This summer Lithuanian diaspora youth had a chance to rediscover modern Lithuania, learn more about its history and culture, and get to know the Lithuanian business world and career opportunities. Most importantly, the unique experience with the "Bring Together Lithuania" program encouraged youth to become young Ambassadors of Lithuania.
For the fifth time in a row „Bring Together Lithuania“ invited Lithuanian diaspora youth to Lithuania for summer internships to gain professional experience, discover modern Lithuania, and become young Ambassadors of Lithuania.
“We believe that if we want to raise young Lithuanian Ambassadors, active global Lithuanians, we must offer them an opportunity to experience modern, innovative Lithuania. The leadership program “Bring Together Lithuania” aims to provide the youth of Lithuanian descent with professional experience and to show them modern Lithuania. They are offered opportunities to do internships with leading Lithuanian businesses, the government sector, non-government organizations, and innovative startups. Additionally, there is an active schedule planned for the students – unique opportunities to discover today’s Lithuania, travel to the most beautiful sights, meet business and public sector leaders, explore Lithuanian identity, and encourage them to contribute to Lithuania’s future with their own ideas,” program’s founder and director Kamile Permine shared its vision.
The 16 participants from the US, Canada, Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Russia were interned at leading Lithuanian and global companies for at least 6 weeks. They traveled the country to familiarize themselves with modern Lithuania, its business scene, and its cultural landscape.
“Bring Together Lithuania“ participants got opportunities to do their internships related to their studies with various organizations and businesses, such as:
NASDAQ Vilnius, Confidentus, Interactio, Oxus.AI, CoinGate, Transparency International, MO Museum, Unnecessary Films, Delta Bioscience, Vilnius University Life Sciences Center (dr. Urtė Neniškytė’s lab; dr. Stephen Knox Jones’ lab ), Vilnius City Public Health Bureau “Vilnius Sveikiau”, the Capital Basketball School, Caritas and Vilnius University Geology department.
"Bring Together Lithuania was an amazing social, cultural, and professional experience that I will never forget. I was able to experience Lithuania in a way like never before - visiting new parts of the country with others my age, with whom I have grown very close to during my time in the program. It is one of those fantastic moments in life where you feel as though you truly belong and can accomplish anything. I could not recommend this program enough - not only to those seeking to connect with their Lithuanian roots but also to those of whom are searching for a place to call home among some new and wonderful friends”, – Goda Vertelkaite, Chicago Lithuanian.
Created as a program to draw Lithuanian youth diaspora to visit their ancestors' country, "Bring Together Lithuania" aims to provide Lithuanian diaspora youth with opportunities to acquire professional skills, meet global Lithuanians and explore the countryside. Since its establishment, the initiative has grown its' partners immensely and expanded its outreach to a broader network of the Lithuanian diaspora.
“The Kazickas Family Foundation is a proud supporter of Bring Together Lithuania, a summer internship program for youth of Lithuanian heritage. We feel it is important for young people to visit the land of their ancestors, have an opportunity to interact with those of their own age, and most importantly, engage in worthwhile programs that expand their knowledge and experience”, – Jūratė Kazickaitė, the President of the KFF.
The program, initiated and powered by the Kazickas Family Foundation, is already in its fifth successful year. It is also supported by the Lithuanian Foundation in the US, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The “Bring Together Lithuania” 2023 program preliminary dates: June 10-July 23
Find more information at www.bringtogether.lt
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