared to the previous year, business enterprises were much
more active and submitted twice as many applications for the competition for mobility project
funding.

Distribution of mobility project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2007–
2008 by type of organization:

Vocational training institutions 66 51 75 59
Companies 5 5 11 7
Associations, non-governmental 13 3 7 4
organizations
Public institutions 6 3 5 3
Other organizations 3 3 7 1

73 organizations from all 10 counties of Lithuania participated in the competition for funding
of mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme of 2008. The highest number of
applications was received from the biggest counties—Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda. Grants
were awarded to the projects of 52 organizations from nine counties in Lithuania.

According to projects funded in 2008, as many as 1,081 participants are seeking to enhance
their qualifications abroad under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme, which is almost 80
participants more compared to 2007.

Planned number of participants of mobility projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme
according to applications of 2007–2008:

Participants 2007 2008

Professionals in vocational training (VETPRO) 503 551
Trainees in initial vocational training (IVT) 489 490
People on the labour market 16 40

Innovation Transfer projects

Innovation Transfer projects are multilateral projects designed to contribute to the
improvement of teaching systems; these projects focus on transfer of innovations in the area of
vocational training including linguistic, cultural and legal adaptation of various innovative
products developed to suit national needs under diversified conditions.
At present, the Education Exchange Support Foundation administers 14 Innovation Transfer
projects under the Leonardo da Vinci Programme (prior to 2007—B procedure projects) (in
2006—four projects, in 2007—five projects and in 2008—five projects). The grant allocated
for these projects amounts to 3,359,203 euros.

In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation received 18 applications for the
competition for funding of Innovation Transfer projects under the Leonardo da Vinci
Programme, which was seven more than in 2007. 16 applications that met eligibility criteria
were assessed by external experts. The five top-rated applications were selected for financing.

Proportion of submitted and financed Innovation Transfer project applications under the
Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 (in euros):

Number of received applications Number of financed projects
2007 11 5
2008 18 5

Proportion of the requested and awarded grant for Innovation Transfer projects under the
Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008 (in euros):

2007 2,507,177 1,171,847
2008 4,179,729 1,164,633

We are pleased to note that colleges and universities—the most active competitors for
Innovation Transfer project applications—are being joined by many other types of
organization: business entities, vocational schools, training centres, public institutions and
other organizations. In 2008, as many as 17 organizations participated in the competition (in
2007—only nine). In addition to an increased number of participants, the geographical
distribution has also expanded. This year, applications for the competition were submitted not
only by organizations from Vilnius and Kaunas, but also from Šiauliai and Utena.

Distribution of Innovation Transfer project applications under the Leonardo da Vinci
programme of 2007–2008 by type of organization:

University 5 3 4 3
College 3 - 5 -
Training centre - - 1 -
Joint stock company - - 1 -
Vocational school - - 1 1
Non-profit organization 1 1 2 1

Chamber of commerce, industry 1 1 - -
and crafts
Public institution - - 2 -
Other organizations 1 - 2 -

Partnership Projects
A Partnership Project creates a framework for cooperation activities between vocational
education and training institutions from countries participating in the Lifelong Learning
Programme. By participating in a Partnership Project, the parties seek mutual benefit. The
duration of a Partnership Project is two years.

The competition for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da Vinci programme was
organized for the first time in 2008. The Education Exchange Support Foundation received as
many as 76 Partnership Project applications: 11 applications for projects to be coordinated by
Lithuanian organizations and 65 applications for projects where Lithuanian organizations
intended to be partners. The 16 top-rated applications were selected for financing: three
projects coordinated by Lithuanian organizations and 13 projects where Lithuanian
organizations perform the role of partners. The European Commission allocated 197,000 euros
for the financing of Partnership Projects in Lithuania in 2008.

Proportion of submitted and financed Partnership Project applications under the Leonardo da
Vinci programme of 2008

Year Number of received applications Number of financed projects
2008 76 16

Proportion of the requested and awarded grant for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da
Vinci programme of 2008 (in euros):

2008 923,000 197,000

The most active participants in the competition for Partnership Projects under the Leonardo da
Vinci programme in 2008 were vocational schools, with 28 project applications; and colleges,
with 17 applications. 58 organizations from nine counties of Lithuania participated in the
competition. The majority of applications were received from Kaunas and Šiauliai.

Distribution of submitted Leonardo da Vinci programme applications and financed projects in
2008 by type of organization:

Institution 2008
Number of received Number of financed
applications projects
Enterprises 5 1
Universities 8 2
Associations 4 0
Other 14 3
Colleges 17 4
Vocational training institutions 28 6

Preparatory Visits

The aim of Preparatory Visits is to participate in contact seminars organized by foreign
national agencies or to meet potential project partners from abroad who are seeking to establish
a new Mobility, Innovation Transfer or Partnership Project under the Leonardo da Vinci
programme. In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation received 73 applications for
grants for preparatory visits. 37 applications were approved for financing and allocated 36,425
euros; 31 applications were for contact seminars and six—for Preparatory Visits. In 2008, the
highest number of applications for Leonardo da Vinci Preparatory Visits was received from
Vilnius and Kaunas Counties. 12 of the financed Preparatory Visits were intended for
preparation of partnership and transfer of innovation projects, and five—for mobility projects;
other beneficiaries of the grant planned several projects under the Leonardo da Vinci
programme.

Proportion of submitted and financed applications for Preparatory Visits under the Leonardo
da Vinci programme of 2007–2008

Year 2008
Number of received applications Number of financed projects
2007 87 34
2008 73 37

Proportion of the requested and awarded grant (in euro) for Preparatory Visits under the
Leonardo da Vinci programme of 2007–2008

2007 85,399 25,884
2008 48,923 36,426

GRUNDVIG

The purpose of the Grundvig programme is to improve the quality of adult education and
access to adult education by supporting collaboration and mobility of institutions working in
adult education.

Grundvig Learning Partnerships

The purpose of Grundvig Learning Partnerships is to improve the process of adult education
according to EU standards. The programme includes small-scale, two-year projects aimed at
collaboration of various organizations involved in adult education (in its broadest sense).

The budget for Grundvig Learning Partnerships for 2008 was 577,000.00 euros. The amount
requested in all submitted applications totalled 1,556,500.00 euros.

Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008

2007 2008
Number of received applications 132 105

Note. In 2007, institutions submitted applications for the continuation of projects (47 projects)
and for new projects according to the revised financing rules of the European Commission (85
projects). As of 2008, the duration of all projects changed to two years; the grant is also
awarded for two years; therefore, there are no more project continuations. According to the
previous rules, the grant was only awarded for one year. In 2008, the number of submitted
applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships considerably increased.

The Education Exchange Support Foundation received a total of 105 applications from
Lithuanian institutions of adult education. The highest number of applications was received
from Vilnius County – 34, Kaunas County – 23, Šiauliai County – 12, Klaipėda County – 10
and Alytus County – 10.

Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008 by
county:

County 2007 2008
Tauragė County 1 1 - -

This year saw the highest number of applications from providers of adult education, i.e.
institutions focused on adult education. These institutions submitted 24 project applications.
Non-governmental organizations were also fairly active and submitted 22 applications for
Grundvig Learning Partnerships.

Received and financed applications for Grundvig Learning Partnerships of 2007–2008 by type
of institution:

Adult learners’ association 0 0 1 1
Parents’ association 1 0 1 0
Provider of adult education 25 10 24 9
Library 1 0 2 2
Secondary school of general education 10 9 5 1
Vocational school 11 1 7 6
Institution for learners with special 1 0 3 0
educational needs
University or other higher school 20 8 15 2
Non-profit institution 21 10 9 4
Cultural organization (e.g. museum, art 2 0 2 1
gallery)
Non-governmental organizations 28 13 22 11
Enterprise or organization in the private 2 1 4 1
sector
Public institution 10 5 2 1
Correctional institution 0 0 1 0
Institution of scientific research 1 0 0 0
Other 0 0 7 1

In-service Training

The purpose of this activity is to provide an opportunity for teachers, adult educators and other
persons involved in adult education to participate in European in-service training courses.

The budget for Grundvig In-service Training in 2008 was 75,245.47 euros. The total funds
requested for financing these activities amounted to 180,387.24 euros.

2007 2008
Number of received applications 98 90

This year, institutions of adult education from Klaipėda County were more active than they
were in 2007; however, the activity of institutions from Kaunas County decreased. The activity
of non-governmental organizations participating in Grundvig In-service Training increased.

Received and financed applications for Grundvig In-service Training of 2007–2008 by county:

County 2007 2008


Received and financed applications for Grundvig In-service Training of 2007–2008 by type of
institution:

Secondary school of general education 1 1 4 0
Non-governmental organization 8 5 19 7
Enterprise or organization in the private 66 3 2 0
sector

Preparatory Visits
The purpose of this activity is to help institutions of adult education interested in implementing
a Grundvig Learning Partnership project to become acquainted with potential partner
institutions, and offer opportunities to prepare projects together.

The budget of Grundvig Preparatory Visits for 2008 was 18,426.50 euros. The total amount
needed for the financing of all applications was 69,399.15 euros.

In 2008, institutions of adult education from Kaunas County that wished to initiate Grundvig
Learning Partnerships in the future were the most active and therefore, they submitted
applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits aimed at meeting partners and discussing future
projects, or participating in contact seminars and finding new partners.

2007 2008
Visit to an institution 5 3 5 3
Participation in a contact seminar 34 19 39 15

Received and financed applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits of 2007–2008 by county:

County 2007 2008


Received and financed applications for Grundvig Preparatory Visits of 2007–2008 by type of
institution:

Adult learners’ association
Parents’ association
Library 1 1 0 0
Secondary school of general
education
Institution for learners with
special educational needs
Non-profit institution
Cultural organization (e.g. 0 0 1 1
museum, art gallery)
Non-governmental organization 3 2 10 4
Enterprise or organization in the 3 2 2 1
private sector
Correctional Institution
Local community 2 1 2 1

New Grundvig activities

This year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized informational events where
potential promoters of new Grundvig activities were invited. The events were also aimed at
spreading information on new possibilities for adult educators. The following new activities for
the Grundvig programme were presented:

Grundvig visits for adult education professionals

The aim of Grundvig Visits for Adult Education Professionals—a new Grundvig programme—
is to improve the quality of adult education. This activity is an excellent opportunity for those
who work or plan to work in the sphere of formal, informal or self-education of adults; for
those who plan to go to another country participating in the Lifelong Learning Programme; and
for those who wish to become more familiar with adult education in Europe and (depending on
the aim of the visit) to improve their teaching, counseling and managerial skills and share
experience with colleagues abroad. Participants of Grundvig Visits for Adult Education
Professionals can receive funding for the following activities:
• Participation in a European conference or seminar including European conferences of
Grundvig Learning Partnerships;
• Observation of work in foreign institutions of adult education.

Grundvig Assistantship

The Grundvig Assistantship provides an opportunity for present or future professionals of
formal, informal and self-education of adults to go to another European country (another
member of the Lifelong Learning Programme) for a period of 12–45 weeks. Assistants carry
out work in institutions or organizations of adult education.

The aim of the programme is to provide an opportunity to realize the European dimension of
adult education, to improve foreign language skills, to get to know other European countries
and their educational systems, and improve professional and cultural skills.

This programme can be useful:
• For all learners;
• For those who wish to enhance their qualifications in the sphere of adult education
management;
• For adults with special educational needs;
• For preparing presentations of the assistant’s home country and learning in the
assistant’s native language;
• For strengthening the European dimension within the institution hosting the assistant;
• For preparing and implementing projects.

Grundvig Senior Voluntary Projects

This activity is open to all citizens aged 50 or over, from any countries that are implementing
the Lifelong Learning Programme. Particular consideration is given to socially disadvantaged
groups and national minorities.

Voluntary projects support non-profit organizations or social initiatives, and encourage
cooperation between volunteers delegating and hosting organizations. Delegation and hosting
of volunteers is permitted to any organization that has been assessed as having the capacity to

do so. However, it is necessary to note that any activities to be implemented by volunteers
should not seek profit and should provide learning possibilities for the volunteers. Selection of
volunteers is carried out by the national agency of their home country.

The aims of Grundvig Senior Voluntary Projects:
• To help older people get involved in non-profit activities in other European countries;
• Through the cooperation of volunteers, to establish long-term cooperation between
hosting and delegating organizations aimed at discussing certain issues or working with
certain target groups;
• To help participants of volunteer exchanges and members of local communities to
realize their potential and enable them to become valuable citizens with knowledge,
skills and experience.

The voluntary period abroad is from three to eight weeks.

Grundvig seminars

The purpose of Grundvig seminars is to provide an opportunity for adult learners to participate
in learning activities in other European countries (members of the Lifelong Learning
Programme). This is a new form of mobility offered to adult learners by the Grundvig sub-
programme of the Lifelong Learning Programme.

The seminars join individual learners, or small groups of learners, from different countries in
sharing their international learning experience which is necessary in order to fulfil their
personal development needs. During seminars, learners are encouraged to share their
knowledge and ideas. The number of participants for each seminar varies between 10 and 20.

Grundvig seminars can be organized on various topics. All adults that are selected by the
organizer of the seminar, and are citizens of any member state participating in the Lifelong
Learning Programme, are eligible for this activity. Particular consideration is given to socially
disadvantaged groups and national minorities.

Anyone wishing to participate in a seminar should apply individually, or as part of a small
group, directly to the organizer of the seminar and to the local national agency.

The Grundvig grant is awarded for organization of seminars and compensation for learners’
costs including traveling and subsistence costs. This activity is open to all institutions wishing
to provide these services.

NORDPLUS PROGRAMME
General Nordplus programme 2008–2011

In 2008, for the first time, Lithuanian educational institutions had the possibility to participate
in the General Nordplus Programme intended for the cooperation of Nordic and Baltic
countries. This programme supports mobility, as well as project and network activities and is
open to all institutions and organizations working or specializing in the sphere of education and
lifelong learning. The General Nordplus Programme involves five Nordic countries, three
autonomous Nordic areas and three Baltic countries.

The General Nordplus Programme is made up of four sub-programmes focused on different
target groups in schools, as well as higher and adult education.

The Nordplus Junior sub-programme is aimed at cooperation and mobility of general education
schools in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims to support projects and
networks for improvement of quality and implementation of innovations in education.

The total budget for the Nordplus Junior sub-programme for 2008 was 2,141,723.00 euros.
Applications submitted to the Nordplus Junior sub-programme totaled 350, 224 of which were
approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 20 applications for projects where they
intended to be coordinators, 12 of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions participate as
partners in 19 of the approved projects under the Nordplus Junior sub-programme.

The Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme supports cooperation and mobility of
institutions of higher education in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims at
strengthening relations between higher schools within the region in order to enable students
and teachers to benefit from sharing knowledge and good practice.

The total budget for the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme in 2008 was 3,873.70 Comment [J. K.1]: Ar cia
tikrai tokia suma???
euros. Applications submitted to the Nordplus Higher Education sub-programme totaled 301,
191 of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 10 applications for
projects where they intend to act as coordinators, three of which were approved. Lithuanian
institutions participate as partners in 34 of the approved projects under the Nordplus Higher
Education sub-programme.

The Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme is aimed at cooperation and mobility of
institutions of adult education in Nordic and Baltic countries. This sub-programme aims at
improving quality and implementing innovations in adult education; and developing formal,
informal and self-education in adults.

The total budget of the Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme for 2008 was 1,070,862.00
euros. Applications submitted for the Nordplus Adult Learning sub-programme totaled 105, 43
of which were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted 10 applications for
projects where they intend to act as coordinators, six of which were approved. Lithuanian
institutions participate as partners in nine of the approved projects under the Nordplus Adult
Learning sub-programme.

The Nordplus Horizontal transversal sub-programme supports cross-sector and project
activities: work groups, experience sharing seminars, conferences, research, statistical projects,
valorization of research projects, creation of innovative courses and models, creation of
innovative language teaching and learning tools, dissemination of good practice, etc.

The total budget for the Nordplus Horizontal sub-programme for 2008 was 891,173.00 euros.
Applications submitted for the Nordplus Horizontal sub-programme totaled 46, 21 of which
were approved for funding. Lithuanian institutions submitted nine applications for projects
where they intend to act as coordinators, three of which were approved. Lithuanian institutions
participate as partners in five of the approved projects under the Nordplus Horizontal sub-
programme.

In 2008, particular consideration was given to dissemination of information regarding the
programme. In February 2008, two seminars General Nordplus Programme—Open Day for
Project Promoters were organized in Kaunas and Vilnius. The seminars were targeted at
potential participants of the programme. In October 2008, a seminar was organized for
beneficiaries of the programme grant, which focused on project finance management and
discussion of other relevant matters. In November 2008, two seminars on preparation of project
applications were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Information on the potential benefits of the
programme is also being spread during other events organized by the Education Exchange
Support Foundation. In order to make the programme more widely known, a number of
advertisements were published, including 1) Nordplus poster; 2) informational postcard; 3)
informational booklets about the programme and all four sub-programmes; 4) electronic
compendium of projects financed in 2008, which are currently being coordinated by Lithuanian
institutions.

In 2008, Lithuanian institutions submitted applications for the first time. Despite all the initial
challenges faced during the first year, we are proud to have achieved positive results—
financing was awarded to 91 projects relating to Lithuanian institutions.

Results of the request to submit applications for the General Nordplus Programme of 2008*

General information Nordplus Nordplus Nordplus Nordplus Total
Junior Adult Higher Horizontal
Education
Number of submitted 20 10 10 9 49
applications where Lithuanian
organizations participate as
coordinators
Number of approved 12 6 3 3 24
applications where Lithuanian
organizations participate as
coordinators
applications with partner
organizations from Lithuania
applications with coordinating
and partner organizations from
Lithuania

* The number of applications where Lithuanian institutions participate as partners is not
known.

Academic Exchanges under Bilateral Agreements
Bilateral cooperation agreements encourage countries to conclude agreements or contract
implementation programmes among ministries of the establishment for certain exchange
mechanisms, quotas, financial conditions and organization of the contingent of participants for
future exchanges. Such agreements and programmes of exchange help to highlight the
commitment to support participation of scientists in joint projects and programmes, and
encourage direct relations between science and study institutions.

The Government and the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Lithuania have
signed international cooperation agreements in the field of culture, education, science and
sport, with 37 other countries:

Belarus, Belgium (Flemish Region and Walloon Region), Bulgaria, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Greece, India, Iceland, Spain, Italy, Israel, Great Britain, Montenegro,
China, Latvia, Poland, Mexico, Mongolia, France, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Finland, Turkey, the Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Hungary and Germany.

Programmes of academic exchange with Japan and Switzerland are renewed every year.

Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania

In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation announced 19 competitions for study
and research placements in the following countries:

Denmark, Belarus, Japan (studies of Japanese philology and bachelor and post-graduate
studies), Iceland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Belgium (Flemish Region and Walloon
Region), Latvia, Hungary, China, Mexico, Italy, Russia, Switzerland, Israel and Germany.

In 2008–2009, 88 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania submitted applications for studies and
research placements abroad. The Education Exchange Support Foundation concluded study-
research placement agreements with 39 citizens of the Republic of Lithuania.

Chart 1. Number of state scholarships awarded to citizens of the Republic of Lithuania for
study and research placements abroad in 2008–2009, by country:

Hungary
Switzerland
Russia
Mexico
Poland
Latvia
China
Japan**
Israel*
Italy
Iceland
Estonia
Denmark
The Czech Republic
Belgium (Wallonia)
Belgium (Flanders)
Belarus

⁪ Submitted applications ⁪ Awarded scholarships

* – final approval from foreign coordinators has not yet been received.
** – applications submitted in 2007.

Chart 2. Number of citizens of the Republic of Lithuania who concluded agreements with the
Education Exchange Support Foundation in 2008–2009, by country.

Germany
Hungary
Switzerland
Poland
Latvia
China
Israel
Italy
Denmark
The Czech Republic
Belgium

Foreign citizens

In 2008–2009, 129 foreign citizens submitted applications for studies and research placements
in Lithuania. State scholarships were awarded to 86 applicants from 16 countries: 41 students
for the summer language and culture course, 32 students for studies of Lithuanian (Baltic)
philology, two students for studies of economics; and 11 researchers acquired research
placements.

Chart 3. Number of participants of the summer language and culture course in 2008, by
country.

Hungary
Ukraine
Turkey
Finland
Russia
Romania
Poland
Latvia
Estonia
The Czech Republic

Chart 4. Number of foreign citizens participating in studies of Lithuanian (Baltic) philology in
2008–2009, by country.

Germany
Russia
Poland
Latvia
USA
Chile
The Czech Republic
Brazil
Austria

Chart 5. Number of foreign citizens participating in research placements in 2008–2009 by
country.

Hungary
Poland
The Czech Republic
Belarus

OTHER PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS

Europass

The purpose of the Europass project in Lithuania is to encourage the use of Europass
documents which help facilitate people in gaining employment, going on traineeships or
continuing studies either at home or in another EU country. The main activity of the Europass
project is related to information and presentation of Europass documents, and dissemination of
information regarding the benefits of these documents to potential target groups. Therefore,
every year, the Education Exchange Support Foundation prepares informational publications
regarding Europass documents. The Education Exchange Support Foundation also participates
in various events where it is possibile to promote the Europass project, and performs other
information, dissemination and counseling activities.

In order to promote the Europass project in 2008, most Europass publications and products
were presented using a new method and involving a new character—the symbol of the project.

Main activities 2007 2008 (eleven months)
Events 25 26
Publications, promotional and other products 12 13
Telephone and e-mail consultations - ~1670 times
Other activities (articles, promotional campaign) 4 5


Euroguidance

In 2008 the Education Exchange Support Foundation, which administers the Euroguidance
project in Lithuania, updated, prepared and published methodical publications (Career
Guidebook 2008; Professional Counseling Methods I; Seek-Plan-and-Act, etc.), and
informational films on professions and other measures; it also organized training sessions and
informational seminars for professional guidance specialists.

In 2008, employees of the Education Exchange Support Foundation spared no effort in the
strengthening of international cooperation and international activity.

In 2008, a representative of the Education Exchange Support Foundation together with
representatives from the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Social Security
and Labour of the Republic of Lithuania joined the European Lifelong Guidance Policy
Network activities which include: work groups, preparation of information on lifelong
guidance, etc.

In June 2008, the CH-Q skills assessment method was presented to Lithuanian professional
guidance specialists. By invitation of the initiators of the Euroguidance project in Lithuania,
theoretical and practical seminars were conducted by Dutch specialists Peter van Deursen
(Euroguidance the Netherlands, consultant) and Rena Punt (CINOP, assessor). 12 people
participated in the training course. Certified professional guidance specialists together with
representatives of the Education Exchange Support Foundation and Dutch experts are planning
to support the continuation of this method in Lithuania in 2009.

Main activities 2007 2008 (eleven months)
Events 25 23
Methodical publications and other products and 13 15
publications (films on professions)
Other activities (articles, promotional campaigns) 10 5

Study Visits

Study Visits are visits conducted by vocational training specialists and decision makers in
education; their aim is to facilitate international exchange of information and experience.

The purpose of the programme is to support policy development and cooperation in lifelong
learning at the European level, and in particular—in the context of the Lisbon Process, the
programme of Education and Teaching 2010, the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes and
further processes within the programme.

After the merger of the programmes of the Arion and Cedefop Study Visits on 1 January 2008,
it became the first year for joint visits of the consolidated Study Visits programme to be
tailored for both educational and vocational training specialists.

In 2008, three study visits were organized in Lithuania: Pedagogical-psychological Support
System and Education of Children with Special Needs in Lithuania (organized by the National
Centre for Special Needs Education and Psychology), Artistic Education as a Tool to Enhance
the Appeal of Learning (organized by Saulės Gymnasium in Utena) and The Influence of
Evaluation and Self-evaluation on Quality of Learning (organized by the Administration of
Prienai District Municipality).

Participants of Study Visits of 2008

The request to submit applications for Study Visits in 2008–2009 was announced, with a
deadline of 16 May 2008. During this time, 79 applications were received, 36 of which
received financing for participation in the Study Visits programme.

Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by institution

Schools and kindergartens 22 7 14 7
Teaching and education centres 21 16 25 9
Universities 6 4 14 8
Colleges 11 5 7 2
City and district municipalities 5 3 6 4
Ministries 0 0 6 5
Labour Market Training Centres and 1 0 2 0
Labour Exchanges
Joint stock companies 1 1 2 0
Other institutions 6 2 3 1
Total: 73 38 79 36

Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by county

County 2007 2008
Total: 73 38 79 36

Distribution of submitted applications and received grants by title (position)

Title (position) 2007 2008
Directors, managers 15 5 16 8
Deputy managers 7 3 9 6
Heads 17 10 8 5
Deputy heads 1 0 4 4
Deans and vice deans 0 0 4 4
Project managers 1 1 3 2
Teachers, trainers 6 2 15 1
Senior specialists, supervisors 16 12 8 1
Other specialists 10 5 12 5
Total: 73 38 79 36

Contracts signed Projects in progress Projects finished
in 2008 in 2008 in 2008
Participants of Study Visits 36 50 37

Contracts signed Projects in progress Projects finished
in 2007 in 2007 in 2007
Participants of Study Visits 38 52 25

Selected proposals to N/A Organized visits in 2008
organize visits in 2008
Organizers of Study Visits 4 N/A 3

Selected proposals to N/A Organized visits in 2007
organize visits in 2007
Organizers of Study Visits 4 N/A 2

European Language Label

The European Language Label is an activity intended for evaluation of innovative language
teaching and learning projects. The purpose of the programme is to evaluate and award
innovative language teaching and learning projects, and present them to teachers, pupils and
lecturers; the programme also aims to encourage wider application of innovative teaching
methods and forms in different fields and institutions of language teaching.

In 2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation organized a competition for the
European Language Label programme. This year, the competition was organized in the
following categories: Language Project of the Year, Language Teacher of the Year and
Language Learner of the Year.

In 2008, as compared to 2007, the nomination for Learner of the Year was claimed by pupils
who translated texts from two chosen European Union languages into Lithuanian. Taking into
consideration the fact that this year, the competition for Language Learner—Translator of the
Year was dedicated to European Language Day, texts for translation were on topics related to
European Language Day and the variety of languages within member states. The competition
was held on 26 September in representation of the European Commission in Vilnius and the
European Institute at Kaunas University of Technology.

The European Language Label Awards took place on 18 November 2008 during an event
organized by the Education Exchange Support Foundation Creativity and Innovation in
Lifelong Learning.

Applications 2007 2008
Under the nomination Language Project of the Year 6 11
Under the nomination Language Teacher of the Year 4 4
Under the nomination Language Learner of the Year 2 50

National Bologna Expert Group

In 2008, the Foundation continued implementation of the project Lithuanian National
Bologna Group funded by the European Commission and the Ministry of Education and
Science of the Republic of Lithuania.

The key goals of the project are:
• To systematically disseminate information acquainting academic community members
of institutions of higher education (students, teachers, administrators) and staff of
organizations working in the field of higher education, with the Bologna objectives,
regulations, and documents;
• To train academic community members of institutions of higher education and staff of
organizations working in the field of higher education (by organizing national level
events and meetings of Bologna propagators with representatives of institutions of
higher education and organizations working in the field of higher education) to
implement Bologna regulations in specific academic or other activities.

The Lithuanian National Bologna Group consists of seven experts from Lithuanian
institutions of higher education and student organizations. Bologna experts disseminate
information and provide recommendations and evaluations on issues related to
implementation of the Bologna process in Lithuania, particularly focusing on the following
priorities:
• Quality assurance (internal and external);
• Three-cycle system (study programme reform, qualification system);
• Recognition (ECTS, diploma supplement, Europass, Lisbon Convention).

In April 2008, students of Lithuanian higher schools were invited to the national Bologna
seminar Ensuring Quality of Studies: A Dialogue of Students, Academics and Employers.
Translation of the publication regarding the European project Tuning was started. In May
2008, the Education Exchange Support Foundation published the booklet Bologna Process—
Creation of a European Higher Education Area, which introduces the Bologna process.

In September 2008, an informational campaign on submission of applications for the
European Credit Transfer System and (or) Diploma Supplement Labels for 2009–2013 was
started.

During the project, meetings with Bologna group experts, training seminars and advisory
visits to higher schools are organized.

Projects for enhancing the appeal of studies

/schema/

⁪ Submitted ⁪Approved

Erasmus Mundus

Erasmus Mundus is a cooperation and mobility programme intended to enhance the quality of
higher education in Europe and cooperation throughout the world, by organizing high-quality
master’s studies in European universities.

The aim of the programme is to encourage the development of higher education systems and
improve the processes of social and economic reforms through cooperation with institutions of
EU member states.

On 27 and 28 March 2008, informational seminars Higher Education Programmes in
Cooperation with Third Parties for employees of Lithuanian institutions of higher education
and science were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Participants of the seminar were
familiarized with the request to submit applications for the Erasmus Mundus programme of
2008, as well as practical guidelines for preparing applications. Questions from participants
were also answered.

Action 1: Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies.
In the period 2008–2009, implementation of two master’s studies of the Erasmus Mundus
programme in Lithuania was continued: EMSR—European Master in Sustainable Regional
Health Systems (coordinated by Vilnius University) and EMBC—Erasmus Mundus Master of
Science in Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (with the participation of Klaipėda
University as a partner).

Action 2: Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to third-country (non EU) students and scholars who wish to
participate in Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies. Lithuanian institutions that participate in
approved Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies have not yet received any foreign students for the
2008–2009 school year. Coordinators from Vilnius University have selected, and the European
Commission has approved, 20 foreign students who will start studies in a partner-university in
Spain.

Action 3: Partnership
Partnership is cooperation between the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Studies Consortium and at
least one third-country institution of higher education. Until this year, Lithuanian institutions
had no approved master’s studies in the Erasmus Mundus programme; therefore, in the first
stage of the Erasmus Mundus programme, Lithuanian institutions will not participate in
partnership projects.

Action 4: Enhancing the Appeal of the project
Projects for enhancing the appeal of the project are aimed at promotion of European higher
education. In 2008, the following Lithuanian institutions submitted applications for this activity
in partner projects: V.A. Graičiūnas’ Higher Management School, the Education Exchange
Support Foundation and Erasmus Academic Network ISEKI Food 3 involving Kaunas
University of Technology, Vilnius University, Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture, Lithuanian
University of Agriculture and the Institute of Material Science and Scientific Research of
Vilnius University. After expert evaluation, projects from Lithuanian institutions were not
approved.

Tempus

The Tempus programme (Trans-European Mobility Programme for University Studies) is one
of the European Community programmes designed to help the restructuring of higher
education systems in countries of Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Western Balkans and the
Mediterranean Sea Region. The Programme focuses on development of higher education
systems in these countries and improvement of the process of social and economic reform
through cooperation with institutions from EU Member States.

On 27 and 28 March 2008, informational seminars Higher Education Programmes in
Cooperation with Third Parties for employees of Lithuanian institutions of higher education
and science were organized in Vilnius and Kaunas. Participants of the seminar were
familiarized with the request to submit applications for the Tempus IV programme of 2008, as
well as practical guidelines for preparing applications. Questions from participants were also
answered.

In 2008, 28 Lithuanian institutions of higher education submitted applications under the
Tempus programme; three applications were for projects where Lithuanian institutions intend
to participate as coordinators—one application was recognized as ineligible. Taking into
consideration the evaluation and comments of external experts, and following consultations
with national authorities, the European Commission awarded financing to the project Western-
Eastern Teacher Education Network coordinated by Kaunas University of Technology as well
as projects coordinated by Zagreb University and Santiago de Compostela University where
Lithuanian institutions of higher education also participate.

Three joint European projects under the Tempus III programme, where Lithuanian institutions
participate, are due to be completed in 2008. Kaunas University of Technology is the holder of
the contract for one of these projects.

Joint projects
Joint projects are structural projects initiated by a consortium of institutions with clearly
defined aims and priorities for reform of the institution of higher education at the institutional
level.

Structural instruments
Structural instruments are short-term instruments that support national reforms and needs at the
organizational (national) level.

Submitted and approved applications for Tempus IV of 2008

Approved /schema/ ⁪ For coordinated projects
⁪ For partner projects
Submitted

Education Exchanges Support Foundation - Overview of Activity in 2008

Education Exchanges Support Foundation - Overview of Activity in 2008

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