Inclusion at LMTA: Experiences That Bring Students Together

On 5 March, the Education Exchanges Support Foundation (Lithuania) organised a meeting of international relations coordinators from Lithuanian higher education institutions at Panevėžys College, focusing on the theme “Inclusion and Diversity in the Erasmus+ Programme.” During the event, Rima Rimšaitė, Head of the International Relations Office at the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre (LMTA), shared the Academy’s experience.

According to Rimšaitė, while at first glance the Academy’s activities in the field of inclusion may not seem exceptional, a closer look reveals a consistent and diverse range of initiatives. One example is the intensive one-week course “Introduction to Lithuanian Culture,” offered to Erasmus and other international students at the beginning of each semester. The course introduces students to Lithuanian music, theatre, cinema, and traditional culture, and includes practical activities such as dance improvisation sessions.

A strong sense of community is also fostered through student-led initiatives. At the end of each semester, Erasmus music students present a joint concert. Throughout the semester, they collaborate on developing the programme, rehearse together, and ultimately deliver a public performance. This process not only strengthens creative collaboration but also helps build meaningful connections among students.

Inclusion-related activities are also actively organised at the National Film School (KIMO), where a variety of community events take place. These initiatives are driven by a desire to connect, to better understand one another, and to share cultural experiences. One notable example is the Shrovetide (Užgavėnės) celebration, which brought together students from different countries and featured traditional food, dancing, and a lively sense of togetherness. Students from the joint programme “DocNomads” responded very positively to this initiative and expressed interest in future activities.

Looking ahead, LMTA plans to further expand its community-building initiatives, including Easter egg-rolling events, a community gardening project, and the continuation of popular activities such as Šoblė Club meetings, quizzes, table football tournaments, and other events that foster engagement and connection.

International Relations Office
2026 03 17