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Host: Rasa, you were born in Chicago, you live in Chicago, you study in Chicago. You study politics, but you have an internship here, in Lithuania. Why?

Rasa: The connection with Lithuania was really really important throughout my entire life. All my family members speak Lithuanian, we have relatives in Lithuania. My grandparents were refugees that's why it was very important for them to preserve and maintain a connection with Lithuania, it's culture and it's language. Now, I feel that it is my mission to continue to foster Lithuanian culture and strengthen ties with it. I wanted to visit Lithuania on my one, to experience it, to see the opportunities. 

 

Host: How often do you come to Lithuania?

Rasa: It is my 5th time in Lithuania. However, I used to spend only 2 weeks here. So, this time it is my longest stay in Lithuania.

 

Host: Would you like to move to Lithuania?

Rasa: Maybe.. if I find a dream job here. This internship is really valuable for me now, especially for my studies. So, maybe.

 

Host: You continue this initiative for a few years already. 

Kamilė: This program continues its mission for the second year in a row. Together with the Kazickas Family Foundation, we initiated this program as an extension to education. Young men and women graduate from Lithuanian schools abroad, move to other states, cities for studies where they are far away from their families, Lithuanian communities. Therefore, this program is a natural extension that allows youth to come to Lithuania, gain professional skills and rediscover modern Lithuania.

 

Host: Rasa, you mentioned that if you found a great job, maybe you would move to Lithuania. After 6 weeks here, what do you think of Lithuania so far? Is it enough? 

Rasa: I am really happy that I decided to come to Lithuania. When I was a kid, it was more like a tourist trip around Lithuania. This time, it was my decision, I work here, I see Lithuania from a different perspective. I am curious to see Lithuanian politics. I made friends in Lithuania. So, yes I could live here.

Host: How did you imagine Lithuania before the program?

Rasa: Last summer I visited Lithuania with my family. We participated in the Lithuanian Scout Jamboree that took place in Rumsiskes and was dedicated to celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Scouts work in Lithuania. It was fun. Of course, we spent most of our time surrounded by the nature. This time, my visit is different and I am really enjoying it.

 

Host: Kamile, what are the results of the previous summer program? 

Kamile: We are happy to meet the participants of 2018 program visiting Lithuania and Europe this summer. We seek to help establish a stronger connection with Lithuania, Lithuanian community while discovering modern Lithuania. Therefore, we are proud of participants who became young ambassadors of Lithuania. Young ambassadors of modern Lithuania. As a result, they are promoting Lithuania abroad and inspired program's class of 2019 to come here for the internships this year.

Host: How do you attract Lithuanian diaspora youth to participate in this program? How can one apply for a program?

Kamile: We will open the application process for Bring Together Lithuania 2020 in November. Our alumni help to spread the word about the program, represent it abroad. In addition, everyone interested in the program should follow the news on our social media. Also, I want to say sincere thanks to Lithuanian communities abroad and their active involvement in spreading the word about internship opportunities in Lithuania, encourage youth to experience modern Lithuania. 

 

Host: Thank you for this conversation. Have a pleasant stay and best experiences in Lithuania. Have a great day!