Hello, if you’re here, it’s because you’re interested in doing an internship in Lithuania! You’ve come to the right place to get the best advice for your work placement in Lithuania!
What to pack in your suitcase?
Our first tips for going on an internship in Lithuania, here are a few suggestions for items to include in your suitcase! The same goes for an internship in any of the Baltic countries, or for an internship in Scandinavia.
- Appropriate clothing: Lithuania has cold winters and mild summers. Make sure you bring warm clothes for winter, such as coats, jumpers, scarves and gloves. For the other seasons, comfortable, versatile clothing will be appropriate.
- Socket adapters: Electric sockets in Lithuania are of the European two-pin type. Make sure you bring an adapter if your electrical appliances have different plugs.
- Local SIM card: If you want to use your mobile phone in Lithuania, it may be practical to buy a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges. Check with local mobile phone service providers to find out what options are available.
- Medicines and toiletries: Don’t forget to take any prescription medicines you need, as well as basic toiletries. You may find it useful to bring a first-aid kit containing bandages, painkillers, stomach remedies, etc.
- Adapting to special needs: If you have special needs, such as sunglasses, a hat or special skincare products, make sure you take them with you, as they may not be readily available in Lithuania.
- Important documents: Don’t forget to take your passport, identity card, health insurance card and any other important documents with you. It’s also a good idea to make digital copies of these documents and keep them in a safe place.
Don’t forget to check the specific requirements for your work placement and contact your employer or the organisation responsible for you to obtain additional information on what you should bring.
Les moyens de transports à privilégier
Public transport in Lithuania is generally reliable and a practical way of getting around, whether within cities or between different localities. Here’s some information that might help you!
Urban public transport: In Lithuania’s main cities, such as Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, you’ll find well-developed public transport networks. These include buses, trams and trolleybuses. Routes, timetables and fares may vary from city to city, but in general, tickets can be bought directly from the driver or from kiosks near bus stops. Fares are generally affordable, especially if you opt for a monthly season ticket.
The Lithuanian rail network is well connected and offers a convenient option for travelling between cities and regions. Train ticket prices depend on the distance travelled and the type of train (express, intercity, regional). You can buy tickets directly from station ticket offices or online from the Lithuanian Railways website.
Public transport fares in Lithuania vary depending on the city and the mode of transport. To give you an idea, in 2021, in Vilnius, a bus or trolleybus ticket was worth around 1 euro for a one-way trip. Monthly season tickets cost around 26-30 euros, offering unlimited travel in the city area. What’s more, we’ve set up a blog to help you visit the area around Vilnius, and indeed the whole country: I’m doing a work placement in Lithuania, what can I visit during my work placement abroad?
It is advisable to check the timetables and fares specific to the city where you will be doing your work placement. Detailed information on local public transport is generally available on transport company websites or at tourist information offices.
Don’t forget to ask about operating times, as they can vary depending on the day of the week and peak times. On the whole, using public transport in Lithuania is generally simple and convenient, and will allow you to get around easily while exploring the country. International Horizons, for your internship in Lithuania, only offers the cities of Kaunas or Vilnius, the capital.
Is Lithuania a safe country?
Vilnius and Kaunas are generally considered to be safe cities in Lithuania, but it’s always important to take certain precautions, especially when you’re in a new environment. Here is some safety information to bear in mind:
- General safety: As in any large city, it is advisable to remain vigilant and take basic precautions. Avoid poorly lit areas at night, keep an eye on your personal belongings and be careful in busy tourist areas where pickpocketing can occur.
- Women’s safety: Women in general should take the same precautions as they would in any other city. It is advisable to avoid situations where you find yourself alone at night in isolated places. If you encounter any problems or emergencies, do not hesitate to contact the local authorities.
- LGBT community: Lithuania has experienced social and political debates regarding LGBT rights, and some people may have conservative attitudes. Although progress has been made in recent years, it is still advisable to be aware of your surroundings and to be discreet about your sexual orientation or gender identity.
It is essential to find out about local laws and culture before travelling to Lithuania. If you have specific safety concerns or would like more detailed information, it is advisable to consult the embassies or consulates of your home country in Lithuania, as well as local LGBT resources or support groups.
On the whole, Vilnius and Kaunas are welcoming cities for visitors, but it’s important to stay informed and aware of your surroundings to ensure your personal safety.
Lithuania and English
Fluency in English in Lithuania varies according to a number of factors, including age, education and occupation. Here is some general information to bear in mind:
- Level of English: Overall, many Lithuanians, particularly the younger generation and those working in areas related to tourism, education or business, speak English to a decent level. Young people in Lithuania have often been exposed to English from an early age through the education system and the spread of English-speaking culture.
- Level of English in big cities: In big cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, you’ll generally find more people speaking English, especially in tourist areas, restaurants and hotels. Young students and professionals tend to have a better command of English.
- Level of English outside the big cities: In more rural or less touristy areas, fluency in English may be a little less widespread. However, you should be able to get by with people working in the tourist industry, hotels or restaurants.
- Statistics: According to the 2020 EF English Proficiency Index, Lithuania ranks among the countries with a good level of English in Eastern Europe. It is ranked 12th out of 100 countries assessed in the report.
When you do your English work placement in Lithuania, it’s useful to learn a few basic words and phrases in Lithuanian, the national language, to show your interest and willingness to immerse yourself in the local culture. Lithuanians generally appreciate foreigners’ efforts to communicate in their language.
On the whole, you should be able to communicate in English in many contexts in Lithuania, especially if you are in the main cities and in professional sectors where English is commonly used.
What budget do I need for my work placement in Lithuania?
Tips for your work placement in Lithuania, including budgeting. It’s the sinews of war!
The budget you’ll need for your work placement in Lithuania depends on a number of factors, including the length of your placement, your lifestyle, your spending habits and your location.
Accommodation: Accommodation costs vary depending on the city and the type of accommodation you choose. In Vilnius and Kaunas, rents are generally higher than in smaller towns. You can find small studios or shared rooms at affordable prices. Monthly rents for this type of accommodation can range from €150 to €400, depending on location and amenities.
Food: Food costs depend on your eating habits. If you cook at home and shop in local supermarkets, you can save money compared to eating out every day. A budget of around 150 to 250 euros a month for food shopping should be reasonable.
Transport: The cost of public transport varies according to the city and the frequency with which you use it. Monthly fares for public transport season tickets can range from 20 to 40 euros, depending on the city. If you plan to travel occasionally between cities, train tickets can also be taken into account.
Leisure and outings: When it comes to leisure, there are plenty of activities for you to enjoy in Lithuania. In Vilnius and Kaunas, you can visit museums, attend concerts, shop in shopping centres, enjoy local cafés and restaurants, explore parks and green spaces, or take part in cultural events. The cost of leisure activities depends on your preferences and your budget. Allow extra money to make the most of your free time and discover local attractions. By the way, we’ve also put together a little family blog!
Do you need advice about applying for an internship in Lithuania? Contact us here about your internship abroad in Lithuania, we’d be delighted to hear from you…
For more general questions, visit the International Horizons Internships Abroad FAQ.