Lithuania
2 Open Study/Research Award
Accepted Degree Levels
|
Grant PeriodSeptember StartGrant Length9 Months |
Award Type
Award Profile
Applications will be considered in all fields, provided that projects are possible in affiliation with Lithuanian institutions of higher education. Candidates may also apply to work with a cultural institution or association or archive, but must have a Lithuanian institution of higher education as their primary affiliation. Preference will be given to research that addresses issues of significance to contemporary Lithuania and U.S. national security priorities, such as:
- Democratic principles and human rights, e.g. equal rights for religious, social, and ethnic minorities
- Regional and transatlantic security
- Sustainable economics, entrepreneurship and innovation
- Climate change
- Cybersecurity, countering disinformation, and media literacy
Grant Length
Grant Period
Grants should begin in early- to mid-September.
The typical academic calendar is September 1 through mid-June. Fall semester is September-December and Spring semester is January-June. Grantees must have a Lithuanian institution of higher education as their primary institution.
Orientation
All grantees are required to attend a pre-departure orientation in June or July and an in-country orientation in September as a condition of their grant. The virtual pre-departure orientation is organized by IIE.
Candidate Profile
Candidates must be mature, self-motivated individuals who are capable of working independently. Applicants of all backgrounds are welcome to apply.
What is life like for Fulbrighters in the host country?
Lithuania, the largest and southernmost of the three Baltic States, boasts a lively cultural and intellectual scene. It is a member of the European Union and a NATO ally. Because of the large Lithuanian diaspora, many Lithuanians have ties to the United States or experience living and working there. English is widely spoken and understood.
Lithuania is a relatively safe country with very little anti-American sentiment. However, visitors should take standard precautions, as in any other country. It is important to note that while the law prohibits discrimination against ethnic or national minorities, persons with disabilities, or discrimination based on sexual orientation, intolerance and societal discrimination persist. For more information on safety in Lithuania, we recommend you read:
Lithuania - United States Department of State
The locals are naturally quiet which is sometimes mistaken by some as an unwelcoming attitude. It takes time to understand Lithuanians and make friends with them. But once you get to know the Lithuanians, you will see that they are friendly, warm, and nice people.
Lithuania has an extensive public transportation system. It is relatively cheap, reliable, and safe. It includes buses and trains. Each Lithuanian city has a single bus station where the most buses leave from. Buses between the main cities are very frequent, with Vilnius-Kaunas buses leaving each terminal station every 30 minutes. Bus routes connecting the main cities to regional towns run usually at least two to three times a day.
Eligibility
Degree Level of Applicant
- Master's
- Doctoral
Special Application Instructions
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations, and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbrighters may be asked to participate in Embassy outreach activities, e.g. give talks, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Foreign Language Proficiency
Lithuanian language proficiency is not required unless it is necessary for the successful completion of the project (e.g. interviews with non-English speaking target audiences). Similarly, knowledge of Russian or Polish may be helpful or necessary depending on the project (e.g., research in archives, research with or about minority populations in Lithuania).
Some language study prior to arrival is encouraged to promote deeper engagement with the host community. There is a possibility that U.S. Students will be provided with a stipend to study the local language while in-country.
Fulbright Proposal Types
Yes
No
Affiliation
Letter required for independent study or research at deadline
Applicants must arrange an affiliation with a Lithuanian institution of higher education. Candidates may also apply to work with a cultural institution or association or archive, but must have a Lithuanian institution of higher education as their primary affiliation. Applicants must submit letters of invitation/affiliation with their application.
Please check university information at Study in Lithuania. More information about studies in Lithuania can be found at the following websites:
https://www.study.eu/country/lithuania
https://www.educations.com/study-guides/europe/study-in-lithuania/
Affiliation Fees/Tuition
Universities do not usually charge affiliation fees.
Award Benefits
- A stipend broadly based on the cost of living in the host country. These funds may be used by the grantee to support housing, meals, and incidental costs during the grant period.
- International travel benefits
- Accident & sickness health benefits
- 24/7 mental health support line for urgent and non-urgent situations
- 12 months of non-competitive eligibility (NCE) hiring status within the federal government
Stipend Amount
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
One-Time Allowances
This is an estimated amount and is subject to change. The financial terms of the grant will be confirmed in the grant document issued after selection.
- Research/Materials allowance
- Settling in allowance
The one-time allowances total includes allowances for round trip international airfare, settling in expenses, and research.
Additional Grant Benefits
- Diplomatic pouch
Estimated Cost of Living
Consider using cost of living comparison websites to gain a better understanding of the potential costs in your host country.
Food has the same prices throughout the country, but apartment rent in smaller towns is less expensive. Internet is available everywhere. Students can use the following website as a resource to research the estimated cost of living in various parts of Lithuania: https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Lithuania
Dependents
Housing Arrangements
Fulbrighters must arrange their own housing. They can work with their host institutions to do so, as sometimes host institutions can offer guest housing, e.g. university dorms. Fulbrighters can also work with real estate agents to find housing based on grantees’ priorities. In Lithuania, only furnished apartments are offered for rent. The prices you see in the advertisements are before the 15% personal income tax, so be ready to pay more. Internet access usually is not included in the rent, but is inexpensive. The deposit (advance payment) in Lithuania is approximately 2-3 months of the rent price. At the end of the rent period, the deposit is returned if an apartment is not damaged and/or there are no debts.
Fulbright Program Management Contact
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Website
Visa Requirements
You must apply for and receive a National D visa before your departure to Lithuania. Navigate to https://www.vfsglobal.com/Lithuania/USA/national-visa-type-d.html. Follow the instructions to apply for a D-type visa, including filling out the electronic application form and scheduling an appointment as soon as possible at the nearest VFS application center (all applications will then be forwarded to the Lithuanian Consulate in Chicago). The application requirements are listed here. All grantees must work with the host institution to get the invitational letter (mediation letter uploaded into the visa electronic system.)
Fulbright Commission/U.S. Embassy Contact
Additional Online Resources
Lithuania - The World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/#people-and-society
Lithuania - Crime and Safety Report: https://www.osac.gov/Country/Lithuania/Content/Detail/Report/edad6326-611b-4e67-8733-189417c3424f
Lithuania - Human Rights Report: https://www.state.gov/reports/2021-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/lithuania/
Lithuania - Travel: https://www.lithuania.travel/en/