Lithuania offers junior professionals programme to draw foreign-educated nationals home

The program for young professionals 'Create for Lithuania' was initiated by public establishments 'Investuok Lietuvoje' (Invest in Lithuania) and 'Versli Lietuva' (Enterprise Lithuania).

Participants of the program – Lithuanian citizens who have completed their studies abroad with excellent grades – will be able to work in institutions of their choice for 12 months to apply the know-how they have acquired in practice.

"This is the first program of this type in Lithuania, it provides a real opportunity for capable young people to return to their home country and contribute their knowledge," Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius said in a press release.

In his words, Lithuania has been praised on the international arena for the education and capacities of its people, therefore, it is very important to guarantee that Lithuania's most talented young people return to Lithuania after studying abroad and apply their know-how in the country.

Among institutions that have already joined the program of young professionals are ministries of Economy, Environment, Finance, Culture, Justice, Education and Science, and Foreign Affairs, with confirmation pending from other institutions.

Selection of students to the EU-funded program will be organized for at least three years. During the first program year, the selection panel will shortlist 20 students. However, once the model is tested, the number should be increased to include more public sector institutions and invite graduates of universities and colleges in Lithuania, the government says in the press release.