Lithuanian Lessons FAQ

Why are you offering free modules in Lithuanian?

For many reasons. (1) Just when I was about to give my first ever Lithuanian class in the University for the celebration of our Department week and College month, which I prepared so much for, the lockdown due to alarming cases of CoVid-19 started so I never get to channel all these overflowing energy. (2) Also, since I had other career plans in mind (pending though), I might never get the opportunity to teach Lithuanian, as far as I am able to foresee. (3) I feel bad getting several scholarships yet not being able to formally be given an opportunity to do what the scholarship recipients are expected to do: promote Lithuanian.

Is this completely free?

For now, yes. I might password-lock it in the future and offer paid classes for more advanced courses but I am not there yet.

Why do I need to study Lithuanian?

I'm not saying you need to but you may want to. My first answer is WHY NOT. You have spare time, you're here so you might be curious and motivated and that drive is already enough reason to do so. Not yet convinced? Read these facts about the Lithuanian language or proceed to the next question.

Why did you study Lithuanian?

I don't really know myself but I can give you three reasons: curiosity, opportunity and love for languages. Or maybe these information can provide some enlightenment?

Are you fluent in Lithuanian?

I wouldn't even go as far as to say I "speak" Lithuanian; not fluently (yet) as I can manage in French, for example. I get by but I am heavily dependent on speakers repeating and reformulating their sentences or to count on them to be patient enough to speak slowly/slower. I still need some sort of aid to construct a grammatically correct sentence. My Baltic and Slavic friends Dora, Nadia, Jakub and Alexandra (from Lithuania, Ukraine and Poland) can attest to this.

As of writing, I have an A2 level (as stated in my certificate), and I talk about it briefly here. However, I personally believe I am more of in the A1+.

Lietuviu kalbos vasaros kursai 2019

Where did you study Lithuanian?

In Klaipeda University's summer language and culture program.

How long did you study Lithuanian?

Formally, two months, in a span of two years (2018-2019), as of writing. In between days when I am not attending summer courses, I study by myself when I find time (and motivation) or I send a quick message to my Lithuanian-speaking friends (thank you, Internet).

How much did it cost to study Lithuanian?

A total of two months away from home, a hell of plane tickets, almost four days in transit, numerous plane transfers, panic attacks... But TOTALLY worth it. I would do it again and again.

Kidding aside, as a scholarship recipient, the courses and cultural activities I attended were free (fee waived for government scholarship). There was also a one-month-worth of reasonable amount of stipend equivalent to the minimum monthly wage of an average Lithuanian worker. I swear, if you stay frugal (it works for my lifestyle), it is enough to cover your rent and everyday basic needs.

Do I need to speak Russian to understand Lithuanian?

Lithuanian and Russian are two completely different languages. I did study Russian a few years ago for a semester during my undergraduate years. It helped a little bit but I wouldn't go as far as to say you have to. Many of the students do not speak Russian at all. It does help to be able to communicate to some locals as most speakers of the older generations speak either Lithuanian or Russian only. The younger generation speaks English though. My (extremely little almost null) knowledge in Russian got me through some difficult situations.

Where do I apply for a Schengen visa to enter Lithuania?

There is no Lithuanian embassy in the Philippines. However, the consulate of Lithuania is housed under the Austrian Embassy in Manila. You can lodge your application through VFS. As a scholar of Klaipeda University, my visa fees were waived. This is indicated in the acceptance letter that the coordinators will provide as soon as you confirm your participation to the program. You will be granted a tourist visa valid for one month, on the course duration you will declare on your visa application.

I have no time nor spare budget to travel to Lithuania. Where can I formally study Lithuanian in the Philippines?

I have searched extensively and have found no institutions in the country that offer Lithuanian classes. This is my small contribution to fill that gap. If you know of any institution offering classes locally, please let me know so I can add it to my resources list.

Are there any other Filipino Lithuanian-learners I can approach other than you?

Yes, I know of three other Filipinos who benefited from the same program and who studied in other cities and institutions. There might be more though! For now, one of them is offering elective courses in a University but this course is currently only being offered to language-majors enrolled in the University.

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