From May 18–22, 2026, in the framework of Erasmus+BIP program Daugavpils University doctoral students of “History and Archaeology” Aija Piļka, Marika Kuciņa and Maksims Vlasovs visited European Humanities University in Vilnius and attended the course “The Historical and Cultural Heritage of Vilnius as a Tool for Shaping the Identity of Central and Eastern Europe”. During the visit several excursions were organized lead by the University professors Siarhej Chareŭski and Stsiapan Zakharkevich.

During the final day of the visit all participants prepared presentations about the Vilnius city (history, literature, toponymics), actualizing the diversity of its inhabitants and their complicated life stories, which make us reassess both the past and the present.

Comments from the participants:

Aija Piļka: “I remember the memorable visit to European Humanities University and beautiful Vilnius with great gratitude and warmth in my heart. It was not only an opportunity to gain new knowledge and professional experience, but a special journey in humanity, friendship and shared growth. Meeting doctoral students from different countries enriched me with new ideas, different views and inspirational conversations. The tours around Vilnius streets made it possible to explore the unique diversity of this city, its culture, history and its special atmosphere. Every moment was filled with sincerity, openness and wonderful emotions. This meeting has become a beautiful memory that will remain in the heart for a long time, and I believe our friendship and collaboration will continue. My special sincere thanks to the professors Siarhej Chareŭski and Stsiapan Zakharkevich, as well as to my dearest travel mates Maija Grizāne, Maksims Vlasovs and Marika Kuciņa”.

Marika Kuciņa: “Vilnius… this was the second Erasmus in my student life, moreover, within one semester. You can say there has been growth from listening to active participation. Several days of tours will remain in vivid memory as a part of the cultural cognition. In the pages of Vilnius’s past, we looked through the history of sacred architecture, which made it possible to understand the diversity of the city’s minorities. The professors of European Humanities University Siarhej Chareŭski and Stsiapan Zakharkevich shared their knowledge on the cultural past of the Old City. Under the guidance of erudite, highly professional, and humorous guides, we walked through countless streets and visited many sacred architectural monuments.

It was valuable to have the opportunity to explore the chosen aspect of the past independently and to present it. My object of research was related to the exploration of the history of the cultural landscape of Vilnius. This experience and opportunity to communicate with colleagues, teachers, and residents of Vilnius has given scope to my future research. A lot stories have been told and heard these days. Vilnius Erasmus BIP will remind me, how you can explore, how you can communicate and collaborate in exploring Europe’s past”.

Maksims Vlasovs: “I value very positive the studies organized within Erasmus by Daugavpils University and the European Humanities University in Vilnius. As a part of an intensive study plan, the cultural and historical life of Vilnius was explored, which is populated both with important historical events and with a wide, dynamic course of life within various religious groups and with a vivid identity of Vilnius city. The most important thing about these training, however, was the experience of acquiring new knowledge by studying the city itself and its identity in a historical context. But even more so, the introduction of new colleagues whose research experience encouraged interdisciplinary cooperation and communication exchanges.”

During the visit IHSS researcher, assistant professor PhD Maija Grizāne met with the colleagues from the European Humanities University and University of Warsaw. We discussed topical issues of modern humanities and methods of organizing cultural studies. We plan to continue our cooperation and to organize the next Erasmus+BIP activities in Warsaw and Daugavpils.

We express gratitude to the Daugavpils University Erasmus coordinator Inese Hodanova for her support.

Additional information:
IHSS researcher, assistant professor Maija Grizāne
maija.grizane@du.lv