More Than a Summer Abroad: How Bring Together Lithuania Deepened Nedas’ Connection to Lithuania

Bring Together Lithuania
Jun 5
4 min read

For Nedas Matelunas, Lithuania has always been an important part of his life. Born in Panevėžys and raised in Philadelphia, he grew up surrounded by Lithuanian culture through community organizations, folk dancing, and family traditions. Yet participating in Bring Together Lithuania gave him the opportunity to experience the country in a completely new way.

A Program Recommended by Friends

Nedas first learned about Bring Together Lithuania through friends who had previously participated in the program.

Several years before applying, family friend Melanie joined the program and shared her experience with him. Later, while attending the Lithuanian Song and Dance Celebration in Lithuania with his friend Martinas, Nedas had the chance to meet both Melanie and members of the Bring Together Lithuania team.

“We kind of got our foot in the door,” he recalls. “The more I heard about the program, the more interesting it seemed. Then last year I applied and got in.”

Nedas had always felt connected to Lithuania through his community in Philadelphia, but Bring Together Lithuania offered something different - the chance to live in Lithuania, experience its modern culture, and build friendships with other young people who shared similar roots.

Learning the Professional World in Lithuania

During the program, Nedas completed his internship at Alter Domus, an international financial services company headquartered in Luxembourg with offices around the world.

Nedas took a slightly different path from many participants when it came to his internship. Through his mentor, David Blerpas, he learned about the opportunity at Alter Domus and was encouraged to apply.

At Alter Domus, Nedas worked with Lithuanian investment funds and was entrusted with significant responsibilities.

“I was dealing with a lot of money, scheduling, Excel sheets, and tasks that carried real responsibility,” he says. “It was a great experience, and I learned a lot.”

The internship gave him valuable insight into the financial sector provided practical skills and confidence that extended far beyond the classroom.

Memories Above the Lakes of Trakai

Like many participants, the combination of Lithuania’s natural beauty and the friendships formed during the program created memories that continue to stand out long after the summer ended.

“The people were definitely the most important part,” he says. “But if he had to choose one unforgettable experience, it would be the sunrise hot air balloon flight over Trakai. That was phenomenal,” he recalls. “The views were amazing. It was something I had never experienced before.”

Seeing Lithuania Through New Eyes

Although Nedas already felt strongly connected to Lithuania before joining the program, spending ten weeks in the country gave him a deeper understanding of its present and future.

“Before the program, I loved Lithuania, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did that summer,” he says. “It definitely changed my view of the country.”

Today, he sees Lithuania not only as a place connected to his family history, but also as a modern, dynamic country full of opportunities and innovation.

Skills That Continue to Matter

Among the many lessons Nedas took from Bring Together Lithuania, two stand out most clearly: time management and public speaking.

Balancing internship responsibilities with a busy program schedule required him to organize his time carefully and make the most of every free moment.

But perhaps the biggest area of growth came through the numerous opportunities of public speaking.

“I’ve taken public speaking classes in college,” he says, “but they didn’t teach me as much as speaking in front of everybody during Bring Together Lithuania.”

Whether meeting public officials, business leaders, or distinguished guests, participants were regularly encouraged to introduce themselves, share their ideas, and engage in discussions.

Friendships That Continue Beyond the Summer

One of the most lasting impacts of the program has been the friendships. More than a year later, he remains in close contact with fellow participants and members of the Bring Together Lithuania team. The group maintains an active chat, meets for celebrations, and continues to visit one another whenever possible.

“We did New Year’s together, and we're planning trips together,” he says. “We talk every day.”

The experience expanded his network across the global Lithuanian diaspora and created relationships that continue long after the program itself ended.

Why Programs Like Bring Together Lithuania Matter

Growing up in Philadelphia, Nedas was fortunate to have strong access to Lithuanian culture through local organizations, dance groups, and community events. However, he recognizes that many young people in the diaspora do not have those same opportunities.

“There are a lot of people who live far away from Lithuanian communities,” he explains. “They don’t hear the language every day or have access to cultural activities.”

For him, Bring Together Lithuania serves as an important bridge between diaspora youth and their heritage.

“This program helps people reconnect with Lithuania,” he says. “You experience the culture, the food, the people, and the country itself. It helps you understand what Lithuania really is today.”

Advice for Future Participants

For anyone considering applying to Bring Together Lithuania but feeling uncertain, Nedas offers simple advice: step outside your comfort zone.

“It might feel scary if you’re traveling far from home,” he says. “But there’s really nothing that can go wrong. You’re going to meet great people, have great experiences, and learn a lot. The program helps you feel at home, and there are always people there to support you.”

Looking back, Nedas sees Bring Together Lithuania as far more than a summer internship program. It was an opportunity to strengthen his connection to Lithuania, build lifelong friendships, and gain experiences that continue to influence him today - both personally and professionally.