The series was launched at the initiative of EHU Rector Dr. Vilius Šadauskas, with the aim of strengthening dialogue between the university community and international diplomatic and cultural institutions in Lithuania.
The event opened with welcoming remarks by the Rector of EHU and the Director of the Institut Français de Lituanie, Pascal Sliwanski.
In his address, Rector Dr. Vilius Šadauskas highlighted the importance of such initiatives for the university:
“Our mission is to provide opportunities and access for students from different countries who come to study here and experience a distinct educational approach. The European Humanities University serves as a gateway to the European philosophical and cultural mindset.
Each country that is a friend of EHU can contribute not only through academic collaboration but also by broadening our students’ understanding of culture, history, and even cuisine. These initiatives create both extracurricular engagement and a softer form of interaction, education, and shared experience.
By learning from one another, exchanging ideas, and enriching each other, we strengthen our community. In doing so, we bring more of Europe to the European Humanities University.”
Pascal Sliwanski, Director of the Institut Français de Lituanie, also noted the symbolic significance of the event and emphasized France’s role as a land of opportunity:
“It is a real pleasure for us to bring a part of France to the university. This is also symbolic, as many Belarusians have immigrated to France and achieved recognition there, such as Marc Chagall, highlighting the strong cultural links between France and Belarus.
France, with its rich cultural opportunities, has long been a guiding star for talents in science, research, and innovation. Speaking French can increase one’s salary by up to 20%.
France is a welcoming country, it’s a place where you can study, live, and build a successful and fulfilling life.”
Titled “France as a Land of Opportunity: Beyond the Clichés,” the event invited participants to move beyond familiar stereotypes and explore France as a space of artistic and academic freedom.
The program featured an interactive journey presenting France as a “doorway to thousands of others,” highlighting unique academic, professional, and practical opportunities that can help shape future career and educational paths.
French Culture Day is part of EHU’s ongoing initiative to foster international cooperation and cultural exchange within the university community.
