Work and Travel in Lithuania

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN LITHUANIA FOR TRAVELLERS

Lithuania has one of the most intriguing histories in Europe. Once the heart of one of the biggest empires Europe has ever seen, Lithuania is now a regular part of the European backpacking trail. If you want to discover this country, work and travel in Lithuania is a great choice for someone who wants to make the most out of a couple of months.

Our travel guide to Lithuania is going to show you everything you need to know about volunteering in the Baltics.

1. Teach English in Lithuania

Lithuania’s English-speaking proficiency isn’t as high as its Baltic neighbours. The government wants to do something about this, so if you speak English to a fluent level work in Lithuania is available for you right now.

English speaking volunteers don’t need to have a TEFL qualification, although it helps. You just need to be fluent in English and be able to interact with children in a professional yet friendly manner.

This is one of the best ways to connect with local Lithuanians.

2. Work on a Farm in Lithuania

Few tourists visit the Lithuanian countryside. Get out of Vilnius and move into the countryside. Helping farmers with the growing and harvesting seasons is a way of meeting Lithuanians and learning more about the Lithuanian way of life outside of the cities.

Take note that the work can be hard and you’ll be expected to do your part. It could involve working in the homestead of going out into the fields with farmers and toiling away in the fields.

The majority of these projects are not just about the work but a cultural exchange. There’s no better way of learning about Lithuania.

3. Take a Summer Camp in Lithuania

Northern Europe has always considered summer camps to be an important part of growing up. Many children go to summer camps. Volunteers are always needed to help participants maximize their experience throughout the summer.

There are a variety of different types of summer camps you can enjoy. Some of them involve arts and crafts, sports, or language teaching.

These volunteering opportunities in Lithuania typically require you to commit to a week or so of constant volunteering. They typically take place in the countryside and last for between five and ten days.

They’re intense but highly rewarding.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR LITHUANIA

Do you want to travel to Lithuania?

Then you should be aware that Lithuania is a member of the European Union (EU) and the Schengen Zone. The Schengen visa entitles anyone who holds it to spend 90 days in the whole of the zone before they have to leave for 90 days. Afterwards, they can return to the zone again.

UK citizens (until Brexit) and citizens of the European Union (EU) are all part of the free movement zone and so can enter and work in Lithuania for as long as they want without obtaining any form of visa.

North Americans, Japanese, South Koreans, Kiwis, and Australians are entitled to get a visa when they arrive at any port of entry in the Schengen zone. On the other hand, South Africans, Russians, and the Chinese need to apply for a Schengen visa in advance of travel.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN LITHUANIA

SPRING WORK

Spring in Lithuania is a pleasant time to be in the country, as it’s not too hot and not too cold. This is the best time of year to go into the countryside. Farmers always need help at this time of year. It’s the growing season and your chance to engage in a cultural exchange.

There’s also work in forest conservation. Much of the country is covered in forests and work is regularly carried out to regrow much of the forest that was destroyed.

SUMMER JOBS

The summer season is another great time to travel in Lithuania because it’s the main tourist season. You’ll find lots of work in hostels.

The majority of hostels are centred on the capital of Vilnius. Here you’ll be able to work in exchange for free accommodation, and sometimes free food.

The summer season is also a popular time for people who want to teach English to children. This mainly takes place in summer camps, but you can also find work in Vilnius and Kaunas on a private basis.

You rarely need any formal qualifications for this type of work.

AUTUMN

The autumn season in Vilnius is another excellent time for farming. It’s the harvest season and farmers usually need an extra pair of hands. Refer back to the previous sections for more information on these volunteering opportunities in Lithuania.

There’s also the chance to work in schools in autumn. Unlike summer camps, these are typically more long-term positions. They also require some previous experience, such as a TEFL qualification. But for anyone who wants to extend their stay in Lithuania, it’s a fantastic option.

WINTER

The winter season in Lithuania is largely barren of volunteering opportunities. There are some ski resorts across the country, though. You may be able to find this type of work, but you need to have some form of qualification and/or prior experience.

Other than that, this is not the ideal time to work and travel in Lithuania.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN LITHUANIA

Lithuania is a country of contrasts. You should be aware that nationalism is a regular fixture in Lithuania. It’s wise not to mention politics or religion because you don’t know who you’re talking to. Politics in Lithuania represents a nation of extremes. You’ll find as many people who want to see the return of the Soviet Union as those who are from the far right.

People of colour should be aware that there are racist sections of society, especially in the smaller towns and villages.

Other than that, you’ll be welcomed into the country and it’s unlikely that you’ll experience any problems volunteering here. Lithuania is used to receiving visitors from across the world.

Do you want to work and travel in Lithuania this year?