{"id":11192,"date":"2025-02-25T15:56:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-25T12:56:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/?p=11192"},"modified":"2025-09-14T00:13:12","modified_gmt":"2025-09-13T21:13:12","slug":"problem-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/easier-said\/problem-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Where can you learn Lithuanian for free and how to pass the exam without an asmens kodas?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"podcastplayer\"><figure class=\"wp-block-audio podcastplayer\"><audio controls src=\"https:\/\/anchor.fm\/s\/1004ea470\/podcast\/play\/98990222\/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2025-1-25%2F395492334-44100-2-5873afeb0c1a9.m4a\" preload=\"none\"><\/audio><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"mks_dropcap_letter\" style=\"font-size: 72px; color: #dd3c7a; \">I<\/span>n this episode, we talk about the Lithuanian language. How can someone take the official Lithuanian language exam? What types of exams exist, and how can you register if you don\u2019t have a personal code (asmens kodas), as in the case of asylum seekers?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll also share a personal story about how the Level I exam is taken in Vilnius. Where can you get financial support from the Employment Service to study Lithuanian? Our guest explains. Plus, we bring updates on new benefits available for asylum seekers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#f4f4f4\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Episode contents:<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"00\" data-seconds=\"00\">00:00<\/a><span>Introduction<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"01\" data-seconds=\"15\">01:15<\/a><span>What\u2019s the situation with asylum seekers\u2019 benefits?<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"02\" data-seconds=\"27\">02:27<\/a><span>Types of exams and how to register<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"08\" data-seconds=\"50\">08:50<\/a><span>What is the exam process like?<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"13\" data-seconds=\"30\">13:30<\/a><span>Where can you learn Lithuanian for free? Guest\u2019s story<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"13\" data-seconds=\"48\">13:48<\/a><span>Why integration courses alone might not be enough<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"15\" data-seconds=\"28\">15:28<\/a><span>What does the Employment Service have to do with these courses?<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"19\" data-seconds=\"33\">19:33<\/a><span>How Slava found out about these courses<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"22\" data-seconds=\"53\">22:53<\/a><span>What to pay attention to when choosing a course<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"25\" data-seconds=\"30\">25:30<\/a><span>What needs to be done?<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"29\" data-seconds=\"06\">29:06<\/a><span>Are any specific documents required?<\/span><\/span>\n\n\n\n<span class=\"meks-ap-timestamp\" class=\"wp-block-meks-audio-player-timestamp\"><a href=\"javascript:void(0)\" class=\"meks-jump-player\" data-minutes=\"32\" data-seconds=\"41\">32:41<\/a><span>Advice for those who want to learn Lithuanian<\/span><\/span>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Before diving into the main topic, we want to share how things turned out with the benefits for asylum seekers that we talked about in the first episode of the podcast. Many people followed our advice and were able to receive their first payments this month. <a href=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/easier-said\/problem-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Last time<\/a>, we mainly talked about food support and only briefly mentioned the cash allowance, which amounts to 10% of the VRP. We\u2019re including both application templates so that, if you haven\u2019t applied for these benefits yet, you can do so after listening to this episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Download link for <strong>the 10% VRP cash allowance<\/strong> application template: available in both <a href=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/docs\/templates\/PC-Pasalpa-pinigu.docx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">docx format<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/docs\/templates\/PC-Pasalpa-pinigu.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">pdf format<\/a>. If you don\u2019t have software to open these files, <a href=\"https:\/\/view.officeapps.live.com\/op\/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fbelarus.fm%2Fdocs%2Ftemplates%2FPC-Pasalpa-pinigu.docx&amp;wdOrigin=BROWSELINK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">click here<\/a> (the form will open in your browser). The food benefit form is available <a href=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/easier-said\/problem-1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">in the first episode<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Benefits are paid between the 15th and 20th of each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We also want to clarify something regarding the documents we mentioned earlier. Based on feedback we\u2019ve received, sometimes the decision to accept an asylum application and the permission to live in a chosen location are combined into a single document. So, your situation might be slightly different. In any case, the most important thing is that your documents prove two things: that you are an asylum seeker and that you live independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s move on to the main topic of today\u2019s episode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Employment, education, obtaining permanent residency or citizenship \u2014 all of these and more may require a certificate confirming you\u2019ve passed the official Lithuanian language exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three types of exams:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>State Language Exam<\/strong> (equivalent to A2)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Category Exam<\/strong> (Category I, II, III <em>[equivalent to A2, B1, B2 respectively]<\/em>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Language Level Exam<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>It is important to choose the correct exam type depending on the purpose of obtaining the certificate. While the types may be equivalent in pairs, they are not interchangeable. For example, to apply for permanent residence or citizenship, either the State Language Exam or Category I Exam is acceptable \u2014 but simply having an A2 level certificate is not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>There are two ways to register:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Via MIGRIS<\/strong> \u2014 registration is open for the entire year, but requires a personal code (asmens kodas).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Via Eksternams N\u0160A<\/strong> \u2013 registration opens two weeks before the exam and is suitable for asylum seekers (you will need a valid identity document \u2014 an asylum seeker\u2019s card is accepted).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>To register, visit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/eksternams.nsa.smm.lt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/eksternams.nsa.smm.lt\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The exam schedule is published on the N\u0160A website:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Category Exams: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsa.smm.lt\/egzaminai-ir-pasiekimu-patikrinimai\/valstybines-kalbos-egzaminas\/valstybines-kalbos-mokejimo-egzaminas\/tvarkarastis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.nsa.smm.lt\/egzaminai-ir-pasiekimu-patikrinimai\/valstybines-kalbos-egzaminas\/valstybines-kalbos-mokejimo-egzaminas\/tvarkarastis\/<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Level Exams: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nsa.smm.lt\/egzaminai-ir-pasiekimu-patikrinimai\/valstybines-kalbos-egzaminas\/lietuviu-kalbos-mokejimo-lygiu-nustatymas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/www.nsa.smm.lt\/egzaminai-ir-pasiekimu-patikrinimai\/valstybines-kalbos-egzaminas\/lietuviu-kalbos-mokejimo-lygiu-nustatymas\/<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Exam fees are regulated by the Minister of Education&#8217;s order V-234 (Article 26).<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"625\" height=\"312\" src=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-1.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9785\" srcset=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-1.webp 625w, https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-1-300x150.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 625px) 100vw, 625px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Continuing the topic of the Lithuanian language, we now discuss different ways to study it.<\/strong> Our guest, Slava, a refugee from Belarus, shared his experience attending language courses through the Employment Service. He noted that the basic integration course, which most refugees attend, only provides initial knowledge, and without practice, the language is quickly forgotten. The second course turned out to be much more effective: more frequent lessons, a sense of discipline, a live classroom atmosphere, and active language use proved to be far more beneficial.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What should you keep in mind when choosing courses?<\/strong> It&#8217;s important to carefully review the program details: how many actual hours are dedicated to language learning, whether the format is online or in-person, and what language is used for instruction. The Employment Service only connects you to accredited learning centers, and the quality of instruction depends on the teacher. Remember that you\u2019re only eligible for repeat training once per year, so it\u2019s important to be cautious and ask all necessary questions in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Where to find a program?<\/strong> Here is the link to the portal where you can search for suitable courses: <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.uzt.lt\/LDBPortal\/Pages\/TrainingCourses\/TrainingCourseList.aspx?branch=NotFormalTrainingCourses&amp;lang=lt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/portal.uzt.lt\/LDBPortal\/Pages\/TrainingCourses\/TrainingCourseList.aspx?branch=NotFormalTrainingCourses&amp;lang=lt<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>In the newly opened window, enter &#8220;lietuvi\u0173 kalba&#8221; in the field labeled \u201cPaie\u0161ka pagal pavadinim\u0105 arba pavadinimo fragment\u0105\u201d (Search by title or fragment) and click \u201cIe\u0161koti\u201d (Search).<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"738\" height=\"381\" src=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-2.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-9792\" srcset=\"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-2.webp 738w, https:\/\/belarus.fm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ETS-add-1-3-2-300x155.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 738px) 100vw, 738px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>How is language training financed?<\/strong> Once the Employment Service signs a contract with you, you will receive a voucher, which must be presented to the language school where you will study. This means you won\u2019t have to pay for the courses yourself. The program is specifically designed to facilitate the integration of foreigners in Lithuania.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Employment Service website (U\u017eimtumo tarnyba):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/uzt.lt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/uzt.lt\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator aligncenter has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to be a guest on the Easier Said podcast as a guest or have a question, we invite you to anonymously fill out a feedback form: <a href=\"https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/R6zVM97JfP\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">https:\/\/forms.office.com\/r\/R6zVM97JfP<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you would like to participate in the recording, it is possible for those who are in Vilnius, because we record the podcast here. If you are not from Vilnius but want to share your story, we can tell it in the podcast instead of you. In this case, select \u201cHave a question\/suggestion or want to share information\u201d in the second question of the form and tell your story in as much detail as possible, so that it helps other refugees or asylum seekers who have faced a similar problem and have not yet solved it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to contact us but are afraid to use comments, you can send us an e-mail. After that it will be enough to delete your letter from the \u201cSent\u201d folder.<br>Our e-mail address is: <a href=\"mailto:help@belarus.fm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">help@belarus.fm<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We\u2019ll also share a personal story about how the Level I exam is taken in Vilnius. Where can you get financial support from the Employment Service to study Lithuanian? Our guest explains. Plus, we bring updates on new benefits available for asylum seekers. Episode contents: Before diving into the main topic, we want to share [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":9772,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[386],"tags":[352],"class_list":["post-11192","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-easier-said","tag-audio-in-russian"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11192","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11192"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11192\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11192"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11192"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/belarus.fm\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11192"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}