International Theological Education Ministries, Inc.

Lithuania is the largest of the Baltic States and a full and active member of the European Union. It is located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, set amongst a landscape of gently rolling plains with many forests, lakes, rivers and streams. Once a grand duchy and now a multicultural state, Lithuania presents tourists with splendid architecture, the narrow winding streets of the Old Town in Vilnius, historic baroque churches, and numerous cultural events.

Lithuania has put in an impressive economic performance over the past several years, earning such nicknames as the “Ballistic Baltic” and the “Baltic Tiger” for the speed and expected sustainability of its economic growth. Lithuania’s business environment is deservedly noticed by investors worldwide. Indeed, in 2004 Lithuania was ranked among the top 20 countries worldwide for its business-friendly environment by the World Bank - International Finance Corporation “Doing Business” survey.

We offer you the opportunity not only to share your experience and theological expertise but also to get up close to the rich historical and cultural heritage of this very special Baltic country, talk to friendly and open-minded people, immerse yourself in the rich culture and make life-time friendships.

Passports and Visas
Passport is required, but visa is not required if staying less than 90 days. Return tickets are not required either. Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond length of stay. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on the document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.

International Travel
You can get there by air using any Star Alliance flight. There is also the national airline FlyLAL(TE). Main airport is Vilnius Airport (VNO) (website: www.vilnius-airport.lt), situated approximately 3.5 miles southeast of downtown. There are taxi and bus services to the city from the airport with approximate journey time of 10 minutes. Minibuses also run. Airport facilities: Duty-free shop, banks, currency exchange, refreshments, tourist information, travel agencies, hotel, VIP lounge and car rentals. There is also one international airport in Palanga (PLQ), serving the whole of the Baltic coast, and one in Kaunas (KUN). If you are getting there by water, the city of Klaipeda is connected by trade routes with foreign ports. There are ferry services to Denmark, Kaliningrad (Russian Federation), Germany, Poland and Sweden. There is also a cruise ship terminal. For information on ferry services from Klaipeda, contact Krantas Shipping (tel: (6) 395 233; website: www.krantas.lt or www.lisco.lt or www.scandlines.lt). At present, there are services to Karlshamm in Sweden; Aarhus and Aabenraa in Denmark; and to Kiel and Sassnitz in Germany.If you travel by rail, Lithuania has a well-developed rail network and Vilnius is the focal point for rail connections in the region. Major routes go to Kaliningrad, Lviv (Ukraine), Minsk, Moscow, Riga, St Petersburg and Warsaw. Lithuania has a good network of roads connecting the country with all neighboring states. The crossing points on the Lithuanian-Polish border are Ogrodniki (Poland)–Lazdijai (Lithuania) and for trucks at Kalvarija (Lithuania). There are numerous crossing points with Latvia, Belarus and the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation. The international road Via Baltica goes from Tallinn to Warsaw through Latvia and Lithuania, thus connecting Scandinavia with Western Europe. Additionally, there are passenger coaches from Vilnius to cities including Berlin, Gdansk, Kaliningrad, Minsk, Moscow, Prague, Riga, Tallinn, Vienna and Warsaw. Charter buses go to all Western European countries. Eurolines, departing from London, serves destinations in Lithuania. For further information, contact Eurolines (www.eurolines.com).

Crossing the Border
A small amount of personal goods may be brought into Lithuania duty-free. On arrival, declare valuable items such as jewellery, cameras, computers and musical instruments. The following goods may be imported into Lithuania without incurring customs duty: 250g of toilet watere or 50g of perfume; 500g of coffee or 200g of extract and essences; 100g of tea or 40g of tea extract and essences. Restricted items are ethyl alcohol and homemade alcoholic beverages; meat, meat products, meat sub-products, dairy products and eggs; military weapons, hunting guns, ammunition, electric fishing equipment, drugs and psychotropic substances, radioelectronic equipment, color photocopying equipment (all require a permit).

Internal Travel
Traveling by air, there are domestic airports at Kaunas, Palanga and Siauliai, but the domestic flights are few in number.Traveling by water, local ferries connect Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit. Klaipeda is home to two yacht clubs.Getting around by rail is well developed and there are good connections from Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipeda and Siauliai. Twice-daily passenger trains (including a sleeper train) connect Vilnius with the Baltic coast. Though the train does not stop in Palanga, the major resort on the Baltic coast, passengers to Palanga usually get off at Kretinga station or in Klaipeda, and then reach Palanga by bus. Passengers to Neringa (Nida, Juodkrante) can go to Klaipeda by train, and then take a bus. Suburban trains going to Ignalina connect Vilnius with the popular lake district of the National Park. The ancient Trakai Castle can be reached by taking the suburban train going to Trakai.There is also a good network of roads within the country. Modern four-lane motorways connect Vilnius with Klaipeda, Kaunas and Panevezys. Traffic regulations: Seat belts must be worn. The speed limit is 110kph (68mph) on motorways, 90kph (56mph) on country roads and 60kph (44mph) inside towns. The Vilnius-Kaunas highway has a speed limit of 100kph (60mph). Traffic drives on the right. Bus: Generally, buses are more frequent and quicker than domestic trains and serve almost every town and village. Kautra (website: www.kautra.lt) has services from Kaunas to almost all the major cities in Lithuania. Tickets are sold to as many passengers as wish to travel and more buses are assigned as necessary. Car hire: Avis, Europcar and Hertz can provide chauffeur-driven or self-drive cars. Documentation: Most European nationals should be in possession of EU pink format driving licenses. Otherwise, a national driving license is sufficient, if supported by photo-bearing ID.

Public Transportation
Public transport in urban districts includes buses and trolleybuses, which usually run from 5am till 11pm, but times do vary between routes. One time or a day pass can be bought either at news kiosks before boarding or from the driver. Minibuses are less crowded but more expensive. Taxis display illuminated 'Taksi' signs and can be hailed in the street, found at taxi ranks or ordered by phone.

Climate
Lithuania enjoys one of the mildest climates along the Baltic coast. Summer sunshine may last nine hours a day, but winters can be very cold. Annual rainfall averages 490mm and humidity 80%.

Dress codes
Warm clothing is necessary in winter. Business dress is conservative but relatively informal, with a jacket and tie expected for meetings. A raincoat is useful during spring and autumn.

Social customs
Social behaviour is fairly informal. Lithuanians are open and hospitable. Straight professional questions receive straight answers. Business cards are used widely and shaking hands is the common form of greeting and farewell. Most Lithuanians are punctual - being late for a meeting can be a bad start. It's polite to round up bills in bars and restaurants although you should check your bill to see if service is included before doing so. Lithuanian-Russian relations are not as tense as those between Estonians and Latvians and Russians, although care should be taken when discussing Russia and its role in the region. Lithuanians also dislike being described as members of the Baltic states, rather than Lithuanian.

Language
Lithuanian is the official language. Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai). English and other forgeign languages are not commonly spoken yet, so it is essential to brush up on your Lithuanian and possibly Russian or use an interpreter. If you are traveling to teach there you will be met by someone from school who will be able to provide for your basic needs and wants on your way to school.

Lodging
The lodging is provided by the schools and is usually basic but accomodative. Just remember that you are not on vacation but on a real missions trip and you will feel much better. You will generally have a good idea of when the meals are served and when to teach and you can have some time for lesson preparation, or siteseeing. Just be prepared to have a very busy schedule. Most of the staff will speak very little and/or very broken English and would be very appreciative when you use your Russian to communicate. Just make sure you know what you are saying.

Dining
Waiter service is the norm in restaurants and cafes, but self-service restaurants, bistros and snack bars are numerous. Baltic cuisine tends to be plain and sturdy, with potatoes in a variety of forms featured prominently. National specialties are Skilandis (smoked meat), Salti barsciai (cold soup), Cepelinai (made from grated potatoes with a minced meat filling), Vedarai (potato sausage) and bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes), Smoked eel is a famous Baltic delicacy.Beetroot soup, rukstinies (sorrel soup), the Lithuanian version of borscht and various meat dishes, including suktiniai (beef olives with a mushroom and onion filling), are among the specialities. It is highly recommended to try the mild white curd cheese, best served with honey. National drinks inlude local brands of beer and imported drinks. The main drinks are coffee and beer. A famous Lithuanian spirit is midus, a mild alcoholic beverage made from honey.

Tipping
Taxi fares and restaurant bills include a tip. Otherwise, tips are discretionary.

Recreation
Lithuanian theaters, most of which are concentrated in the capital, are renowned. The Jaunimo teatras (website: www.jaunimoteatras.lt) in Vilnius are famous throughout the country. Opera and ballet are staged in the city at the Vilnius Opera Theater and Kaunas has a Musical Theater. Puppet shows are staged for children in Vilnius and Kaunas. There are restaurants with live music as well as numerous discos and nightclubs with variety shows in the larger towns.

Shopping
Grocery shops open Mon-Fri 0800-2000. Amber, linen goods and local crafts are good buys. National artists sell their works in specialized art galleries in major towns.

Currency
Lithuanian Litas (LTL) = 100 centas. Notes are in denominations of LTL500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of LTL5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centas. The Litas is pegged to the Euro. Currency can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change at a current rate of $1.00= LTL2.58 . Banking hours are Mon-Fri 0900-1700. Some banks also open on Sat 0900-1300. There is a 24-hour exchange bureaux at Gelezinkelio 6, near the main railway station and at Lietuvos Taupomasis Bankas, Savanoriu 15A in Vilnius.

Credit/Debit Cards
Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. ATMs are available in most cities. Traveller's Cheques are not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.

Social Conventions
Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be observed. The Lithuanians are proud of their culture and their national heritage and visitors should take care to respect this sense of national identity.

Health Care
Most medical supplies are available, including disposable needles, anaesthetics, antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals. Vaccination certificates are required for cholera or yellow fever if travelling from an infected area. It is advisable to be 'in date' for the following immunisations: polio (within 10 years), tetanus (within 10 years), typhoid fever, hepatitis 'A' (moderate risk only). It is recommended that bottled water is used for drinking; tap water is occasionally brown. If you or any of your dependants are suddenly taken ill or have an accident during a visit to an EEA (European Economic Area) country or Switzerland, free or reduced-cost necessary treatment is available – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Each country has different rules about state medical provision. In some, treatment is free. In many countries you will have to pay part or all of the cost, and then claim a full or partial refund. The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only and the scheme gives no entitlement to medical repatriation costs, nor does it cover ongoing illnesses of a non-urgent nature, so comprehensive travel insurance is advised. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid. Some restrictions apply, depending on your nationality.

You can get treatment only from doctors or dentists contracted to a Territorial Patient Fund. Doctors’ consultations and treatment are free of charge. There is no charge for a dentist’s consultation but you will have to pay for any materials the dentist uses. Most dentists - 80 per cent - practice privately. If you see a doctor or dentist privately, you can’t claim any money back. You can get prescriptions from a doctor. You will need to show your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Some medicines are provided free of charge; for others you will have to pay between 10 and 50 per cent of the cost. This is not refundable. If you are prescribed a medicine that is not available under the state scheme, you will have to pay for it yourself. You can get treatment in the emergency section of a hospital. You can also be referred to a hospital for in-patient or out-patient treatment by a doctor. There are no charges for in-patient or out-patient hospital treatment. If you are treated privately in a hospital, you will have to pay. This is not refundable. Ambulance travel is free. More information can be obtained from Vilnius Territorial Patient Fund, Placioji g. 10 Vilnius 2600 (tel: (5) 266 1364).

Warning
Most visits to Lithuania are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks. Compared to other European capitals, the crime rate in Vilnius is relatively low, but street crime does occur. Make use of hotel safe deposit boxes and be careful not to show valuables when walking around the city. Car theft is common. Road traffic accidents are common. Extra care must be taken at all times when driving, particularly when driving at night. Travelers to forested areas should seek medical advice about inoculations against rabies and tick-borne encephalitis.

Religion
Predominantly Roman Catholic with Evangelical Lutheran, Evangelical Reformist, Sunite, Baptist, Muslim, Judaic, Karaite and others.

Time
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

Telephone
Country code: 370. City codes: 2 for Vilnius, 7 for Kaunas, 6 for Klaipeda. There are two kinds of payphone: rectangular telephones which take magnetic strip cards and rounded telephones which take chip cards. Phonecards are sold at kiosks and post offices. Plans are underway to introduce one type of phonecard, compatible with both phones. Mobile telephone roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies. Coverage is very good country-wide.

Internet
Internet is available; public access is at the Lithuanian National Library and increasingly at Internet centers and cafes in main cities and towns.

Media
Lithuania’s TV market is dominated by commercial channels. The radio market is similarly competitive, with more than 30 stations competing for listeners and advertisers. Lithuania’s media are free and operate independently of the state, and there are no Government-owned newspapers. However, politicians do occasionally attempts to influence editorial policy.

Mail
Mail to Western Europe takes up to six days. There is a variety of private companies offering express mail services.

Press
Newspapers are published in Lithuanian and some in Russian or Polish.
The major dailies are Kauno Diena, Lietuvos Rytas, Respublika and Lietuvos Zinios.

Radio
• LRT operates two national radio networks.
• Commerical radio stations include M-1 (pop music and news), Radiocentras (pop music) and Pukas.

Public Holidays
According to Lithuanian Law, all holidays falling on a Saturday or Sunday, including those that are always celebrated on a Sunday, are moved to the following Monday.
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
16 Feb Restoration of the State Day (1918).
11 Mar Restoration of Independence Day (1990).
21-24 Mar Easter.
1 May International Labor Day.
4 May Mothers’ Day.
24 Jun Jonines (St John’s Day/Midsummer’s Day).
6 Jul Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas.
15 Aug Assumption Day.
1 Nov All Saints’ Day.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
26 Dec Boxing Day.

Contact Information
Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in the USA website: www.ltembassyus.org

Note: If you are a traveling professor, please share your trip experience/tips with others and write us about it.