On European Languages Day, September 26th, a group of KTU international students visited Vinco Kudirkos Progymnasium to give seventh graders a taste of life beyond Lithuania. Mahammad from Azerbaijan (Faculty of Informatics), Imesha and Santhusha from Sri Lanka (Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities), and Mikhail from Georgia (Faculty of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities) introduced the students to their countries’ languages, cultures, and unique traditions.
Mahammad started the session with a presentation on his homeland, Azerbaijan, known as the Land of Fire. The students learned fascinating facts about Baku, a city famous for its strong winds, and Azerbaijan’s ancient connection to fire, which is still reflected in the country’s culture today. After a fun quiz (with prizes!), Mahammad offered the students traditional Azerbaijani tea—black tea served in pear-shaped glasses, a perfect way to warm up a rainy autumn morning.
Next, Imesha and Santhusha took the students on a journey to Sri Lanka, a country that is becoming increasingly popular as a travel destination. They shared stories beyond the usual tourist attractions, giving the students a deeper understanding of the island’s spiritual traditions and stunning wildlife.
Students were introduced to Buddhist customs such as the practice of offering alms to monks. This daily ritual, known as “Dana,” involves families preparing food to give to monks, symbolizing generosity and humility. The children were fascinated by the exotic wildlife and the complexity of the Sinhala and Tamil languages, making Sri Lanka feel even more mysterious and alluring.
Finally, the journey continued to Georgia (Sakartvelo) with Mikhail’s presentation. A natural storyteller, he vividly explained the history of the Georgian language, from its ancient origins to the present day. He brought historical figures like King Pharnavaz to life through maps, images, and illustrations, while teaching the students to pronounce some of the unique letters of the Georgian alphabet. Through his passionate storytelling, the students learned about Georgia’s incredible cultural diversity, its regional differences, and the deep legends that permeate the country’s history.
This visit was more than just an opportunity to learn about other cultures—it was a chance for the KTU students to connect with the local community and practice their presentation skills. The seventh graders were thrilled to hear firsthand stories from such different parts of the world, and the event broadened their perspectives.
We’re incredibly proud of Mahammad, Imesha, Santhusha, and Mikhail for their creativity, charisma, and passion, and we look forward to more opportunities for KTU international students to engage with the local community.
