for international students -...

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KLAIPĖDA uNIVERSITY Practical information for international students i

Transcript of for international students -...

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KLA

IPĖD

A u

NIV

ERSI

TY

Practical information f o r i n t e r n a t i o n a l s t u d e n t si

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TRANSPORT 23

2.2.12.22.32.42.52.6

ACADEMIC INFORMATION 11Klaipėda university Student union Erasmus Student Network Student Card International Studies Offi ce Libraries

Job opportunities5.1

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1.1.1

1.2

GENERAL INFORMATION 4Some facts about Lithuania Geography Climate Capital city Governance and Administration Population CurrencyCost of livingCity of Klaipėda

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ACCOMMODATON 18

HEALTH ISURANCE 19

VISA D AND TEMPORARY

SERVICES 32TelecommunicationsPublic phonesMobile phonesBanksCash withdrawalMoney exchangePost offi ceShopping and other servicesEating and drinkingTraditional foodTraditional drinking

RECREATION AND OTHER INFORMATION 36 Additional information

7.7.1

7.2

7.37.47.5

8.

8.1

RESIDENCE PERMIT 20

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1. GENERAL INFORMATION

1.1 Some facts about LithuaniaLithuania is the southernmost country of the three Baltic States with the largest area and the largest population. Lithuania fi rst became independent from Czarist Russia on 16th February, 1918, and remained an independent nation until 1940. After staying under the Soviet rule for almost 50 years, the Republic of Lithuania became independent once again in 1990. Each year, the 16th of February is celebrated as the Independence Day of Lithuania. In 2004, Lithuania became a member or the Eu and NATO.

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GeographyThe Republic of Lithuania is on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. Although Lithuania is a small country, it boasts unique and versatile nature: plains and hills, forests and groves, lakes and wetlands, the Baltic Sea and the white dunes and, last but not least, the beautiful Curonian Spit.

The country is predominantly fl at, with few low hills in the western uplands and eastern highlands: wherever you look, you will see fl owering meadows, dense forests, and fertile crop fi elds. The highest place in Lithuania is 293.84 m high Aukštojas Hill in the district of Vilnius.

Lithuania is rich in water: there are more than 3,000 lakes of different sizes, lengths, and shapes. Most of them are situated in the north-eastern Lithuania and form an entire lake district there. The most beautiful and the most prominent Lithuanian lakes are Drūkšiai, as the largest, Tauragnas, as the deepest, and Asveja, as the longest lakes in the country.

Lithuania is also rich in rivers. The “father of all rivers” is the Nemunas, because it is the longest one, with a number of tributaries and creeks.

In ancient times, almost all of the current territory of Lithuania was covered with forests. Presently forests cover nearly one-third of the country›s area and provide an abundant source of berries, mushrooms, medicinal plants, and home to plentiful animals and birds. Forest vegetation in Lithuania is very diverse: millennia-aged oaks, clean and fresh pinewoods, and white-barked birch groves. Dense

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forests are teaming with wild boars, roes, deers, red foxes, gray hares, martens, and other wildlife. From the early spring, you will hear the singing of happy nightingales, tits, fi nches, and thrushes.

Lithuanians have always revered trees and nature. National parks are set up in the country›s most beautiful places – there are as many as fi ve of them in Lithuania Minor. In addition, there are 30 regional parks, more than 100 landscape reserves, and more than 400 natural heritage sites of state signifi cance.

ClimateOceanic/continental. Average temperature in July is +17°C, in January - 4.9°C. However, temperatures can soar up to +30C in summer, and drop down to -32C in winter.

Capital City Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania (with the population of 528,300), is the largest and one of the oldest cities of the country. The capital of Lithuania is the biggest northernmost and easternmost city of Europe, featuring the infl uence of western culture in its architectural harmony. In 1994, the Old Town of Vilnius was included in the uNESCO world Heritage List.

Vilnius has formed as a centre of tolerance where people of various nationalities, including Poles, Belarusians, Russians, Germans, and others, have been living in harmony. After a university had been established in the Lithuanian capital in 1579, Vilnius became the biggest centre of culture and education in the region.

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Governance and Administration Lithuania is a democratic parliamentary republic with some elements of a semi-presidential republic. That means that the Parliament, or Seimas, is the most powerful institution, and the Government is approved by the Parliament. The President of Lithuania is the head of state of the country, elected directly for a fi ve-year term, who can serve maximum two consecutive terms. The President, with the approval of the Seimas, is responsible for the appointment of the Prime Minister. upon the Prime Minister’s nomination, the President also appoints, under the recommendation of the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers (14 ministries).

PopulationAs of 1st January, 2016, the population of Lithuania was estimated to be 2 850 400 people.

CurrencyLithuania joined the euro area on 1st January, 2015. On that day, the euro replaced the Litas at the fi xed exchange rate of €1= LTL 3.45280.

Cost of livingThe cost of living in Lithuania is not very high for foreign students, although it depends on their lifestyles. The average monthly living expenses per student are estimated to amount to 380 EuR, including accommodation. Lithuania is placed amongst the top 40 countries in the world for quality of life and among the top 10 cheapest European countries to live in, according to the Mercer Cost of Living Index 2012.

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1.2 City of Klaipėda The city of Klaipėda (with the population of 158,900) is the northernmost ice-free port of the Baltic Sea and the only port in Lithuania. Klaipėda has been an important commercial centre since ancient times, as early as the 13th century. Having crossed the Baltic Sea, merchants from the northern and southern countries frequented the city. 1st August, 1252 is considered to be the date when Klaipėda, the then Memelburg, was established by the Teutonic Knights.

Klaipėda cherishes maritime traditions: it has been hosting Sea Festivals on the last weekend of July every year since 1934 and the biennial Tall Ships Regattas. The Kopgalis Fort complex, built in the 19th century, houses the Maritime Museum with an attractive exposition of marine nature and the history of navigation. Those unique structures also accommodate a rich Aquarium and a Dolphinarium, hosting shows of trained dolphins and Californian sea lions which attract many spectators. Another interesting activity of the museum is dolphin therapy for children with disability.

Klaipėda’s main attractions are the historic buildings in the city’s centre, dating from the 13th to 18th centuries. Some of its older buildings have picturesque half-timbered construction similar to that found in Germany, France, England, Denmark, and southern Sweden. Other places of interest include:

- the remnants of the Klaipėda Castle, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Order. It had a massive bulk and a quadrangular tower, surrounded by ramparts and brick

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bastions. It lost importance after the Russian occupation from 1756 to 1762, and thenceforth started to decay;

- the Žardė ancient settlement, situated on the right bank of the Smiltelė River. It dates back to the late Iron Age (the 10th century), and was inhabited until the 16th century;

- the remnants of the so-called Dutch defence system around the entire town from the 17th–18th centuries; .

- the Maritime Museum in Fort wilhelm, built at the end of the 19th century at the spike of the Curonian Spit.

In the Klaipėda Old Town and the New Town, there are still numerous pre-war buildings, art nouveau and wooden frame, even if they frequently stand side-by-side with newer ones. Among the more interesting ones is the post offi ce building and various red brick port warehouses. Strolling on the straight narrow old town streets may be as rewarding as seeking specifi c landmarks.

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The streets of the downtown Klaipėda are adorned by numerous small playful statues built in 2006 and later. Among those is a bag of money, a canine “Guardian of the Old Town”, a small mouse that supposedly makes wishes come true, and a dragon climbing a building wall. They revitalize the urban landscape of Klaipėda and remind us some aspects of the city past and folklore. You never know what you will encounter in that side-street, and that makes your time in Klaipėda even more interesting.

In Smiltynė, the part of Klaipėda that could be reached by ferry alone, there is a former German 19th century sea fortress, currently housing the National Maritime Museum which exhibits ship models, fi shes, and sea mammals, many of which live in its large aquariums. Smiltynė, together with Melnragė, Giruliai and Karklė (north of the city), are also popular for their beaches.

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Klaipėda university was founded in a geographical area, unique from the economic, cultural, and geopolitical viewpoints, i.e. on the Lithuanian seaside boasting the only port of Lithuania: at the national level, attempts are made to develop Klaipėda as a metropolitan centre and to increase the international competitiveness of Lithuania as a maritime state.

2. ACADEMIC INFORMATION

2.1. Klaipėda University Klaipėda university was established on January 1st, 1991, with three faculties. It celebrated its 25th anniversary with more than 4,000 students in the Faculties of Marine Engineering and Natural Sciences, Humanities and Education Sciences, Social and Health Sciences, as well as the Academy of Arts, the Institute of Continuous Studies, and the Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology. Over the 25 years, the academic staff of the university has increased from 300 to nearly 700 academics and researchers, including 59% PhDs and/or recognised artists.

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Faculty of Humanities and Education SciencesS. Nėries Str. 5, Klaipėda LT-92227Phone + 370 46 39 86 00E-mail: [email protected] Faculty of Marine Technologies and Natural SciencesBijūnų Str. 17, LT-91225 KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 39 86 80E- mail: [email protected]

Academy of ArtsK. Donelaičio Str. 4, LT-92144 Klaipėda,Phone + 370 46 39 87 00,E-mail: [email protected]

Faculty of Social SciencesMinijos Str. 153, LT-93185 KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 39 86 50E-mail: [email protected]

Faculty of Health SciencesHerkaus Manto Str. 84, LT-92294 KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 39 85 51E-mail: [email protected]

Institute of Baltic Region History and ArchaeologyHerkaus Manto Str. 84 (Building 6), LT-92294, KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 39 88 06E-mail: [email protected]

Institute of Continuous StudiesSportininkų Str.13, LT-92249, KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 39 85 71E-mail: [email protected]

The Faculties of Klaipėda University include:

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2.2. Student UnionThe Klaipėda university Student union (KuSS) seeks to to represent students in the Ku admininstration, the city of Klaipėda, NGOs, and Lithuania. The KuSS represents and defends Ku students at the highest level. In order to fulfi ll this mission, KuSS organises various events at the local and national level and takes care of the academic, social, cultural, and international affairs.

2.3. Erasmus Student NetworkESN KuK is a part of the biggest student association in Europe, called Erasmus Student Network, which is present in more than 521 higher education institutions in 39 countries. ESN KuK operates in two HEI in Klaipėda – Klaipėda university and Klaipėda State College. who is ESN for?Homecoming studentsThe students who are returning from exchange are being supported in the reintegration process in their home countries by keeping contact with an international environment. Many local sections are set up by former exchange students, often because they have had good experiences from their exchange period or because they felt a lack of support during their exchange. They also better understand the issues and challenges in a foreign environment.Exchange studentsHowever, the main focus of ESN is placed on current exchange students, who often face problems (and feel abandoned) in their new environments. Therefore, ESN

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offers help in academic, social, and practical integration process. This is mainly done through activities in the local sections, which include cultural and social events, such as trips to various places within the country, fi lm nights, language projects, international food festivals and, last but not least, parties. In addition to that, many sections have introduced mentor systems, which help the international students mainly in academic and practical integration.ESN also provides relevant information and encourages the future exchange students to gain international experience and relevant insight to different cultures. Every exchange student will get a mentor from ESN.

2.4. Student cardStudents in Lithuania receive discounts in various places, from restaurants to museums to public transport to certain shops. In order to use ALL of them, you’ll need to have a Lithuanian student identity card (LSIC) OR an international student identity card (ISIC).The LSIC is issued and administered by the Lithuanian Student union (LSS) and is valid in Lithuania. It is mandatory for all students in Lithuania.ISIC is an international student card – it is not mandatory to have one in Lithuania, but it will entitle you to even more discounts. It is recognised all around the globe and it is a must if you plan to travel abroad, since, for example, all around the Eu students receive discounts for public transport.

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To get an LSIC, you will need to complete an application form and submit it to the LSS (www.lss.lt/lsp). It is very easy to do: all you need is a computer, internet access, and an email address. ISIC is also very easy to get, and you can learn all about it here http://www.isic.lt/en/.

2.5. International Studies Offi ce Klaipėda university has signed over 300 cooperation agreements with foreign universities and, based on of bilateral Erasmus agreements, cooperates, with more than 250 European universities. Students from all study programmes and all study cycles are provided with an opportunity to study and do traineeships in partner universities.Klaipėda university offers a wide range of international study programmes. Students and unclassifi ed students from 32 countries are currently studying in Klaipėda university. In 2015, Ku had 155 foreign students – participants of the Erasmus+ mobility programme, holders of international scholarships, students of summer schools of the Lithuanian language and culture, or foreign students seeking undergraduate or graduate degrees. The International Studies Offi ce is an administrative Ku division, subordinate to the Department of Studies and the Vice-Rector for Studies. It organises, coordinates, and administers studies of foreign students, mobility programmes for the Ku academic staff and administrative personnel, and the implementation of international studies at the university.

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CONTACTSInternational Studies Offi ce Klaipėda university campusHerkaus Manto Str. 84, Room 305, the Senate BuildingLT-92294 Klaipėda, Lithuania

Kristina MataitienėInternational Programmes Coordinator,ERASMuS Coordinator for incoming studentsPhone + 370 46 39 89 51Fax + 370 46 39 86 43E-mail [email protected]

Dalia Želvytė-Mockuvienė ERASMuS Coordinator for staff mobility,ERASMuS Coordinator for outgoing studentsPhone + 370 46 39 89 50Fax + 370 46 39 86 43E-mail [email protected]

2.6. LibrariesThe library operates as an independent Ku unit under its own regulations. At present, it has nine branches in different places of the city of Klaipėda. The Academic Library of Klaipėda university consists of the Central Library and the Faculty Libraries. The latter are located on the premises of different Faculties and store relevant specialist literature. Books can be borrowed or used in the reading rooms. Both international and Klaipėda

university students can use all the online databases subscribed to by Klaipėda university. The Central Library can be found in K. Donelaičio Str. 3, in the building of the Ku Academy of Arts.

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Services provided by the Ku Library:

UnitWorking hours

I – V VI VI (during exam sessions)

Department of Electronic Informa-tion & Scholarly Communication 9.00 – 19.00 9.00 – 16.00 9.00 – 17.00

Internet Room 9.00 – 16.00 – –M. Mažvydas Reading Room 9.00 – 19.00 9.00 – 16.00 9.00 – 17.00Reading Room of Periodicals 9.00 – 19.00 9.00 – 16.00 9.00 – 17.00Dr. K. Pemkus Library - Archives 10.00 – 17.00 – –Archives of Minor Lithuania 10.00 –17.00 – –

Services provided by the Faculty Libraries and Research Centres:

UnitWorking hours

I – V VI (during exam sessions)

Library of the Institute of Baltic Region History and Archaeology (BRIAI) 9.30 – 16.30 –

Library of the Centre for Evangelical Theology (ETC) 9.30 – 16.30 –

Library of the Faculty of Natural Sciences 10.00 – 17.00 –Library of the Faculties of Humanities and Health Sciences 10.00 – 17.00 –

Library of the Faculty of Marine Engineering

10.00 – 18.0010.00 – 18.00

9.00 – 13.009.00 – 13.00

Library of the Academy of Arts 9.00 – 16.009.00 – 16.00

10.00 – 14.0010.00 – 14.00

Library of the Faculty of Education Sciences

9.00 – 18.0010.00 – 14.00 10.00 – 14.00

Library of the Faculty of Social Sciences 10.00 – 18.00 10.00 – 17.00

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3. ACCOMMODATION Foreign students of Klaipėda university can choose whether they want to live in a university dormitory or rent a fl at. At Klaipėda university, 4 dormitories are available for international students: at Statybininkų Ave. 43, universiteto Al. 12, Karklų Str. 5, and Malūnininkų Str. 4.The price of accommodation depends on the type of the room (single, double, triple, or quadruple) and the number of persons living in the room. The price may vary from 45 EuR to 170 EuR. The price of the rooms also depends on the season. Before moving into the dormitory, foreign students are required to fi ll in an application form and to submit the receipts of the initial payment and the fee for one semester accomodation in the dormitory (the payment is non-refundable). Another solution for accommodation is renting a fl at in the town. It is more expensive than living in a dormitory. The prices may vary from 150 to 300 EuR per month, plus the utility fees. You can look for the fl at on your own, however, do not hesitate to ask our tutor or the staff of the International Studies Offi ce staff for help.

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4. HEALTH INSURANCEAll international students are expected to have health insurance valid in Lithuania for the whole study period. Health insurance for the EU citizens: If you have come from one of the 27 member states of the European union, or from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland and have a European Card of Health Insurance, you are guaranteed state health care services in the case of an accident. You need to be aware that the card does not cover the expenses of health care services provided by the private sector.

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Health insurance for non-EU citizens: If you are a citizen of a country outside the Eu, you should have a private health insurance. You can obtain it either in your country or in Lithuania. However, students from non-Eu countries who apply for visa must have a valid health insurance which at least meets the following criteria:Medical cost: the insurance has to cover all basic medical assistance costs and your travel expenses which may arrise in connection with the return. Liability: the insurance has to cover at least 5792,40 EuR per event.Health insurance for foreigners in Lithuania for a 5 month period costs approx. 87-113 EuR. More information on local insurance companies and terms of insurance is available on www.draudimas.lt). You will be asked for your health insurance policy each time when medical treatment at a general practitioner’s or hospitalisation is required.

International students have to apply for a visa, depending on their citizenship and the length of studies at Klaipėda university. Non EU/EEA citizens

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VISA D AND TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT5.

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All international students from non-Eu/EEA countries coming for studies to Lithuania are required to get a national visa D for multiple entries. The application documents for the issue of visa D should be submitted to the closest Embassy of Lithuania. Visa C allows students to travel via the Schengen area countries for 3 months within the period of 6 months. For more detailed information, visit the website http://www.migracija.lt or contact the International Studies Offi ce.A multiple entry visa D may be issued for the period not exceeding one year (12 months).If you are coming for degree studies, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit (TRP) to live in Lithuania after the fi rst semester spent in Klaipėda university. All the required documents shall be submitted to the Migration Offi ce in Klaipėda. The decision on the issue of a temporary residence permit shall be made within 4 months after the submission of the documents. The temporary residence permit to live in Lithuania is issued for one year period and afterwards has to be extended. The documents required for visa D:a completed application form; a mediation letter from Klaipėda university for the issue of visa D; proofs of suffi cient means of support (a bank transcript or a proof that you are receiving a scholarship (at least 190 EuR per month))1 colour photo (35 x 45);a valid passport; health insurance valid for the Schengen area countries for at least 5792,40 EuRa consular fee for the visa.For more information, see: http://www.migracija.lt

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5.1 Job opportunitiesDegree students are allowed to work 20 hours per week in accordance with the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania. For a non-Eu citizen: if you are not a Eu citizen and intend to work in Lithuania, you will have to get a work permit. To get the work permit, you must have a temporary residence permit. The university assists full time students with obtaining a temporary residence permit.Full-time students who get a work permit for the period of studies can work no more than 20 hours a week, starting with the second year of studies.

The required documents for the Temporary Residence Permit (TRP):a completed application form; a mediation letter from Klaipėda university for the issue of a TRP; a certifi cate of enrolment; a passport and its copy; 1 photo (40 x 60);proofs of suffi cient means of support (a bank transcript or a proof that you are receiving a scholarship, at least 190 EuR per month);health insurance valid for the Schengen area countries for at least 5792,40 EuR; a document concerning the place of residence in the Republic of Lithuania; a list of your visits and stays in foreign states; a certifi cate regarding (the lack of) a criminal record (legalized and (or) certifi ed by an apostille); the state fee in the amount of 86 EuR (general order) / 172 EuR (urgent order). For more information, see: http://www.migracija.lt

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6. TRANSPORTHow to get to the city of Klaipėda By plane: There are 3 international airports in Lithuania: in Vilnius, Kaunas, and Palanga, and one in Riga, in the neighbour country of Latvia.

International Vilnius AirportRodunios Str. 10 a, LT-02189Vilnius, LithuaniaPh. Passenger information + 370 612 44442 Administration + 370 5 273 9326Fax Administration + 370 5 232 9122http://www.vilnius-airport.lt/

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It is the biggest international airport in Lithuania. A currency exchange offi ce is in the arrival hall, but usually the rate is not favourable. Down the corridor on the left, there is permanent luggage storage (open 06:00–21:00; Sat, Sun 6:00–18:00). The easiest way to reach Klaipėda from Vilnius International airport is to use Ollex services. Ollex buses travel straight from Vilnius airport to Klaipėda and drop off passengers near the Klaipėda Akropolis shopping mall. You can buy tickets online. The price is 15 Eur. http://www.ollex.lt/en/ A taxi can take you to the Vilnius bus station or the railway station for about 6 Eur. They are near the Old Town of Vilnius. You can also get there by bus (No. 1 travels to the bus and train stations, and No. 2 to the centre). The price of the ticket is 1 Eur. The bus and train stations in Vilnius are close to each other.It will take you ~3 hours (311 km) to get from Vilnius to Klaipėda by car. Buses operate from the Vilnius Bus Station. You can fi nd tickets

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from 14 Eur to 20 Eur, depending on the time and route. The trip by bus may take you 4 hours or more, depending on the route, so it is good to ask about the intended time of the trip before buying the ticket. Trains operate from the Vilnius railway station, and the price is ~15 Eur. It takes you 4 to 5 hours to come to Klaipėda by train. Buses operate more often, while there are only several trains. You can fi nd the information on schedules and tickets for buses at www.autobusubilietai.lt, and for trains at http://www.litrail.lt/.In the summer season, you have to book tickets in advance, because there are too many people willing to get to the seashore. Be aware of criminals, just like in many other cities in the world.In the bus station, you can also meet people offering to take you to Klaipėda and other towns. The trips with them will cost as much as a bus ticket. Besides, you may need to wait a bit longer before illegal drivers manage to fi nd the desired number of passengers.

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International Kaunas AirportOro uosto Str. 4Karmėlava LT-54460Kaunas district, LithuaniaPhone + 370 612 44442Fax + 370 37 399 434E-mail: [email protected] https://www.kaunas-airport.lt

Kaunas Airport is located in the city of Kaunas, the central part of the country. The public transport timetable has been adjusted to the fl ights, so the passengers can explore the second biggest city in Lithuania in a fast and comfortable way.

The easiest way to reach Klaipėda from Kaunas International Airport is to use Ollex services. Ollex buses go straight from Kaunas airport to Klaipėda and drop off passengers near the Klaipėda Akropolis shopping mall. You can buy tickets online. The price is 17 Eur. http://www.ollex.lt/en/

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Taxi can take you to from the airport to the Kaunas bus station for ~8 Eur. City buses No 29 and No 29E connect the Kaunas Airport and the city of Kaunas. The city bus line route gets you to the city centre: Kaunas Airport – Savanorių Ave. – E. Ožeškienės Ave. – K. Donelaičio Ave. – Vytauto Ave. If you arrive to Kaunas on a late night fl ight, city bus No 29E is there for your convenience. Every day, the bus leaves the airport for the city centre only after the last fl ight has arrived. The price of a single-use ticket is 1 Eur.Kaunas Bus Station is in Vytauto ave. 18.From Kaunas, it will take you ~2 hours (214 km) to get to Klaipėda by car. Buses operate from the Kaunas bus station. You can fi nd tickets from 9 Eur to 15 Eur, depending on the time and route. It may take you about 3 hours, but it depends on the route, so it is good to ask about the intended time of the trip before buying the ticket. You can fi nd information on schedules and tickets at: www.autobusubilietai.lt.

Palanga International AirportLiepojos Str. 1,Palanga LT-00169 Phone + 370 612 44442Fax + 370 46 048 373http://www.palanga-airport.lt/

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Palanga Airport is a small regional airport located in the western part of Lithuania, on the coast of the Baltic Sea. This is the airport closest to the city of Klaipėda. It will take you about 40-50 minutes (30km) to get to Klaipėda from the Palanga airport. Bus No 100 travels between the Palanga airport and the Klaipėda bus station. The ticket price is 1,10 Eur, and it can be bought on the bus. You can fi nd bus schedules at https://www.stops.lt/klaipeda/#bus/100/a-b/en. Buses from a neighbouring small town Šventoji stop at the Palanga airport and proceed to the Klaipėda bus station. You can fi nd information schedules and tickets at: www.autobusubilietai.lt.

Riga International Airport10 / 1 RIGA Airport Marupe districtLV 1053, LatviaPhone + 371 29311817

Riga International Airport is the closest airport abroad. You can reach Klaipėda from that airport by taking an Ollex bus. It will cost 16 Eur. The bus will drop you off at the Klaipėda bus station.

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By boat

DFDSPhone + 370 46 323 232+ 370 46 395 294Email: [email protected]

Ferries operate between the city of Klaipėda and ports in Denmark, Germany, and Sweden. For more detailed information, you can check the DFDS company web page at: https://www.dfdsseaways.eu/ or the Klaipėda Port web page at: http://www.port.lt/.

By bus

Lithuania has numerous transport links to the neighbouring European countries via buses, and most of them make scheduled stops in Kaunas and Vilnius. Tickets can be bought online, moreover, if there are free seats on the bus, some companies allow you to buy a ticket on the bus. All companies sell tickets at similar prices, but some of them make discounts.

International bus companies operating in Lithuania: Ecolines https://ecolines.net Eurolines http://www.eurolines.lt Luxexpress https://luxexpress.eu

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Public transport in KlaipėdaKlaipėda boasts three longest routes stretching along the Curonian Lagoon Coast coast. The main route follows Herkus Mantas, Tiltų, and Taikos Streets.

Buses and minibusesRegular buses operate from 5:00 to 23:00. In each bus stop, you can fi nd traffi c schedules. The price of the ticket on the bus is 0,80 Eur, however, in the kiosks of Lietuvos spauda, it is 0,70 Eur. with student cards, e.g. ISIC, you can get 50% discount on those tickets. You can also buy a monthly bus pass from the same Lietuvos spauda company.

You can also take a minibus. while the bus service operates until 23:00, minibuses are available round the clock. They follow almost the same routes, but sometimes more frequently than regular buses. If you want to go by minibus, just put your hand up, and it will stop if it has any free seats. To get off, just ask the driver to stop. The minibus ticket price from 06:00 to 23:00 is ~ 0,80 Eur; and from 23:00 to 06:00, ~ 0,90 Eur.You can use an app TRAFI to fi nd the best routes and schedules for you.

How to get to the Klaipėda university campus from the student dormitories?From the Karklų dormitory, you can come to the Bibliotekos bus stop and take buses No 3, 4, 5, 5E, 6, 6E, 8E, 14, or 17, or you can walk. From the Statybininkų dormitory, you can catch buses No 6, 6A, 6E, 8E, 9, or 14. From the Malūninkų dormitory, you can walk or take bus No 9 from the Baseino stop. The universiteto Al. dormitory is in the university campus.

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How to get to the bus and train stations?You can get to the bus and train stations by city buses No 1, 8, 15, or 15A. TaxiTaxi after midnight is always safer then buses or minibuses. Our advice is to call taxi by phone rather than to hail one on the street: it will cost cheaper. Every car has a meter. The standard fare is about 0,40 Eur per km. Foreigners are strongly recommended to inquire about the fare in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are some numbers of taxi services: + 370 46 222333; + 370 46 222111; + 370 612 2221; + 370 46 311311, or you can use eTAKSI application on your phones.If you have any doubts about the applicable fees, just request a travel receipt from taxi driver at the end of the travel. A receipt must contain the following information: a fi nal price for the service, price per 1 km, time, travel route, car number, and full name of the driver.

Traveling in LithuaniaTo travel in Lithuania, you can choose long distance buses or trains. with an international students card ISIC or a Lithuanian student card LSIC, you will get 50% discounts for bus and train tickets. To get information about the timetables, you can contact train or bus stations, or just fi nd the information on the Internet:

Klaipėda Railway StationPriestočio Str. 1Klaipėda LT-92228, LithuaniaPhone + 370 46 202680Fax + 370 46 202666https://www.traukiniobilietas.lt/portal/en

Taxi

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Klaipėda Bus StationButkų Juzės Str. 9, Klaipėda 92228Phone + 370 46 411547https://www.autobusubilietai.lt

To get information about the places of interest in Lithuania, contact local travel agencies or the Klaipėda Tourism Information Centre: Turgaus Str. 7, KlaipėdaPhone + 370 46 412 186Fax + 370 46 412 185http://www.klaipedainfo.lt

The following website can also be useful: http://www.lithuania.travel/en/

7. SERVICES 7.1 TelecommunicationsPhones: Lithuania has three basic service providers of mobile connectivity: Omnitel, Bitė, and Tele 2. You can get the prepaid cards (Extra, Ežys (Omnitel), Labas (Bitė) or Pildyk (Tele2)) at all supermarkets, newsagents, or designated trading places. Each of them offers different tariffs and terms, so you will be able to choose the one which best suits your needs.Internet: Cities are teeming with Internet cafes, while smaller towns and villages feature over 500 public Internet access points (in libraries, post offi ces, tourist information centres, etc.). All the Faculties and dormitories of Klaipėda university provide students with free Internet.

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7.2 BanksYou can choose between several banks:

DNB BankTaikos Str. 61 Mon–Sun 09:00–21:00Liepų Str. 10 Mon–Thu 08:00–17:00, Fri 08:00–16:00

SEB BankTaikos Str. 32A Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00H. Manto Str. 31 Mon 9:00–18:00, Tue–Thu 9.00–19.00, Fri 9:00–16:00Taikos Str. 115 Mon–Fri 8:30–18:00, Sat 10:00–14:00

SwED BankH. Manto Str. 90-1 Mon - Fri 9:00–18:00Taikos Str. 52 C/Agluonos g. 1 Mon - Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat 10:00–15:00Taikos Str. 98 Mon - Fri 9:00–18:00

ŠIAuLIŲ BankPriestočio Str. 30 Mon–Fri 8:30–17:00Taikos Str. 61 Mon–Fri 10:00–21:00Taikos Str. 119 Mon–Fri 8:30–17:30

Most restaurants, shops, and banks accept credit and debit cards (MasterCard, Visa, etc.) ATMs of different banks can be found throughout the city and mostly can be used round the clock. All payments in Lithuania shall be made only in euros.

7.3 Post offi ceCentral Post Offi ceLiepų Str. 16, LT-92114Mon - Fri 08:00–19:00, Sat 09:00–16:00Phone + 370 700 55400www.post.lt

7.3

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7.4 Shopping and other servicesIn a number of shopping malls in Klaipėda, you can buy food, household items, etc. They also house pharmacies, bank services, hairdresser’s, beauty salons, as well as cafes and restaurants.

AKROPOLISTaikos Str. 61

The most popular chains of supermarkets include Maxima, Iki, Norfa, Rimi, and Aibė. You can fi nd their outlets throughout the city. In the city centre, you may also fi nd clothes shops, pharmacies, bookshops, etc. Supermarkets are open from 8:00 till 22:00 every day. Other shops, like bookshops, clothes shops, etc., work mostly until 18:00.

7.5 Eating and drinkingThere is a canteen and a cafeteria in the university campus; some Faculties also have canteens. The meals are usually cheaper there than elsewhere in the city. In a lot of restaurants and cafeterias you can enjoy a wide variety of foods. Some friendly places inlude:

ARENATaikos Str. 64

KurėnasJanonio Str. 19JolaM. Mažvydo Str. 9

Senoji HansaKurpių Str. 1Delano picaTaikos Str. 61 (Shopping Mall Akropolis)

BIG and BIG2Taikos Str. 139

STUDLENDASHerkus Mantas Str. 84

Čili PicaTaikos Str. 28Trys mylimosTaikos Str. 23

Viskas lietuviška (traditional Lithuanian cuisine)Puodžių Str. 3-3

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In Lithuanian cuisine, one of the oldest and most fundamental foodstuffs has traditionally been, and remains, rye bread (ruginė duona). Potatoes have also always been popular in Lithuanian cuisine, eaten throughout the year. Quite a lot of delicious dishes are made from potatoes. Potatoes can be eaten alone or as garnish to the main courses of meat, fi sh, mushrooms, or dairy products. The most popular potato dishes are cepelinai (dumplings from grated potatoes, stuffed with minced meat), vėdarai (potato sausages), potato casserole, and pancakes. Cepelinai is the most famous national dish: it is popular with Lithuanians all over the world. Kugelis (a baked potato pudding) is also very popular. Lithuanian recipes refl ect most different uses of potatoes. Dairy products play an important role in Lithuanian cuisine. Curd and the authentic Lithuania curd cheese, which may be sweet, sour, seasoned with caraway, fresh, or cured until semi-soft, can hardly be found outside Lithuania.Soup is traditionally eaten every day, too. Rich soups are served for lunch. Most popular soups are sauerkraut, beet, and sorrel, with smoked meat as the base. Meat cooked in soup is often eaten as a second course. Most soups are served with bread or potatoes. In summer, cold beet soup with hot potatoes is very popular, as are cold sweet soups made with berries, fruit, and tiny dumplings. Lithuanians consume a lot of meat and its by-products. Pork has always been the most widely used meat – fresh, brined, or smoked. For longer keeping, varieties of sausage are made. Skilandis (cold-smoked pig stomach stuffed with minced meat) and other smoked meats are robust and delicious. Fowl meat is also popular. Domestic birds – chicken, geese, and ducks – are cooked, smoked, and baked.

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In Lithuanian cuisine

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8. RECREATION AND ADITIONAL INFORMATION

RecreationThe city of Klaipėda has multifarious cultural life. A lot of different cultural events and places are worth visiting. Clasical, jazz, rock, pop, folk bands and singers from Lithuania and foreign countries often give concerts in Klaipėda’s concert halls, theatres, nightclubs, or in open air. Klaipėda is famous for its annual jazz festival held at the beginning of summer. Festivals of classical and folk music, dance and songs, modern art and fi lms are regularly held. The traditional Sea Festival (Jūros šventė) attracts people from Lithuania and foreign countries every year.

CinemasForum CinemaTaikos Str. 61 (the shopping mall Akropolis)http://www.forumcinemas.lt/About/Klaipeda/

MuseumsHistory Museum of Lithuania Minor Didžioji Vandens Str. 6http://www.mlimuziejus.lt/

Lithuanian Maritime MuseumSmiltynės Road 3 (Smiltynė)http://muziejus.lt/

Clock and Watch MuseumLiepų Str. 11http://www.ldm.lt/en/lm/

TheatresDrama Theatre (Dramos teatras)Teatro Str. 2http://kldt.lt/

Musical Theatre (Muzikinis teatras)Danės Str. 19http://www.klaipedosmuzikinis.lt/

Concert Hall (Koncertų salė)Šaulių Str. 36http://www.koncertusale.lt/en/

Seamen’s Palace of Culture (Žvejų kultūros rūmai)Taikos Str. 70http://www.zvejurumai.lt/en

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Exhibition HallsExhibition Hall of KlaipėdaBažnyčių Str. 4http://www.kkkc.lt/en/

Klaipėda GalleryBažnyčių Str. 6http://www.ldsajunga.lt/Klaipedos_skyrius

Art Gallery PėdaTurgaus Str.10http://www.karciauskas.com/en/contact.html

Photo Gallery (Klaipėdos Fotografi jos galerija)Tomo Str. 7http://www.photoartklaipeda.lt/

Note! You can get discounts for most of the tickets to concerts, theatres, museums, or exhibition halls.

NightlifeYou will fi nd different type of clubs and bars in the city of Klaipėda.

Kurpiai Jazz ClubKurpių Str. 1aPhone + 370 46 410555https://www.facebook.com/jazzkurpiai/

Beer GardenŽvejų Str. 12http://www.beergarden.lt/

FaksasŽvejų Str. 2https://www.facebook.com/FaksasKlaipeda/

PORT Night Club by BarBar’aNaujoji uosto Str. 11https://www.facebook.com/PORTbyBarBara/

NESĖ Pramogų BankasTurgaus Str. 1/ Teatro Str. 9http://www.nesepb.lt/

For more detailed informationhttps://www.inyourpocket.com/klaipeda/nightlife/clubs

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8.1 Additional informationPublic Holidays of Lithuania:

January1: New Year’s DayFebruary 16: Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania (Independence Day)March 11: Day of Restoration of Independence of LithuaniaThe fi rst Sunday after the full moon that occurs on or soonest after 21 March and following Monday: Easter May 1: International working DayJune 24: St. John’s Day/ Midsummer Day (Joninės, Rasos)July 6: Statehood Day (the Coronation Day of the Lithuanian King Mindaugas)August 15: Assumption Day (Žolinė)November 1: All Saints’ Day (Vėlinės)December 24-26: Christmas

Emergency telephone numbersIn the case of an accident or real threat to your health or property, immediately call the Single Emergency Call Number.

112112

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www.Ku.LT