SMK University of Applied Social Sciences
Handbook
for International Students
2016/2017
1
Dear International Student,
SMK is an educational institution, where significance is put on a human – one’s individual talent, potential, and
intelligence that must be disclosed, developed and valued. Therefore we welcome every individual from all
world to come, study and develop themselves here, in SMK together with us.
We aim to be the leading academic institution, where education and career building, as well as research, flourish together with the third academic mission – creation of economic and social value for the region and the
country.
We strive to do everything what is worth for students, community and society. We act with a creative ambition
and youthful spirit. We wish to create, educate and spread ideas. We want to change the world in a better
way. With your help and engagement.
Nothing more gives a sense to our presence as the capacity to renew, and welcome each day realizing the
principles of the world’s development, improving daily and putting efforts to excess our potential. To learn from
the past, to discover from our experience, to invent and develop – these are the routes to walk our Way and
make a Change.
While implementing this mission we keep moving day-to-day responsibly and persistently, creating an advanced, open and progressively developing higher education institution – valued by students, recognized by
businesses and acknowledged by society.
Gabija Skucaite
SMK President
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ABOUT LITHUANIA
Area: 65,300 km2.
Location: Lithuania is a state on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.
Neighbouring states: Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and Russia.
Climate: between maritime and continental. Average temperature in July is 23°C, and average temperature
in January is -4.9°C
Landscape: Lithuania is a flat country, lowland plains make up 75% of its territory
Language: the official language of the Republic of Lithuania is the Lithuanian language
Population: 3,394,000
Capital: Vilnius
Largest cities according to the population: Vilnius (553,200), Kaunas (373,700), Klaipėda (191,600), Šiauliai
(132,700), Panevėžys (118,800).
Ethnic composition: Lithuanians: 83.5%, Poles: 6.7%, Russians: 6.3%, Belorussians: 1.2%, other: 2.3%.
There are 115 ethnicities in total in Lithuania.
Religion: Roman Catholic Church. There are also communities of Eastern Orthodox Church, Evangelical Lutheran Church, Evangelical Reformation Church, Old Believers, Judaism, Islam, and others.
Life expectancy: average life expectancy for Lithuanians: 71 years; men: 66, women: 77.
Currency: Euro.
Independence:
· declared: 16 February 1918
· restored: 11 March 1990
COAT OF ARMS AND FLAG
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PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
January 1 – New Year’s Day
February 16 – Day of Reestablishment of the State of Lithuania (1918)
March 11 – Day of Restitution of Independence of Lithuania (from the Soviet Union, 1990)
Easter – First Sunday and Monday of spring with full moon
May 1 – International Labor Day
June 24 – St John‘s Feast (Midsummer)
July 6 – Statehood Day (Coronation of Mindaugas)
August 15 – Assumption Day (Žolinė)
November 1 – All Saints’ Day
December 25 and 26 – Christmas
LITHUANIA IN THE WORLD
Lithuania joined NATO 29 March 2004, and on 1 May 2004 it became a member state of the EU.
LITHUANIAN LANGUAGE
About half of the world’s population speak languages that originate from an original Proto-Indo-European
language, including English, Spanish, French, German and many others. Most scientists agree that in its phonetics and morphology Lithuanian is the only living language closest to the Proto-Indo-European language. So
while in Lithuania you have a chance to listen to what you distant ancestors could have spoken like.
Greetings
Hello
Hi
Good morning
Good evening
Good night
Goodbye See you!
Laba diena
Labas
Labas rytas
Labas vakaras
Labanakt
Viso gero
Iki!
VILNIUS OLD TOWN
From the tower of Gediminas Castle visitors are presented with breathtaking views of the baroque Vilnius Old
Town. The abundance of churches is particularly eye-catching: it is often said that regardless of where in the
Old Town you are, you are always next to a church. From the gothic masterpiece of St. Anne’s to the baroque
splendor of different Peter and Paul, the architectural variety demonstrates the rich heritage of the city, drawing
from influences of cultures.
TRAKAI CASTLE
A small town surrounded by lakes, Trakai, once the capital of Lithuania, is proud of its rich history. It’s beautifully restored medieval red brick castle on an island in the lake, the residence of Lithuanian dukes, looks as if
it could only exist in fairytales. Medieval buffs will surely spend some quality time exploring the castle and its
surroundings. This popular tourist destination also offers a chance to acquire Lithuanian souvenirs.
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THE CURONIAN SPIT
The Curonian Spit is a long and thin peninsula, separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Covered
in sand, it has been preserved due to human effort to counter the natural erosion process by deforestation.
The landscape of the Curonian Spit, an entry in the UNESCO heritage list, is dominated by picturesque sand
dunes and pine tree forests. The beaches here are exceptionally clean. Resort towns on the Curonian Spit
manage to preserve their old fishing village charm. This is a splendid place for a tranquil seaside family repose.
LITHUANIAN SONG FESTIVAL
Folk song has always served Lithuania as means of asserting its national identity, a unique expression of
national culture that at certain points gained political significance. Thus the traditional folk song and dance
festival, started more than a hundred years ago and taking place every four years, is often seen as the central
event of Lithuanian cultural life, attracting many people from within the country as well as abroad. This event
is on the UNESCO list of Oral and Intangible Heritage.
BASKETBALL
Basketball has made its appearance in Lithuania in the twenties and has since become the dominating national sport. It became especially popular after Lithuania won the European championships of 1937 and 1939.
A purpose-built basketball arena that hosted the 1939 championship still stands in Kaunas. In the Soviet
era successes of Lithuanian teams on basketball courts have become a kind of a symbol of resistance. The
continual popularity of the game is witnessed by the fact that Lithuania is still a major source of European
basketball talent, represented internationally by players in top leagues, including NBA.
TIME ZONE
Lithuania is in the Eastern European time zone (GMT+2).On the last Sunday of March, when the countries of
the Central European time zones spring forward one hour, and on the last Sunday of October, when Central
European countries spring back one hour, Lithuania changes time too.
SMK – IT’S US!
IT IS SO GOOD TO BE TOGETHER: REJOICE, LEARN, IMPROVE, SHARE, GROW, LOVE,
TRAVEL, DISCOVER, HELP…
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ABOUT SMK UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
The SMK University of Applied Social Sciences has been growing constantly: the number of offered study programmes, as well as the number of students and employees has increased, branch offices were opened with
a new building in Vilnius, there are structural divisions responsible for research activities, international relations
and development of project activities were established.
The SMK is one of the biggest private colleges in Lithuania today. It takes leading positions in the national
higher school ratings. SMK receives a large number of new students every year and is one of the most popular
private higher education institutions in the country.
SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is an active participant in the public and economic life of the
country. It has implemented over 100 different national and international projects that contributed a lot to the
regional and national scientific, cultural and social development. Compared with other colleges, SMK has implemented the biggest number of European Social Fund projects in Lithuania.
SMK has 5 departments (Business and Management, Finance, Law, Communication and Information Technology,) uniting 144 lecturers for the development of high quality study programmes and applied research
activities, as well as for the implementation of the provisions of lifelong learning programme.
The Central Campus of SMK is located in Klaipėda. SMK University also has a branch office in
Vilnius, which has been operating from 1999.
The key aim of the Integrated Development Strategy is to prepare SMK development vision until 2020, covering the aspects of the study reform, the development of lifelong learning, increase of internationality, sciencebusiness synergy issues, the development of applied research activities, creation of social partnership and
striving for recognized quality.
Integrated Development Strategy is a long-term strategic planning document covering a ten-year perspective.
This strategy is specified in more detail in strategic activity plans that are prepared for a period of five years.
Students of SMK University of Applied Social Sciences can study full time (duration of studies – 3 years), and
part time (duration of studies – 4 years). Secondary school graduates are eligible to enter
the University. 180 credits make the study programme. The University graduates are granted diplomas of
higher education.
OUR VISION:
Unique, Modern and Creative higher school inspiring for new ideas, meaningful discoveries and constant
improvement.
OUR MISSION:
to open and provide lifelong learning opportunities to people, to foster their intellectual and creative powers,
to promote self-education, to prepare for a successful professional career and responsible, honest and social
way of life.
This mission requires us to serve the society by providing it with smart human capital that is able to generate new knowledge and innovations, understands responsible obligation to contribute to the creation of advanced, sustainable and safe future of Europe.
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THE AIMS OF SMK ACTIVITIES:
. to conduct studies providing persons with higher college type education and higher education qualification
that meet the needs of the state, society and economy of Lithuania and are consistent with the latest technologies and professional artistic level;
. to develop students’ ability to adapt to the changing social and economical conditions quickly, to develop
communication, entrepreneurial and other general skills necessary for work;
. to develop opportunities for lifelong learning through application of flexible teaching forms and methods;
. to develop applied research necessary for the country and the region, to provide consultations to local
authorities and economic entities;
. to contribute to the development of the society that is open to education and culture, that is able to work in
the conditions of rapid technological change and that is ready to integrate into Lithuanian and international
community.
. SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is a private higher school operating from 1994. Established on
the private initiative as Nijolė Skučienė Language and Business Management College, it became a higher
college type school in 2000.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS DEPARTMENT
The office of International Relations has two locations, with an office residing on the Central Campus Klaipeda
and the other at Vilnius (Capital City) Branch. We are here to serve your needs, and you should feel free to
contact us at any time during your study.
Vilnius Campus
Klaipeda Campus
Marius Zalieckas
Head of International Relations Department
Eimante Sakaline
Project coordinator
(ERASMUS outgoing students/
lectures Coordinator)
Nemuno str. 2, Klaipeda, LT-91199, Lithuania
Telephone: +370 46 397385; Fax: +370 46 397384
E-mail: [email protected]
Kalvariju str. 137E, Room 102 LT-08240, Lithuania
Telephone: +370 5 2043244; Fax: +370 5 243312
E-mail: [email protected]
Toye Samson
Manager of International Studies
Kalvariju str. 137E, Room 102 Vilnius, LT-08240, Lithuania
Telephone: +370 5 2043244; Fax:+370 5 23312
E-mail: [email protected]
Diana Garlytska
Lecturer and Researcher
Head of International Business Joint-Degree
Kalvariju str. 137E, room 102 LT-08240 Vilnius
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +370 5 2043255
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Reda Mikalauskaite
General manager for Strategic Development
(ERASMUS incoming students/
lectures Coordinator)
Nemuno str. 2, Klaipeda, LT-91199, Lithuania
Telephone: +370 46 397385; Fax: +370 46 397384
E-mail: [email protected]
CAMPUS AND FACILITIES
SMK has just recently opened a brand new state of the art study facilities. With lots of open spaces, modern
and non-traditional classrooms, SMK is a place to think and to learn in a new way. With over 8700 square
meters of space the new building is designed to feel comfortable and cozy.
·
Impressive architecture
·
Modern design
·
The most advanced technological solutions
·
Contemporary auditoriums
THE NEW SMK BUILDING IN VILNIUS UNDOUBTEDLY THE MOST MODERN
STUDY BASE IN LITHUANIA!
·Open spaces for student social communication
and independent learning
·Café
·Library
·Dance study
·
Relaxation spaces
Life at SMK is busy – in a good way. SMK students are curious and engaged; active involvement outside the
auditorium is central to SMK’s culture. A huge variety of student organizations, activities and events, athletics,
exhibitions and performances, and educational opportunities keep campus lively. Each day brings new experiences that allow students to engage their passions.
With students joining us from all over the world, your experience at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences
will be an international one! To help students settle in and make the most of both their studies and leisure time,
we offer an orientation programme on arrival and numerous social events throughout the whole year.
CAREER SUPPORT
Since 2009 the SMK Career Centre and the International Relations Department have been presenting joint
information support for students about studies, work and internship possibilities abroad, in order to help them
prepare for life and work in the global world.
SMK Career Centre provides information about career planning, job opportunities and search ways. Also there
are conditions for individual consultations regarding CV and motivational letter writing or preparation for a job/
internship interview.
EMPLOYMENT AND WORK PERMIT FOR FULL TIME STUDENT
Getting an employment is Lithuania is easy once the student is able to speak basic Lithuanian language.
Bachelor’s degree students are allowed to work only from the second year of studies while master’s degree
students – from the first year of studies.
How do I get work placement?
Through job hunting
Search available job vacancies
IMORTANT: Student should have Temporary Residence Permit with the right to work. For TRP details student
should the International Relations Office (Room 102). Student have also note that you are not allowed to work
more than 20 hours per week.
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Required documents to be submitted include to the Local Labor Exchange:
A writing application for a work permit
A copy of your temporary residence permit in the Republic of Lithuania
Confirmation letter from the university that you are a student, issued by international studies office
A work contract or a written confirmation for a job offer by the employer specifying the employment start date,
the salary and working hours.
How long does it take to process work permit?
Decision is taken in 14 days after the application documents is accepted by the Labor Exchange Office.
What is the next step after favorable decision from the Labor Exchange Office?
Student will be awarded work permit for one year if the student do not change the place of work with possible
extension.
CAREER DAYS
SMK organizes career days, meetings with employers, open lectures for pupils, during which they may actually
watch how are the lectures of interest being held, to communicate with employers, to receive the necessary
answers.
ACCOMMODATION
SMK offers several assistance in getting accommodation, the student may choose to stay in SMK dormitory
which cost 100 euro per month (however the number of places available are limited, therefore priority is given
for incoming full time students), and for student who are willing to live in an apartment, SMK offer assistance
through SMK mentors and estate agents in getting an apartment which cost average 200 euro/month. The
hostel listed below also offer long-term accommodation for Erasmus students.
Green Hotel – www.greenhotel.lt/
Single room – 594 euro/month
Double – 297 euro/month
For reservation call +370 5 2500695 or send an e-mail: [email protected]
Filaret Hostel – www.filaretaihostel.com/about-us/?lang=en
Room for 2 people – 300 euro/month
Room for 4 people – 580 euro/month
For reservation call +370 521 54627 or send an e-mail: [email protected]
Corner Hotel – www.cornerhotel.lt
Single room – 420 euro/ month
Double room – 270 euro/month
For reservation call +370 5 2102361 or send an e-mail: [email protected]
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STUDENT SUPPORT
SMK priority is to make students feel good. Considering that our students come from practically all of the
continents in the world, it is a priority to insure a comfortable and safe environment and support system. The
minute a new student inquiries about the studies at SMK, he or she will be provided with a personal admissions counsellor, who will timely provide all necessary assistance in applying, arriving and living in Lithuania
and SMK. All students have academic counsellors, who help to solve their academic issues that might arise.
MENTORS
It is our aim and continuous commitment to facilitate excellent education experience for our international students. It is International Relations Office Team as well as Mentors’ Team that pro-vide to SMK International
students timely support in all matters (e.g. accommodation, academic advising, internship placement search
etc.). Our friendly Mentors’ Team is formed from active Lithuanian students, who act a role of “Local Friends”
to foreign students, dedicating their free time to everyday life issues of International students and helping them
to go through the possible cultural shocks smoothly.
ORIENTATION WEEK
Every start of the semester we welcome new students from various parts of the world. In order to make their
transition easy and fun we organize an Orientation week full of fun and interesting activities, which makes new
comers feel like at home, meet new friends, get to know SMK better and of course be safer in the city. Orientation is a very important aspect of beginning studies here, especially for students who are coming from very
far and are not familiar at all with the local culture.
TEMPORARY RESIDENCE PERMIT
TRP (temporary residence permission) - is document that allows you to stay in Republic of Lithuania for period
of time that will be specified in document.
TRP is given to people that are not European Union member citizens. Usually this document allow to live in
Lithuania for one year, but sometimes it’s given for shorter period of time.
If you‘re staying in Lithuania for more than one year, two months before ending of your permission, you have
to submit your documents once again.
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STUDY STRUCTURE
The full academic year normally comprises 30 weeks of instruction and is divided into two approximately equal
15-week periods.
The Fall/First semester starts from 5th of September to 27th of January while Spring/Second semester starts
from 6th of February to 27th of June.
ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Academic year at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences begins on the 1st of September and consists of
two semesters: Fall and spring. Each semester ends by the examination session.
A
B
C
D
E
Fall semester
2016 09 05 – 2017 01 27
Christmas holiday
2016 12 23 – 2017 01 03
Examinations
2017 01 09 – 2017 01 31
Spring semester
2017 02 06 – 2017 06 27
Easter holiday
2017 04 21 – 2017 04 25
Examinations
2017 05 26 – 2017 06 27
Summer holiday
2017 07 01 – 2017 08 31
10% of those who have the highest results
25% of those who have lower results
30% of those who have lower results
25% of those who have lower results
10% of those who have lower results
Grades which are acquired during student exchange programmes shall be converted into national grades.
Calculations shall be based on the nominal distribution of grades.
If the transcript of records does not give a nominal distribution of grades, a ten-point grading system used to
evaluate knowledge, abilities and skills at SMK University of Applied Social Sciences Undergraduate studies
shall be referred to, as follows:
Required
knowledge, %
Grade
Definition
ECTS
Equivalent
95–100
10
Excellent
A
85–94
9
Very good
B
75–84
8
Good
C
65–74
7
Highly satisfactory
D
55–64
6
Satisfactory
E
50–54
5
Sufficient
E
40–49
4
Insufficient
FX
30–39
3
Insufficient
F
20–29
2
Insufficient
F
0–19
1
Insufficient
F
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Pass/fail system
PASS
FAIL
GENERAL REGISTRATION PROCEDURES
Student enrolment into the first year of study is organized according to the Admission Rules prepared by the
University and approved by the director of University. Individuals with completed secondary education are accepted to sequential studies by a competition. There is no age restriction for the applicants. The admission
order and conditions are approved by the University Director. The University Director signs an agreement with
a student for the whole duration of the studies.
The agreements state the main study conditions at the University and obligations for both parties. Admission
to the first year of studies is validated by the order of the University Director on the bases of the minutes of the
Enrolment Committee sittings.
Studies at the University are paid. The order of payment is stipulated in the study agreement. In case of the
change of economic conditions the study fee can be adjusted.
ECTS CREDIT ALLOCATION
ECTS credits are a numerical value (between 1 and 60) allocated to course units to describe the student
workload required to complete them. They reflect the quantity of work each course unit requires in relation to
the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of academic study at the institution that is, lectures,
practical work, seminars, tutorials, fieldwork, private study - in the library or at home - and examinations or
other assessment activities. ECTS is thus based on a full student workload and is not limited to contact hours
only.
In the ECTS, 60 credits represent the workload of an academic year of study and normally 30 credits for a
semester and 20 credits for a term. One SMK University of Applied Social Sciences national credit (one week
– 40 hours of work) is equal to 1.5 ECTS credit.
ECTS credits is allocated to all the courses available – compulsory or elective courses. Credits is also allocated
to project work, thesis, and practical placements where these are a normal part of the study programme.
Credits are awarded only when the course has been completed and all required examinations have been successfully taken.
The ECTS applies for both incoming and outgoing students. ECTS grading scale:
Result of the assessment:
pass/fail
PASS
FAIL
Local grade
Approximate equivalent in
ECTS
10 – Excellent
A
9 – Very good
B
8 – Good
B or C
7 – Highly satisfactory
C or D
6 – Satisfactory
D
5 – Sufficient
E
4 – Insufficient
F-FX
3 – Highly insufficient
2 – Poor
1 – Very poor
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TRANSFERRING OF THE CREDITS
The SMK credits are fully transferable to any university in the world recognizing university studies within the
European Union. Each exchange student is recommended to check with their university study abroad advisor
prior to arrival how ECTS credits transfer into their national system of credit points.
QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEM
In SMK University of Applied Social Sciences there is a unique Quality Management System developed and
embedded, which follows the provisions of quality assurance of European higher education, state legislation,
international standards, and the needs of SMK itself, as well as its employees and other groups of interest. In
this Quality Management System, quality assurance procedures, activity evaluation, monitoring and improvement methods are established. The embedded SMK Quality Management System includes management of
implemented processes and monitoring, as well as measurement, of balanced scorecards.
The initial SMK Quality Management System consists of:
· The quality policy and quality objectives;
·Quality Manual;
· Procedures describing the processes of Quality Management System;
· Legislation, regulating and defining the initial Quality Management System.
The main goal of SMK University of Applied Social Sciences is to guarantee the level of quality, which certifies the preparation of competent and competitive specialists. It aims for creation of future social capital, as
well as being an acknowledged leader of innovations and education quality in the international area of higher
education.
SMK Subscribed databases and e-books
EBSCO Publishing
Taylor & Francis
EBSCO Publishing is one of the largest databases
used in the world. It offers over 300 topical, full
text, referenced, bibliographic databases access
to its users.
This database gives access to this publisher’s full col-
External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login
lection of full text magazine articles. The list consists
of 1330 of them. It is journals in various scientific fields
(biology, agriculture, food technology, computer science, education, social work, human recourse, litera-
eBooks on EBSCOhost – database containing
over 110 000 full text e-books collection in arts,
business, economics, computer science, education, law, sciences, psychology and many more
scientifically topics as well as fiction literature.
ture and many other topics) Archived from year 1997.
External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login
Business & Economics book collection.
Emerald Management eJournals Collection
External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login
Ebrary
It is perennial e-book database. SMK subscribes to
External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login
Emerald Publishers Scientific journal database:
Management, Business, Law, Political Science,
Biology, Education, History, Literature and many
others
External Access: http://ezproxy.smk.lt:2048/login
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STUDENT CARD (ISIC)
Every International Student has a possibility to get an International Student Identity Card (ISIC).
ISIC Lithuania Team:
.
.
.
.
.
is expanding all the time the network of discounts of ISIC and ITIC;
is implanting new functions of ISIC and ITIC;
is trying to simplify and to improve the delivery of ISIC and ITIC;
is working on accomplishment and realizing of the effective academic and social projects;
is inducing the owners of ISIC to create their personal lifestyle.
Public transport discounts with ISIC for European Union University students available.
As an ISIC holder, you become part of a worldwide community of over 4.5 million students who share a passion for travel, adventure and discovery.
The International Student Identity Card (ISIC) is the only internationally accepted student ID card. With access
to a global network of affordable and specialized student services, the ISIC is your passport to more than
32,000 discounts and benefits in 106 countries worldwide.
ARRIVING
First Things checklist -Before coming:
.Be sure that your travelling document (passport or ID card) is valid.
. Contact your mentor at SMK and inform him/her about your arrival date if you want to be met
in the bus / railway station or in the airport.
. If you have any questions or problems do not hesitate to contact International Office.
After arrival in Lithuania, student must visit the office of International Students and sign the study contract.
If your study period at SMK is more than three months, please make registration in Vilnius Migration Office
and get the confirmation from the Migration Office. To obtain a confirmation you need to provide the following
documents to Vilnius Migration Office: passport or ID card and its copy, valid health insurance, Application
Form, 1 photo, an Official letter from the university, a copy of Director’s order regarding your acceptance for
studies, payment check
GETTING TO & FROM MAJOR AIRPOSTS
The closest airport is Vilnius airport (VNO), which is about 15 km from the SMK University of Applied Social
Sciences. The price for a taxi from the airport to the campus is around 17 EUR. For up-to-date information
on flights, schedules, routes and airlines see www.vilnius-airport.lt/en. The next closest airport is Kaunas
airport, the transportation options from airports is described at www.kaunasair.lt.
TAXI
You must call in advance to order a taxi. You will typically have to wait anywhere between five to thirty minutes
for a taxi pick-up, so it is advisable to plan accordingly. Below is a list of tax services in the area:
1411 (+370 5 231 0310, +370 5 230 0600) 1420 (+370 5 275 7272, +370 5 261 6161)
1366 (+370 5 231 0310, +370 5 230 0600) 1424 (+370 5 275 7272, +370 5 261 6161)
For convenience you can download e-taxi on your android or iPhone. Etaxi allows you to book a taxi without
calling.
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