During the visit, Dr Stureika delivered an intensive eight-hour teaching module in English for students of the Master’s programme Protection of European Cultural Assets. The course introduced contemporary approaches to the protection and interpretation of cultural heritage, including critical heritage studies, heritage politics, cultural memory, community engagement, and international heritage governance. Particular attention was given to post-socialist and Eastern European contexts, supported by case studies from Belarus, Lithuania, and the wider Central and Eastern European region.
Drawing on his academic research and professional experience, Dr Stureika explored the transformation of heritage paradigms—from national and global perspectives to social, participatory, and ecological approaches. The teaching programme combined lectures, seminar discussions, and case-study analysis, allowing students to examine contemporary challenges related to difficult heritage, memory conflicts, nation-building, and the role of organisations such as UNESCO and ICOMOS.
The programme also included meetings with the academic staff and administration of the Master’s programme, during which possibilities for further academic and institutional cooperation were discussed.
As part of the visit, Dr Stureika participated in the international conference A Sense of Place: Interpreting Manorial Culture in Modern Tourism, held in Frankfurt (Oder) and Słubice. The conference provided an additional platform for exchanging research perspectives, developing professional contacts, and discussing contemporary approaches to heritage interpretation and cultural tourism.
The mobility contributed to the professional development of the academic staff member, enriched the learning experience of students at the host institution, and strengthened cooperation between EHU and European University Viadrina. It also created new opportunities for future joint initiatives in heritage research, teaching, cultural policy, and professional practice.