Learning beyond the Classroom

As part of the International Week, a group of students from the full-time Master's program in Sports, Culture & Event Management at University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol traveled to Lithuania in mid-May 2025 for a study trip. In collaboration with Asc. Prof (FH) Mark Romanelli, MBA, professor for Strategic Management and Mag. Annemarie Kapferer, MSC, Lecturer for Marketing, they embarked on a vibrant and educational five-day study trip through Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, and its cultural hub, Kaunas. The trip was designed to blend academic insights with local immersion, offering students the opportunity to explore how sustainability, event culture, sports, and civic engagement shape modern cities. The entire trip was organized by the students themselves - from selecting Lithuania as the destination and reaching out to guest speakers, to coordinating visits and planning side activities.This international experience allowed the students to broaden their perspectives, build new professional connections, and engage with best practices in event and culture management—an unforgettable part of their academic journey.

Events and Sustainability in Lithuania

The visit took them to the cities of Vilnius and Kaunas, where they explored how cultural, sustainable, and sports-focused initiatives are shaping modern Lithuania.

In Vilnius, which has been designated European Green Capital 2025, the group gained insight into sustainable urban development. A visit to the Vilnius City Municipality provided a deeper understanding of the city’s strategies in green innovation and cultural planning. Students also had the chance to meet Ieva Davydenko, the creative mind behind the upcoming Pink Soup Fest – one of the most unique events in the region – and hear from Mantas Marcinkevičius, who shared his experience building trail running events in Lithuania.

The program continued in Kaunas, where the students explored Lithuania’s deep-rooted sports culture and cultural legacy. At the renommed Žalgiris Arena, Kotryna Belevičiūtė gave an insightful tour of the venue, followed by the thrilling experience of watching a BC Žalgiris Kaunas basketball game live – an exciting immersion into the local sports atmosphere. The next day, students had the opportunity to meet Virginija Vitkienė, a leading figure behind Kaunas 2022 – European Capital of Culture, and learn more about the long-term impact of major cultural initiatives on the city’s identity.

Academic Content Meets Group Bonding

The program mixed formal academic input with informal experiences: city walks, group dinners, a scavenger hunt, and discussions during Eurovision week. Moments of confusion (and joy) when getting lost in the city often led to spontaneous bakery stops and new friendships. Even the group’s relationship with Lithuanian potatoes became a running joke and bonding element.

Students returned with fresh perspectives on urban development, sustainable planning, and cultural events. The experience not only enriched their academic knowledge but also strengthened their group dynamic. Future internships, research ideas, and potential collaborations were already discussed on the flight back.

Links: 

• Sports, Culture & Event Management | ft