From May 12 to 14, students and lecturers of the MPA programme in Educational Management at Mykolas Romeris University (MRU) participated in the ERUA Travelling Seminar hosted by University of Macerata. The three-day seminar focused on educational leadership, governance, inclusion, and university–community partnerships.
The seminar programme was coordinated by MRU lecturers Prof. Dr. Jolanta Urbanovič, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Inga Juknytė-Petreikienė, and Rūta Krasauskienė. Participants had the opportunity not only to explore theoretical aspects of educational policy and management but also to gain first-hand insight into the Italian education system, educational institutions, and practical approaches to inclusion and leadership.
The first day of the seminar participants attended sessions on the Italian education system, professional roles in education, and inclusion policies and practices. One of the highlights of the day was a visit to the TincTec research centre and an immersive learning space showcasing innovative solutions for creating modern and inclusive educational environments.
The programme also included reflection workshops and discussions focusing on educational policy, governance, and leadership in times of change from an international perspective. Participants analysed different national experiences and discussed the importance of partnerships between universities and communities in building sustainable education systems.
The second day explored education through the perspectives of school culture, art, and history. Participants visited the art school “Liceo Cantalamessa” and met with the school’s dean, Sabina Tombesi. Discussions focused on current challenges in Italian education, including early school leaving and the role of schools in helping young people remain engaged in learning.
Another significant part of the programme was a visit to the MUDESC School Museum, where participants reflected on how the history of education helps to better understand present educational processes and more responsibly shape future decisions. The discussions highlighted that schools have always been closely connected to social, historical, and geopolitical developments.
The third day focused on early childhood education and seminar reflection activities. Participants visited the early education institution “Nido d’infanzia Gianburrasca” and met with Marzia Fratini, Early Childhood Education Coordinator of the Municipality of Macerata, as well as teacher Chiara Morresi. The meetings emphasised the role of local governance in creating inclusive and high-quality early education systems and highlighted early childhood education as a long-term investment in social justice, trust, and a person’s relationship with learning.
The seminar concluded with integrative reflection workshops during which students discussed the insights gained throughout the programme and their application to master’s studies and final research projects.
According to Prof. Dr. Jolanta Urbanovič, the experience in Macerata demonstrated that educational progress is not only about modernisation or technology.
“Students repeatedly reflected on the fact that Lithuania often has stronger infrastructure and more technologically advanced educational environments. However, the Italian experience particularly highlighted the importance of relationships, respect for the child, emotional well-being, and the ability to create an educational culture in which a person is not treated merely as part of a system,” she noted.
She also emphasised that such international experiences strengthen not only professional competencies but also foster a strong sense of community among students and lecturers.
