Laurine Fernandes Dias. From France to Lithuania: Observations on Culture, Safety, and Society
I’m Laurine Fernandes Dias, currently in Vilnius for a 6-month internship at Open Lithuania Foundation. Having spent 4 and a half months here, here are my observations and feelings about Vilnius.
Diversity: Upon arriving in Vilnius, I initially had the impression that the streets were quite homogeneous, with the majority of people being white. I noticed that my friends from France, who also came with the Erasmus+ program and have darker skin tones, often felt stared at and judged. This lack of cultural diversity can limit openness to otherness, and foreigners in Lithuania may feel isolated. I believe this makes the integration process more difficult and creates conditions for racist attitudes. However, it is encouraging to see that the younger generation is more open and sensitive to various issues; they are aware of the situation and strive for change.
Migration: Due to the war in Ukraine, Vilnius has become a safe haven for many Ukrainians fleeing the horrors of war. They receive support and assistance from both institutions and society. However, it is much more difficult for immigrants of other nationalities to settle in Lithuania – they lack the same level of support that Ukrainians receive. Unfortunately, such an unequal approach can deepen the divide between “desired” and other migrant groups, creating conditions for racist attitudes.
Environment: Vilnius, despite being a very green city, seems to have a gap between its natural beauty and people’s overall concern for environmental issues like waste sorting. While France isn’t a perfect example either, I’ve witnessed progress there with growing public awareness. In Lithuania, it feels like there’s a need for more discussions, education, and a stronger focus on climate change and environmental problems. Simple things surprise me, like the lack of recycling bins in some apartments, workplaces, parks, and even marketplaces. I’m curious about the younger generation’s perspective on this, because in France and other countries, young people are very active in tackling environmental challenges.
Security: On the other hand, Vilnius strikes me as an exceptionally safe city. As a woman, I feel comfortable walking around even late at night without fear. Neither I nor my friends have ever encountered harassment on the streets. This sense of security, knowing I don’t have to constantly worry about getting home safely, is truly liberating. Compared to my experiences in France, I haven’t noticed any signs of minor crime in Vilnius.
Respect: During my stay in Lithuania, I’ve noticed a strong sense of respect for institutions and their representatives. This is quite different from my experience in France, where we are known for being a more rebellious population. I believe that trust in institutions is a crucial element of democracy, and France could learn from Lithuania’s example in finding a better balance between respect, trust, and the right to protest.
Cost of Living: While Lithuania doesn’t seem expensive at first glance, it’s important to consider that I’m receiving a French salary. Nevertheless, it’s clear that the COVID-19 crisis and the war in Ukraine have significantly increased the cost of living. Although the minimum wage has increased for some people, inflation caused by the crisis has reduced the real benefit of this increase. Additionally, from what I’ve gathered, there seems to be a significant inequality between different economic sectors.
Geopolitics: The Russian war against Ukraine poses many challenges for Lithuania and all the Baltic states. I admire Lithuania’s determination and active support for Ukraine, despite the risks involved. Being here, I had the unique opportunity to learn more about the history of the Baltic states, which helped me understand their strong determination to preserve their independence. The people’s desire to fight for freedom has left a deep impression on me, and I believe that sharing this experience upon my return to France is crucial. It’s essential that everyone understands the historical context and current situation of the Baltic states and continues to support democratic values to preserve the freedoms we have.
I would describe my experience in Lithuania as an encounter with a different culture that opened up a new perspective. As part of the Glocalisation project, I had the opportunity to discuss various topics, including the issue of the shrinking civic space. I think that the time spent in Lithuania has given me a better understanding of some of the factors influencing this phenomenon. However, I would not agree with the statement that one country is superior to another – each has its own strengths and weaknesses. By recognising weaknesses and learning from them, we can bring about positive change. That is why my time in Lithuania has been a learning experience for me.
