From April 13 to 17, the Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution hosted its 10th International Week, bringing together members of the NEOLAiA Alliance and International partners for a dynamic programme of professional exchange and cultural discovery. Among the participants were nine members of the NEOLAiA PR and Communication Experts network, highlighting the growing importance of collaboration among non-academic staff within the alliance.
A Warm Welcome: Setting the Tone for International Collaboration
The week opened with a presentation by the International Relations Office of ŠVK, introducing guests to Lithuania, its culture, and the institution itself. Participants were welcomed with an inspiring speech by the dr. Lina Tamutienė, Director of ŠVK, setting a positive and forward-looking tone for the days ahead.
This was followed by a presentation on the NEOLAiA Alliance, delivered by Gina Zdanavičienė, NEOLAiA Project Communication Manager. The session highlighted the alliance’s impact, as well as the opportunities it creates for regions, students, and staff across partner institutions – emphasizing its role in shaping a more connected and innovative European higher education landscape.
During the first day, the international week guests had an opportunity to present their institutions, showcase their faculties, and study programmes.
Empowering Communication Professionals Across the Alliance
A central part of the week was dedicated to the NEOLAiA PR and Communication Experts network meeting – an essential platform for non-academic staff to exchange expertise, share best practices, and strengthen cooperation.
A key highlight was the network meeting discussion on the most successful communication tools used to promote NEOLAiA Alliance in Partner institutions. Representatives from the University of Ostrava, University of Jaén, Örebro University, Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava, and ŠVK shared practical strategies, campaign examples, and innovative ideas for engaging students and staff.
Participants also engaged in interactive activities, including the “LEGO Serious Play for Employee Well-being” workshop, as well as visits to the Faculties of Health Care and Business and Technologies. These experiences not only showcased ŠVK’s facilities but also encouraged informal networking and collaboration.
Advancing Open Science Within NEOLAiA
Open Science formed another important pillar of the programme. During a dedicated session, Laima Naujokienė introduced participants to the principles and significance of open science.
This was complemented by a presentation from Irmantas Pilypas, who demonstrated the platforms developed and used within NEOLAiA to support open, accessible, and collaborative research practices.
An additional session led by Stefan Sfichi explored how media tools can be used to actively involve students in promoting their institutions. The hands-on element – including testing equipment and flying a drone – made the session particularly engaging and memorable.
Together, these activities highlighted NEOLAiA’s commitment to innovation, transparency, and the effective dissemination of knowledge.
Cultural Exchange: Building Meaningful Connections
Cultural exchange was an integral part of the International Week, helping participants connect beyond professional contexts.
The programme featured cultural booths with traditional sweets, food, and activities, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Participants also enjoyed Lithuanian cuisine at Žemaitis.
Excursions throughout the week allowed guests to experience Lithuania’s rich cultural heritage. A visit to the Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva offered historical insights, while trips to the Hill of Crosses and the town of Biržai provided memorable cultural experiences.
In Biržai, participants crossed the Astravas Manor bridge, visited Biržai Castle, and took part in a vibrant cultural programme featuring traditional music, food, and shared performances. Guests were even invited to sing songs from their own countries, creating a joyful and inclusive international atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening the NEOLAiA Community
The final day was dedicated to individual meetings with faculty and administrative representatives, focusing on future cooperation opportunities and strengthening institutional partnerships.
Overall, the week in Šiauliai demonstrated how meaningful collaboration across communication professionals, researchers, and institutions can enhance the visibility and impact of the NEOLAiA Alliance. By combining professional development with cultural exchange, the event reinforced a strong sense of community and shared purpose across the alliance.
