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Lithuania Expat Forum

Lack of activity on this forum

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rikmo

5/3/2015 09:45 EST

It is a bit sad that there is very little activity on this forum, but I understand. Like several Lithuanians have told me, the few foreigners that come here with hopes to live often get disgusted and leave. This is understandable. Lithuania has and still refuses to believe that their native language is an impediment to joining the rest of the world. Instead, they hang their hopes on begging for foreign investments and continue to make the lives of those that come here difficult and sad - just like their own people - one of the suicide kings of the world.
I teach English here, and it is sad to see what the regular Lithuanian schools do in this respect. Of course, as poorly paid and without much respect, they earn far below a normal wage and perform as such - just like the medical services provided ( can be better if you bribe them). All things considered, this small country should make more of an effort to stop begging, lying and cheating like other former Soviet states, and instead, focus on being kind and supportive, which it is does not do now. To Lithuania, I would say, Yeah, you are tiny country of less than 3 million people, but your country is beautiful and has some good resources - so use them or lose them.
And for God's sake - stop demanding that anyone who might want to live here pass language and history exams that the locals could not pass.

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sbdagape

5/5/2015 08:54 EST

Interesting perspective on Lithuania. Actually, the reason I don't post to this forum much is because it is always so negative about Lithuania. I am from America and I love it here. The people in my area have been very warm and welcoming. The young people speak some english and are always receptive and kind to any attempt that I make at speaking Lithuanian. Maybe if the blog could focus on the good experiences that expats can have in this country, it would have more activity. I'm just sayin...

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bigEd

5/18/2015 18:05 EST

I "hear" what you are saying. You have to realize that what you have stated is true about people being 'visitors' to ANY foreign nation. One is ALWAYS more well received when they are TRYING to speak that areas language. It is 'that way' the world over. Stop and think: it might be YOU that is the reason for the cool reception. Like rikmo says, "just sayin" .........

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JRVilnius

5/25/2015 04:18 EST

I will try and provide some positive input. I have generally always had good experiences. My wife is Lithuanian and so I guess I have a slightly different perspective than someone who goes without any local connections. Though I did visit 10 years before even meeting my wife and had a good time then also.

I have noticed a slightly lower than western expectation level of customer service, which I assume is slightly a legacy from the soviet era and probably more to do with the fact that minimum wage there is ridiculously low. Life can be very hard for people in Lithuania on minimum wage. I've never had bad experience myself, but I was once behind an old lady in the queue at the cigarette counter of an Iki supermarket and was appalled at how the young lady behind the till treated the old woman who was struggling to work her chip and pin.

Most of my experiences have been of people, mostly my wife's family, friends and neighbors, who are interested in talking with me and drinking with me, and knowing more about me and England. I've been introduced though on a limited scale so far, to hunting and fishing which are big past times of the Lithuanians. I certainly hope to be writing more about that in the future.

I have only managed to learn a few words so far, but they always seem to pay big dividends for making the effort!

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rammy121

5/30/2015 14:10 EST

Absolutely spot on!!

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rammy121

5/30/2015 14:13 EST

Oops, I meant spot on to what rkimo wrote... I'm using Mobile so not as good as a p.c.

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