Social Work International Practice Education members

Education of Social Workers in Vilnius, Lithuania - Vilniaus Universitetas

Vilnius University is the oldest and largest Lithuanian higher education institution 
in the country. Since its establishment in the 16th century, Vilnius University has been an integral part of European science and culture and has embodied the concept of a classical university and the unity of studies and research.

The University of Vilnius has 12 Faculties, Social work sits within the
Department of Philosophy. 

Courses include:

• Social Work
• Rehabilitation and integration of the disabled. (Bachelor)
• Social ecology. (Bachelor optional)

Sociocultural identity and exclusion. (Master studies)
 Vilnius University is an active participant in international scientific and academic activities and boasts many prominent scientists, professors and graduates. Scientific development and the expanding relations with global research centres have contributed to the variety of research and studies at Vilnius University.
With the support of social partners, the university educates globally–minded specialists who successfully integrate in the modern European community. The mission of Vilnius University is to create, accumulate and disseminate knowledge by ensuring continuity of authentic university culture distinguished by the atmosphere where old traditions and new ideas enrich each other.
The University of Vilnius has 12 faculties, 8 institutes, 10 study and research centers, the oldest Library in Lithuania, 3 university hospitals, an Astronomical Observatory, a Botanical Garden, a Computer Center, and St. John's Church.
Since 1991, the University of Vilnius has been a Signatory to the Magna Charta of the European Universities.

The University is a member of the European University Association (EUA) and the Conference of Baltic University Rectors. Since 1998 the University of Vilnius is a member of The Utrecht Network, which unites 26 Western and Central European Universities and maintains close cooperation with the university networks in the USA, Australia and other continents. Many academic units and their representatives are active members of specialized international academic associations and organizations.

There have been signed over 60 bilateral cooperation agreements. A great number of projects on bilateral cooperation basis have been carried out by different faculties, departments, and other academic divisions of the university. The most intensive cooperation exists between the University and European institutions – universities, science and research centres in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, The Netherlands, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. The partner list of Vilnius University is being enriched by Asian and South American universities.

The University takes an active part in the European Union, UNESCO, and NATO programmes. The University boasts two UNESCO departments and Jean Monnet chair. During the recent years the university has become an active participant of the European Union programmes: SOCRATES, LEONARDO, and FRAMEWORK. The UNESCO Associated Centre of Excellence for Research and Training in Basic Sciences was among the first to be established in the pre-accession countries under the FRAMEWORK programme. The centre has become the coordinator of the long-term the university include:

1. Rehabilitation a research project

The practice of international students

In the first semester of 2006/2007 study year we have supervised practice of 2 students for Sweden and one from Germany. Due to the absence of Lithuanian knowledge skills which would allow working with clients we decided to use some elements of the pilot research which was conducted together with Utrecht university under the SWIPE project. To help students to understand how social work cases can be resolved we’ve used the Case and the stages of its analysis, suggested by Utrecht, and students expressed their opinion, that these tasks are relevant to their learning needs.