Efrei Study Mission 2026 at VILNIUS TECH: A Week Dedicated to Cybersecurity and Practical Experience

On April 20–24 of this year, the Department of Mathematical Statistics at the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences of VILNIUS TECH hosted Fabian Contreras Barraza, a mathematics lecturer from Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (Chile), during an ERASMUS+ teaching visit. The purpose of the visit was to share experience in teaching higher mathematics, present innovative teaching methods, and strengthen international cooperation in the field of mathematics didactics. Such visits contribute to improving the quality of studies and encourage the integration of modern technologies into the teaching process. During the visit, the guest lecturer conducted classes for third-year students of the “Data Analysis Technologies” study programme. Active teaching methods were applied to encourage student engagement and independent thinking. Students participated in: group work scientific discussions experimental activities the use of virtual reality (VR) tools and GeoGebra The eight-hour lecture cycle was designed based on the principles of the semiotic representation theory developed by Raymond Duval. These principles emphasize the importance of multiple representations of mathematical objects and the ability to transition between them. Such transitions are considered essential for achieving deeper mathematical understanding. These principles were applied in lectures focused on directional derivatives and gradient concepts of multivariable functions. The learning process incorporated discussions, group work, and interactive virtual reality environments that enabled students to visualize multidimensional mathematical structures and better understand complex concepts. During the lectures, individual attention was given to each student, and open discussions at the end of the sessions encouraged reflection and critical thinking. Observing students’ activity, engagement, and positive working atmosphere, it can be concluded that the applied methodology is effective in increasing student motivation and improving learning outcomes. In addition to teaching activities, meetings and discussions were held within the Department of Mathematical Statistics regarding mathematics teaching methodologies and research topics. Opportunities for further international cooperation were discussed, including potential joint projects and academic exchanges. The Head of the Department of Mathematical Statistics expresses sincere gratitude to colleagues, the Faculty of Fundamental Sciences administration, and the Multimedia Design Laboratory for their support and cooperation, which ensured the smooth implementation of the visit activities.

Although mechanical engineering is often still associated with traditional manufacturing, today it is increasingly becoming the foundation of smart industry. It determines not only how equipment is designed and operated, but also a business’s ability to reduce costs, increase productivity, and create a competitive advantage in international markets. The sector’s scale also confirms the importance of this industry in the Lithuanian economy. Darius Lasionis, Director of the Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association (LINPRA), emphasizes that the engineering and technology industry in Lithuania is already one of the most important pillars of the economy. “According to data from the State Data Agency, the output of Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry (excluding VAT and excise tax at current prices) reached 7.82 billion euros in 2025 and grew by 6.6 percent year-over-year. This accounted for 24.4% of the manufacturing sector. It is clear that these results would not have been achieved without the workforce. In 2024, nearly 64,000 people were employed in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry, accounting for as much as 30% of the manufacturing sector. The number of companies in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry reached 2,416, or 25% of the total number of manufacturing companies. “These figures show that the engineering and technology industry is a significant and promising component of Lithuania’s industry and economy,” he states. According to the head of LINPRA, mechanical engineering is one of the key components of the Lithuanian engineering and technology industry. [caption id="attachment_113993" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Director of the Lithuanian Engineering and Technology Industry Association (LINPRA) Darius Lasionis[/caption] “This field is important not only for ensuring basic engineering solutions, but also for implementing innovative solutions in our daily operations. If we include the manufacture of motor vehicles, trailers, and semi-trailers, the manufacture of machinery and equipment not classified elsewhere, and the manufacture of other transport equipment in mechanical engineering, we will see that, according to State Data Agency data, in 2025, the total volume of economic activities within the scope of Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry output (excluding VAT and excise tax at current prices) accounted for as much as 28 percent, and in 2024—30 percent. “This demonstrates the strong and stable role of mechanical engineering in Lithuania’s engineering and technology industry,” says D. Lasionis. Today, the competitiveness of the industry is determined not only by internal corporate decisions. The broader international context—supply chains, geopolitical risks, and export destinations—is becoming increasingly significant. “In our daily lives, each of us uses electronic devices, and the demand for them covers an ever-wider spectrum, naturally increasing the need for their components. Supply chain decisions are also being shaped by the trade wars between the U.S. and China and the growing dependence on Chinese components—companies are increasingly concerned about potential supply disruptions, cyber threats, or national security risks. In light of this, we are seeing that Europeans are increasingly inclined to order goods from American or other reliable manufacturers, rather than from Asian countries that may raise security concerns. This is particularly relevant when it comes to dual-use defense-related products,” says D. Lasionis. He notes that another key factor for the engineering and technology industry is international trade. For example, by December 2025, exports from this sector accounted for as much as 23.4% of Lithuania’s total exports. Eighty percent of the engineering industry’s output is exported to European countries, with Germany and the U.S. being the two largest export destinations overall. “That said, we are seeing significant growth in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Central and Eastern European countries. This is not surprising, as Central and Eastern Europe has become a sort of manufacturing hub for Europe. Major Western manufacturers—German and French conglomerates—have relocated or built many factories in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary in recent decades,” he says. Must Create Value In this context, mechanical engineering itself is changing. Assoc. Prof. Kristina Bazienė, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VILNIUS TECH University, says that although mechanical engineering was long considered a classical field, it is now becoming one of the most interdisciplinary and technology-driven areas. “In the past, many relied on physical prototypes, but now computer-aided design and digital simulations dominate. Mechanical engineering is no longer limited to iron and bolts; it is becoming increasingly digital, smart, and closely linked to other fields of technology, and artificial intelligence is increasingly used in modern mechanical solutions, for example, in predicting failures,” she says, describing the breakthrough. According to the vice dean, mechanical engineering has broken free from the confines of the classical design discipline and is becoming the engineering of systems, data, and innovation. Global changes begin with the design and construction of smart factories, where mechanical, IT, and electronic systems operate as a single organism. Sustainability is becoming the cornerstone of design: mechanical solutions are evaluated based on energy efficiency, CO2 reduction, and product lifecycle. [caption id="attachment_113991" align="alignnone" width="574"] Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at VILNIUS TECH University Kristina Bazienė[/caption] The current market needs not just an executor, but a specialist capable of working with increasingly complex technological systems. According to D. Lasionis, businesses are recognizing this shift and responding to it. "Engineers in a company not only design, develop, and manufacture, but also manage technologies. This is particularly relevant in today’s society, where companies seek a competitive advantage not only nationally but also internationally. With this in mind, engineers are increasingly being involved in a company’s long-term strategic processes,” says the interviewee. K. Bazienė says that the competencies of a modern mechanical engineer clearly demonstrate that this field is a combination of technical, digital, business, and social skills. “The VILNIUS TECH study program has adapted very quickly to market needs. Mechanical engineers still need core fundamental competencies, such as mechanics (statics, dynamics), thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, and machine design. However, engineers are increasingly not only doing calculations but also working in teams and making decisions, so they need to understand communication and acquire knowledge of teamwork, leadership, and project management,” she explains. The mechanical engineering program at VILNIUS TECH retains the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, and classical mechanics, but increasingly integrates studies in programming, automation, and digital tools. Professional internships at companies during the program play a particularly important role. “During the program, up to 50 percent of the coursework consists of practical activities: exercises and laboratory work. The mechanical engineering program trains decision-makers, not mere implementers,” emphasizes K. Bazienė. D. Lasionis adds that the value of mechanical engineering today is measured by the ability to increase efficiency and competitiveness. "Competitiveness is determined by labor productivity, raw material costs, and labor costs. We will be more competitive in the market if we can produce a high-quality product at a relatively lower cost by applying innovative and technologically advanced solutions developed by motivated and talented professionals in their field, rather than by other market players,” he says. Partnerships and Internships K. Bazienė notes that during studies, internships and real-world business projects are no longer just an “add-on” but one of the most important parts of the learning process. Without them, mechanical engineering studies would be theoretically strong but insufficient for the market. “In the mechanical engineering program, internships don’t just take place in the summer; they’re spread out throughout the year. During their studies, students conduct lab work, work with real equipment, and perform experiments. They often use the same tools as in industry, such as CAD or simulation software. Both during professional internships and when preparing final projects, industry needs are taken into account: final project topics proposed by companies are selected, and business representatives participate in final project presentations,” explains the vice dean. According to D. Lasionis, the business community also emphasizes the importance of experience and stresses that a diploma alone is not enough today. [caption id="attachment_113995" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Darius Lasionis[/caption] “Business leaders often note that young people tend to believe that a college degree alone guarantees a good salary. However, in the business world, salary depends on one’s competencies, practical skills, and the value one creates. That is why the business community hopes that as many students as possible will gain practical experience and hands-on training,” says the head of LINPRA. K. Bazienė adds that collaboration with the business community during mechanical engineering studies at VILNIUS TECH is not a series of isolated initiatives, but a systematically integrated part of the program. “In many cases, students are already working with companies during their studies and quite often begin their careers before even finishing their studies. VILNIUS TECH actively collaborates with manufacturing and technology companies. Companies are facing a growing need for talent, so they actively seek out students and offer them internships. For example, a significant number of third- and fourth-year students already have work experience. “Today, studying mechanical engineering means not only attending university but also entering the job market early,” she says. The demand for talent is growing D. Lasionis agrees that the market is experiencing a shortage of mechanical engineers—companies are looking for specialists earlier and earlier, as this shortage is already having a direct impact on their expansion plans. “According to data from the Employment Service, demand for mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering technicians, electronics engineers, electrical engineering technicians, and civil engineering technicians was higher in 2025 than in 2024 or 2023. It is clear that employers had a harder time finding engineering staff last year. This is reflected not only in statistics but also in real-world business situations. Company executives often express concern that, due to the shortage of engineers, they frequently have to limit their expansion plans related to automation, robotization, and digitization,” emphasizes D. Lasionis. Nevertheless, there are positive signs—both the number of applicants and the profession’s appeal to the public are growing. “Commissioned by LINPRA, Spinter Research conducted a representative survey of Lithuanian residents and found that in June 2025, 80% of residents agreed that the engineering profession has a promising future. In March 2023, this figure was 8 percentage points lower, at 72%. Thus, graduates in the fields of engineering and technology typically enter the job market motivated, ambitious, and promising,” he states. According to D. Lasionis, good results are also inseparable from consistent policy decisions. “What is needed most is a clear strategy spanning at least ten years that is not dependent on political cycles. The guidelines for the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the Engineering Industry Roadmap, currently under development, should strengthen competencies, promote the adoption of artificial intelligence in industry, increase productivity and competitiveness, and clearly define the future direction of Lithuanian industry,” says the head of LINPRA. Encouraging early interest in engineering contributes to these positive changes. “We are very pleased with the ‘Engineering of the Future’ (AI) program implemented by VILNIUS TECH, which is designed to help students in grades 7–12 at schools offering general education programs to practically develop their innovative abilities, which include creativity, competencies in STEAM subjects, modern technologies, and entrepreneurship,” the interviewee explains. According to D. Lasionis, the sector’s long-term ambition is clear—Lithuania can become an engineering nation, but this will require consistent efforts from all stakeholders. “We believe that by 2030, Lithuania can be an engineering nation. However, the successful achievement of this goal requires the efforts of all of us,” says the interviewee. According to K. Bazienė, mechanical engineering is one of those fields that never loses its relevance. “If you’re considering mechanical engineering, the most important message is very simple but honest: it’s not an easy path, but this profession is one of the most versatile and ‘resilient’ choices for the future,” says the associate dean.

A Purdue University Northwest graduate, Davina Jackson, moved from the American Midwest to Lithuania — and found not only a Master’s degree but also a career, a community, and a more relaxed way of life. Although the decision was a big surprise to her family and moving across the world required determination and planning, she never regretted it. Instead, this big adventure reminded her of her long-held dream of giving back through teaching. Given Davina’s determination, this dream sounds quite real. Breaking the news to the family Most American students do not tell their families every day that they are moving to Lithuania. When Davina prepared to share the news, she made a strategic choice: “The first person I told was my mother, knowing she would take it more calmly than the rest of my family,” the student recalls. “She helped introduce the idea to the rest of my family.”  Davina’s close friends, already familiar with her long-standing curiosity about the country, were far easier to convince. They were excited and supportive. Davina’s curiosity had a very specific origin: a Lithuanian exchange student she had befriended while they were visiting in the US. That friendship sparked an interest, a visit confirmed it, and soon she was researching universities. VILNIUS TECH stood out quickly. “The Information Systems Software Engineering programme’s curriculum matched both my experience and my strengths,” she explains. “It felt like the right fit, both academically and professionally.” The differences in learning and personal life Davina had visited Lithuania twice before making the move, so culture shock was minimal. What she had expected most — the abundance of nature — proved entirely accurate. However, the academic environment held a few surprises. “In the US, my Bachelor’s programme did not include a thesis or defence; assessments were primarily through exams and projects,” she says. “Adjusting to the idea of writing a thesis and publicly defending it was the biggest shift for me.” The second surprise was more welcome: the richness of student life. The Erasmus Student Network — something with no real American equivalent — opened doors to a truly international community. The most enduring lesson from her studies was deeply personal. “The most important lesson has been learning to take care of myself,” she says. “I tend to overwork and occasionally neglect basic needs, such as meals and rest. I’ve learned that maintaining balance and well-being is essential to long-term success.” Balancing studies and an early career Managing a Master’s programme alongside full-time employment is no easy choice. Davina has done exactly that, working as an IT engineer in Voice and Real Time Services at SEB Bank — a role she actively sought on LinkedIn after gaining experience at Western Union. Before taking the job, she ensured she could handle the combined workload. “When I joined SEB, the team was aware of my academic commitments and adjusted my role to part-time,” Davina explains. Her schedule was relentless: work every weekday morning, then an hour’s gap before lectures starting at 16:20 or 18:10, then homework until sleep, then repeat. “It sometimes means missing out on social activities, but I remind myself that this is temporary and will pay off once my studies are complete.” Davina’s day-to-day work centres on managing SEB’s telephony systems — extensions, desk phones, soft phones, and group call queues — while also handling Microsoft-related tasks and broader IT support within an Agile team. The field is evolving quickly. “Cloud solutions, automation, and AI are shaping the future of telephony,” she says. “These areas have become essential for me to understand to stay aligned with the industry’s direction.” She keeps pace through continuous training, technical documentation, and guidance from senior colleagues. What Lithuania gets right Now that Davina has worked in both countries, she sees a striking contrast in workplace culture. “The key difference is work-life balance,” she says. “In the US, maintaining a healthy balance often feels impossible. In Lithuania, mandatory holiday blocks, generous annual leave, and encouraged lunch and break times create a much healthier environment.”  She also notes that diversity and equal opportunities stand out. “I’ve held two roles since moving to Lithuania and have never experienced inequality or prejudice,” Davina says. Technology remains a male-dominated field globally, yet she has observed strong representation of women and professionals from diverse backgrounds. If Davina could give her past self one piece of advice, it would be linguistic: “If I could change one thing, I would have started learning Lithuanian earlier, rather than only beginning after moving.” With her thesis in its final chapter, Davina is already thinking about what comes next. The options she is weighing reflect both ambition and a desire to give back. “I’m interested either in becoming a programmer or advancing within my current field towards an L3 role,” she says. But there is a third path that has never quite left her mind: “I also still have an interest in teaching. As a child, I wanted to become a teacher, but I didn’t pursue it due to concerns about financial stability. If the opportunity arose to teach or assist in a technology-related academic setting, I believe it would be deeply fulfilling.” For any American student tempted to follow her path, Davina’s advice is both clear and encouraging. “I would encourage them to research their decision thoroughly and be certain it’s what they truly want,” Davina says. “Moving across the world requires determination and planning.” If commitment is there, she is happy to discuss public transport, social life, and cultural differences with fellow foreigners navigating life in Lithuania.

Debates regarding immigrants—their numbers and their impact on the labor market and national culture—remain a focal point of discussion across Europe and Lithuania. According to data from the Migration Department, 24,830 foreign nationals have been authorized to arrive for work in Lithuania in 2025, approximately 100 fewer than this year. Crucially, these quotas do not include high-value-added specialists. According to the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, Lithuania currently faces a shortage of specialists across 85 professions, primarily in IT, engineering, robotics, and chemistry. While the most visible face of migration may be food delivery couriers, others, like Ramil Balaghayev from Azerbaijan, arrived specifically because his home country lacked the necessary infrastructure for cybersecurity studies and employment at the time. Today, he marks six years of professional experience in his field. Repaying a Debt to the National Economy Ramil is currently employed at his fifth workplace in Lithuania: the U.S.-based global healthcare solutions company, Cencora. Having received a state scholarship that covered both his tuition and living expenses, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to "repay the debt to the country’s economy." Ramil moved to Lithuania to pursue a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity at VILNIUS TECH, building upon his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Baku. "I wanted to specialize in nanotechnology, network security, and cybersecurity. In 2019, cybersecurity was not yet a prominent field in Azerbaijan, and opportunities for advanced study were limited. I began searching for international universities, with a full scholarship being a primary criterion. This was a challenge, as there was only one state scholarship available for the entire country at that time," Balaghayev recalls. Despite 200 to 300 applicants vying for the spot, Ramil secured the scholarship. Shortly after, he received further confirmation from the Education Exchanges Support Foundation regarding a state grant that ensured both free tuition and a monthly stipend. "I accepted the state’s offer. I had heard positive things about Lithuania from friends and family who had visited the Baltics, but I also conducted my own research. I liked what I found: the country provides quality education, it is safe, and it is experiencing rapid growth in technology and cybersecurity," says the VILNIUS TECH alumnus. "If a Family Is Adopting You, You Must Also Put in the Effort" During his studies, one of Ramil’s professors suggested a summer internship in Rostock, Germany. The Azerbaijani student seized the opportunity to attend a specialized summer school there. "The following year, I completed my studies, which were highly practical, focusing on areas such as intrusion detection. My thesis explored identifying signs of hacking based on system user behavior," Balaghayev explains. After graduating, Ramil began his career as a cybersecurity risk analyst at Baltic Assist. He emphasizes that the knowledge gained at the university allowed for a seamless transition into the workforce, as the professional tasks closely mirrored his academic training. "The bigger challenge was the restriction on full-time work for certain foreign nationals. Companies, even small ones, wanted a security specialist on-site full-time. It took many attempts, but I have never been someone to let setbacks stop me," he says. Today, Ramil serves as a Security Engineer at Cencora. He monitors processes to ensure security protocols are followed and guides colleagues through incident resolution. When asked if he faced skepticism due to his origin, he notes that "initial barriers" and preconceptions typically dissolved once he demonstrated his technical capabilities. "It can feel isolating when Lithuanian colleagues speak their native language around you. However, I never took it personally—people simply forget that someone might not understand them. I took it upon myself to learn the language and passed the official exam," says Balaghayev. "I would compare the process to being adopted by a family—you also have to put in the effort for the relationship to succeed." Support for Language Requirements Ramil fully supports the recent requirement for foreign nationals to pass a Lithuanian language exam. He credits the language courses offered by VILNIUS TECH as being immensely helpful. He has already passed both the Lithuanian language and the Constitution exams. "Some ask why it should be mandatory. But other countries, like Germany, have similar requirements. In supermarkets or on the street, you encounter people of all ages; you cannot expect them to speak English in their own country just because you don't speak Lithuanian," says Ramil, who passed his language exam last year after two months of intensive daily study. "When people consider studying abroad, they often dream of major powers like the US or the UK. They don't realize that smaller countries can offer a comparable level of education and international experience. Regarding opportunities in Lithuania: if you have a solid education, you can achieve anything. The market is not large, but there are many startups and major international companies establishing operations here. I plan to stay for at least several more years," he adds. A Rigorous Selection Process Dovilė Jodenytė, Director of the International Studies Center at VILNIUS TECH, explains that international applicants must navigate a complex selection process. "The admission process for international students is distinct; they apply nearly a year in advance due to the length of the necessary procedures," says Jodenytė. Applicants upload documentation remotely, which is then evaluated by university experts. This includes the formal recognition of foreign qualifications. "Our experts have extensive experience and collaborate with the Center for Quality Assessment in Higher Education (SKVC) when dealing with applications from more remote regions, such as the Comoros. High school certificates are equated to the Lithuanian maturity diploma, and grades are converted into the Lithuanian system to calculate an entry score," Jodenytė explains. Applicants must also submit a recorded interview. This allows the university to assess motivation, experience, and English proficiency, though formal English language certificates are also required. While the highest volume of applications comes from Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, and Nigeria, these candidates do not form the majority of the admitted student body. Currently, VILNIUS TECH hosts a diverse population of students from Ukraine, India, Azerbaijan, Morocco, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Sri Lanka, and Turkey. Students Represent Only 3% of Arrivals Once an applicant clears these hurdles, they must pay for their first year of tuition upfront. Only then does the university coordinate with the Migration Department to facilitate the student's legal entry. "This procedure takes 4–5 months and presents significant challenges. Statistically, international students represent only about 5% of all foreigners arriving to live and work in Lithuania—roughly 4,000 students per year," Jodenytė reveals. She notes that the Migration Department works with other institutions, meaning applications can be rejected by the State Security Department (VSD). Furthermore, the Department maintains a "two-strike" rule: if an applicant makes two errors in their application, they are barred from reapplying for four months. "We lose potential students this way. An 18-year-old often lacks experience in navigating complex foreign bureaucracy," Jodenytė admits. Cultivating Talent for the Global Market Prospective students are most attracted to VILNIUS TECH’s programs in IT, Artificial Intelligence, multimedia, computer design, robotics, mechanics, and civil engineering. Regarding whether these students stay in Lithuania, Jodenytė notes: "While I don't have exact statistics, I would estimate about half choose to stay, while the other half leave. Our goal is for them to remain, as they are high-qualified specialists with local degrees. Often, they move to other European countries where there are more job opportunities. This may be partly due to Lithuanian companies being hesitant to hire foreign nationals for full-time roles. Collectively, we must work to create a more welcoming environment for them."