Each year, at the end of November, Kolping University of Applied Sciences hosts the International Student Conference. On the 19 th of November, the fourth conference \u2018Theory and Practice: Student Insights\u2019 was held. It was organized by Kolping University of Applied Sciences and the Baltic Management Development Association (BMDA). This conference brought together young and active people to discuss the challenges of today, to share their scientific achievements and success, to learn from their mistakes and to build on a common future together.<\/p>\n
\u2018Theory and Practice: Student Insights\u2019 is one of the few conferences in which bachelor level students can participate. The conference provides a rear opportunity for these students to show that they have many things to say, and ideas and insights to present.<\/p>\n
Sigrida Taparauskait\u0117, Student of ecotourism program at KUAS said that she participated in the conference because she promised to herself to take an active part in a student life and not to waste the opportunity of learning new things and sharing her experience with others. \u201cSuch events do not bring immediate value but by participating in a conference you develop your personality. It is good that you can choose the things that you like and are interested in. \u2018You can enjoy creative freedom then,\u2019 said Sigrida explaining her decision to make the presentation \u201cFrench Business Culture: a Negotiation Etiquette\u201d together with her peer Karolina Ali\u0161auskait\u0117. \u2018It is true that participation in a conference helps to develop the skills of public speaking. Also, you can meet new people and find out the interests of students from other Lithuanian and foreign higher education institutions. And, of course, you have a great time,\u2019 the student of ecotourism program told us.<\/p>\n
The international academic society has been in discussion recently about the importance of developing key competences of young people. For nearly 200 years in the world and for more than two decades in Lithuania, the members of the International Kolping Society have been developing these competences based on the main social teaching principles of Adolph Kolping. Key competences are important not only in professional activities but in everyday life too. Maturing personality needs understanding and support of the family, and solid foundation of values, i. e. belief, professional knowledge, and determination and will to become an active and responsible citizen.<\/p>\n
\u2018Wisdom is like a forever burning fire, which can trigger many other flames, but it is not reduced and remains powerful enough to heat and radiate,\u2019 said the priest Adolph Kolping. This year bright flames were ignited at the conference by the representatives of Kolping University of Applied Sciences, the General Jonas \u017demaitis Military Academy of Lithuania, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas University of Applied Sciences, Utena University of Applied Sciences, Zemaitija College, Marijampole College, St. Ignatius Loyola College, Vilnius University of Applied Sciences, Lithuanian Maritime Academy, Almaty Management University and LCC International University.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n All the participants were divided into four work groups. Over 40 presentations were delivered at the conference, and 35 research <\/em>papers will be published<\/em> in the conference proceedings.<\/em><\/p>\n