How did you find out about IIRPS VU? And why did you choose to study Politics of global challenges? 

I first found out about IIRPS VU thanks to my barber back in Ireland. She’s Lithuanian and her son had studied at VU. She had immense praise for the university. I told her I was interested in politics, and she strongly recommended me to research IIRPS. Her enthusiasm in recommending IIRPS signaled to me that this was a well-respected, high-quality institute. My interest was piqued, and I began researching online without hesitation. I chose to study Politics of Global Challenges due to the programme’s focus on relevant, concrete issues and the opportunities to develop soft skills within the programme. When I saw that the first semester began with ‘Transformations of the Global Order’ as well as offering a workshop to study teamwork, it was clear this was the programme for me. Lithuania’s unwavering support for Ukraine against the Russian invasion was a major influence on my decision to study the programme. To study at IIRPS, the institute which molded those who provided such an inspiring and pragmatic response amidst great horror when it mattered most, was an absolute no brainer to me.

What do you like the most about your studies at the Institute? 

I deeply enjoy the sense of community I feel within my studies. There is lots of group work which provides plenty of time to not only get to know your peers, but also learn from them. There are so many unique and strong personalities here which have broadened my horizons and helped me to grow as a person already. It’s not just students with strong personalities either. Each lecturer so far has been very memorable and distinct in their teaching. I was a bit apprehensive to approach them at first. I viewed them as the personification of slick, blazered expertise. Thankfully, I soon realised that they are human beings, just like the rest of us, and very personable and helpful ones at that. There is a friendly face everywhere you look. I have no fear of exams or essay deadlines because I know we are all in it together. The community spirit I feel here is invaluable to me and I’m delighted to be a part of it.

You are learning Lithuanian language, how is it going? 

Labai gerai! I’ve really enjoyed being surrounded by the language since coming here, not only for learning, but I also find it very pleasant to my ears. I love listening to groups of Lithuanian students talking casually amongst themselves. I find it more difficult to understand casual vernacular than formal speech due to the prevalence of slang, but it is very rewarding to learn. Watching films helps immensely. I often treat films as a Lithuanian language lesson and focus on reading the subtitles translated from English. I try to incorporate the words I learn into conversations straight away to make them stick in my mind. I am proud that I recently had a long conversation while getting a haircut, despite the flaws in my speech. Currently, my main goal is to become more confident in speaking. The day I speak without worrying about kirčiavimas is the day I shall be happy.

What were the biggest challenges for you while starting your studies here in Lithuania? 

I think the biggest challenge for me starting here was the jump in academic standards from secondary school to university. The texts we study are much denser, with more academic language than I was used to. It’s gotten easier with time, but some challenges still linger. I don’t think this challenge is specific to me being in Lithuania, and that I would have encountered it no matter where I ended up. In fact, I think coming here has made my studies more manageable. I am very happy to be here, so I engage very enthusiastically with my studies. I’ve been lucky to have not encountered too many difficulties here so far. For that I must thank everyone for their kindness and warmth. Long may it continue.

You have a really interesting twitter account that even made its way on Lithuanian national TV; How do you come up with ideas for it and how it is for you to post there in Lithuanian? @SBaravykas 

Honestly, I have no clue how I come up with some of the things I write. I somewhat treat it as a creative writing outlet, but in Lithuanian. Originally it was only for reading Lithuanian to learn vocabulary and putting the words I learned into sentences. It turned out that people were quite endeared by my nonsense. As my Lithuanian improved, it became less of an echo chamber and more of a dialogue with others. Now, it’s both a place for me to enjoy interacting with familiar people, and a dumping ground for any potentially funny thoughts which come to mind. Seeing a tweet of mine on TV could only be described as surreal, especially since it appeared on ‘Labas Rytas, Lietuva.’ I’ve been a big fan for a long time. I used to watch it in bed in Ireland to learn Lithuanian. It feels like things have come full circle in some very bizarre way.

What are your goals in studies and after studies? 

My main goal in studies is to always conduct myself in a manner which I can be proud of. I believe that if I hold myself accountable to this every day, the essays, exams, and presentations will come naturally, and I’ll be someone my peers can rely on. I work to improve myself daily, and I look forward to seeing where that will take me.

Now speaking about post-studies aspirations, I would love to write for a living. I love the process of choosing the right words to convey my desired idea. Research papers, biographies, novels, you name it, I would love to write any kind of text as I find great joy in the process no matter the topic. I’d also be keen on working at the Irish embassy here in Vilnius. I’d delight in building bridges between my two homes.

What would you like to wish the IIRPS VU community? 

I’d like to wish the IIRPS community well in their exams which are rapidly approaching. I wish you not only satisfactory results, but also most importantly good well-being throughout the exam season. I’d also like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a pleasant festive period. Let us all get some well-deserved rest and return refreshed, ready for whatever lies ahead.