International Teaching Week at Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution
On March 3-7, Vilniaus kolegija / Higher Education Institution hosted the 17th and largest International Teaching Week in history, bringing together 92 lecturers from 24 countries, representing higher education institutions from around the world.
Throughout the week, visiting lecturers delivered over 150 lectures and seminars to both Lithuanian and international students, offering them a unique opportunity to learn from diverse academic perspectives and innovative teaching methods.
The Week was opened by key-note speakers:
- Tamar Doreuli (Sakartvelo) with the presentation: Hate speech as one of the major challenges of the 21st century
- Walter E.G. Vandervelde (Belgium) with the presentation: WINGS: the 5 basic skills for the future of work
Another highlight of this year’s event was the participation of renowned experts who presented relevant topics such as artificial intelligence, contemporary educational challenges, and hybrid teaching methodologies. These discussions encouraged dialogue and the generation of new ideas. Here are some key highlights from the main seminars:
Challenges and Opportunities of Artificial Intelligence
- Prof. Dr. Alexander Iliev (Germany) with presentation: “Modern Challenges for Artificial Intelligence”
- Prof. Dr. Azadeh Dindarian (Germany) with presentation: “Can AI Help Us Achieve Sustainability in Business?”
- Karina Joanna Cicha, Associate Professor, PhD (Poland) with presentation: “What Competencies Need to Be Developed in AI-Era Education?”
Hybrid Teaching and Micro-Credentials
- Andrejus Račkovskis (Lithuania) with presentation: “Hybrid Teaching: Empowering Educators for the Future, Micro-Credentials for Hybrid and Reflective Learning”.
Beyond the academic program, International Teaching Week also offered a rich cultural experience. Participants had the opportunity to explore Vilnius Old Town through a guided tour and enjoy the vibrant International Evening, where VIKO song and dance ensemble “Voruta” captivated guests with authentic Lithuanian folk music and dances, inviting everyone to join in and experience the beauty of national heritage.
Attendees also immersed themselves in a pop/jazz concert featuring performances by lecturers and students from the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies, alongside international lecturers. The Week concluded with a special concert by the students of the Faculty of Arts and Creative Technologies dedicated to Lithuania’s Independence Restoration Day (March 11).
International Teaching Week is an essential part of VIKO’s internationalization strategy, fostering academic collaboration with foreign institutions and strengthening cultural understanding. The event’s success is reflected in the enthusiastic feedback from participants – visiting lecturers praised the seamless organization, welcoming atmosphere, and numerous opportunities to establish new academic connections.
We are already looking forward to International Teaching Week 2026! Stay tuned for updates and join us next year for another inspiring international experience!
