A gap year in Lithuania

Gap years in Lithuania

Glamorous, bohemian Lithuania is characterised by dramatic castles and lakes: it’s a truly stunning place to visit. Rich in art and culture, the country is working hard to re-establish its identity after years of occupation. You could spend a pleasurable fortnight exploring the art of Vilnius, the medieval castles of Kaunas and Norviliskes, and the 6,000 lakes – many created by melting ice glaciers. But there’s far more to discover in this country. Is it worth a few months of your gap year?

Gap Year Opportunities

To fund your Lithuanian gap year, you could – once qualified – choose to teach English. It’s taught in universities and private schools (usually for business purposes): you’ll need to train beforehand, so could look at a remote qualification or taking a course in Prague.

Alternatively, how about working as an au pair? This job was designed for backpackers, with a package that typically includes accommodation and a small salary. You’ll only have to work a minimal number of hours in a week (according to regulations) and will have lots of time to get to know the host’s country.

There’s also an abundance of voluntary projects in Lithuania. From working with children or the elderly, to restoring castles and working in monasteries – you’ll never know what’s available until you look!

Getting Around

Although you can fly directly to Vilnius, it might be easier to catch a bus from Austria, Germany or Poland – and if you do a little planning, you can work out a scenic route from France or almost anywhere in Europe. Train lines are quite limited unless you’re travelling from Moscow or Berlin (and see recent history, below, to learn why). Once in Vilnius, catch buses or trolleybuses – and a sledge or horse-drawn carriage if you fancy a relaxed tour. To explore the country, you can use rail or bus – look for express services, and try to book tickets in advance. You can catch a bus to Riga or Tallinn when it’s time to move on.

About Lithuania

Centuries of being absorbed, sliced up and refused independence have shaped modern Lithuania. Like Latvia and Estonia, it came under Russian control, but very early - in 1795, most of the country was passed from Polish to Russian hands. The Lithuanian identity and language, which had already been eroded by Polonisation two centuries earlier, now came under serious threat. Tzar Nicholas ordered an intensive programme of Russification (banning the Lithuanian language and alphabet from primary schools), while the country’s nationalist movement grew underground.

In 1940, the Soviet Union stepped up its demolition of independent thought. It began to arrest key political figures and set up its own government in the country, declaring the nation part of the new Soviet Union. In 1941, German troops were welcomed by many Lithuanians, as the German leaders were talking about independence; but Hitler had no such intention, and soon took over Lithuanian government. During the Holocaust, the country’s Jewish population was almost completely eliminated – estimates are 90% of the 160,000-strong Jewish community. And it wasn’t over – not even close. After three years of German occupation, Lithuania was invaded yet again by the Red (Soviet) Army.

1945: Having been reclaimed by the Soviet Union under Stalin, Lithuania was once more subject to the familiar regime of ‘Russification’. This time the Soviet powers deported and arrested an estimated 300,000 people, bringing in Russian workers to help disperse independent groups. Resistance fighters struggled against the new regime, but it wasn’t until the Reform Movement was formed in 1988 that independence became an achievable reality. In 1990, Reform candidates were voted into the Supreme Council of Lithuania, which gave the party enough power to declare their intention to obtain independence. The USSR reacted violently: driving tanks through the cities and taking control of the television transmitter. But the election still took place and, in early 1991, 90% of all Lithuanian voters said yes to independence.

Even then the USSR wasn’t finished: they attempted a military coup, forcibly ejecting government figures and communications employees; the government responded by banning the Communist Party from premises and ordering confiscation of their property. Finally, the USSR was prepared to accept the government’s authority. Lithuania was declared independent in September 1991.

Lithuania Today

With a growing economy, a breathtaking landscape and friendly people, Lithuania is on the up and up. Tourist numbers are increasing: there’s no shortage of curious travellers keen to see the medieval castles and lakes dotted all over the country. Today, 83% of the population is native Lithuanian - the Russians and Poles make up just 10%. Theatre and music have become important ways for the Lithuanians to develop their national culture; today there are several folk music festivals, and a distinctive theatre scene.