When you arrive in Vilnius from abroad, many questions pop up in your mind: how to fit into the labor market, the study environment, and finally, where to taste the most delicious šaltiborškis and discover places where the pulse of the Vilnius nightlife pulses? There are a lot of unknowns, and the answers are right here: the free mentoring program "BeFriend Vilnius" on the updated platform offers you the help of a knowledgeable Vilnius resident who will show you around the capital and help you with all your concerns.
Volunteers will help foreigners take their first steps in Vilnius
People from abroad often come to Vilnius not only with the most necessary things, but also with several stereotypes, as if the citizens here are as harsh as the country's climate. However, the volunteers of the free mentoring program "BeFriend Vilnius" are ready to warmly welcome the new residents of the capital who have arrived from abroad. Mentors who are well versed in the ins and outs of the city will provide all the necessary information on practical issues, if necessary - they will direct you to the relevant institutions, help you get to know Vilnius and tell you in detail about the local way of life. So all you have to do is register in the program, and the first "hello" will be spoken by a person from Vilnius, willing to help in any way possible.
Indrė Laučienė, head of International House Vilnius, says that BeFriend Vilnius volunteers are Vilnius residents and foreigners living in the capital for a longer period of time. They are ready to devote their time to a new acquaintance and become not only a city guide or mentor, but also a friend to the new resident of the capital. "The format, time and frequency of the meetings are chosen by the program participants themselves. There should be at least two meetings per month lasting at least two hours. In addition, no compensation is promised for this and no benefit is expected from the people being mentored, so "BeFriend Vilnius" volunteers are motivated to create a meaningful connection and provide all the necessary help to a newcomer to the city."
You can specify the desired criteria
In order to establish a beautiful friendship with the people of Vilnius, the "BeFriend Vilnius" program will be most useful, in which people are brought together according to the desired criteria: age, spoken language, hobbies or even profession.
"After the system matches two people - a resident of Vilnius and a newcomer to the city - an email with contact information is sent to them, and volunteers are advised to initiate the first meeting on any suitable day of the week. It is recommended to meet in a public place, for example "International House Vilnius" (Konstitucijos pr. 3). We believe that the updated program, available in English and Russian, will not only create the image of a socially responsible city, but also create many more beautiful urban friendships, as it was possible to do two years ago, when BeFriend Vilnius helped those fleeing the war for Ukrainians enter into a new life. ", says I. Laučienė.
The head of "International House Vilnius" adds that both parties should show initiative, try to be patient and curious when making new acquaintances. "Making friendships in a new country requires mutual engagement, which is important in any relationship. Being proactive means taking the first step and introducing yourself, asking to meet, and showing genuine interest in the other person's culture and experience. Such engagement helps bridge the gap created by unfamiliarity and can lead to meaningful connections. Patience is equally important, as it takes time to build trust and mutual understanding, especially when there is a language barrier or cultural differences. Misunderstandings are likely, so it is very important to look at them calmly and openly. In addition, curiosity allows both parties to appreciate the unique aspects of each other's culture, truly enriching a new friendship.”
