Tell us a little about yourself; what should the IIRPS VU community know about you?

I am Raigirdas Boruta, a PhD student at IIRPS VU working on my dissertation on China and East-Central European relations. At the same time, I am a China expert at the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, contributing to developing the China research programme and preparing various reviews and commentaries. In short, all my activities revolve around China, which I became interested in ten years ago.  

You did your undergraduate studies at the University of Central Lancashire (UK) and your master’s degree at Sichuan University (China). How did you find your studies, what are your most vivid memories of your studies, and how is studying in Lithuania different?

The beginning of my studies in England was quite difficult, I had to adapt to the English academic environment, and there were many challenges, especially with my northern accent… I really enjoyed my studies at the University of Lancashire, my university was famous for its East Asian Studies programme, which focuses on International Relations, so I’m really glad that life brought me here to study. I learned from renowned experts in their field because I chose to study in China, so the subtleties of language, culture and history were taught by highly experienced Chinese lecturers who had very high standards; for example, from the second academic year onwards, they started to teach part of the subjects only in Chinese. I had a great time studying because I came with great motivation to learn about China. I spent my third year studying in China, and I think that was the turning point that made me realise that I was on the right path.  

I had a strange feeling when I finished my undergraduate studies… I didn’t really feel I could now call myself a China specialist. Although I had a solid grounding in international relations and in “Western thinking” (which was very useful when I studied in China, where I had to get to know the Chinese thinking), I realised that I couldn’t call myself a good professional if I didn’t understand exactly how the Chinese themselves think, how they feel about us and the various issues in international politics. I decided that I had to waste no time and continue my studies in China. It was difficult, but the experience was priceless! I chose a Master’s programme in International Relations taught in Chinese, and it was quite tiring, especially at the beginning when I had to sit in a lecture and listen to a local dialect that I didn’t understand! But it was worth it – now I understand not only standard Chinese but also the Sichuan dialect ?. During my almost five years in China, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in Chinese daily life and culture, but most importantly, I was able to see with my own eyes how China is changing rapidly, both economically and politically.  

It would be difficult to compare how studying in Lithuania differs from studying in China and England, as I have never studied in Lithuania. However, when I started my PhD, I had the opportunity to get to know the academic community at IIRPS, which left a very good impression. I have no doubt at all bachelor’s, and master’s students receive a very high level of education.  

Why did you choose to study for a PhD at IIRPS?

Even before I decided to apply for the PhD studies at IIRPS VU, I was actively interested in the activities of the Institute. In cooperation with the Centre for East European Studies, I got to know several IIRPS lecturers whose activities and experience really impressed me. As I was pursuing a PhD on China, IIRPS  was undoubtedly the best choice for this field of interest. I really have no regrets, and I am enjoying my studies. 

You are working on your dissertation on China’s foreign policy in Central and Eastern Europe. How is the dissertation process going?

With my research, I am trying to grasp the relevant changes that are taking place between China and our region, so I have had to rethink several times since the beginning of my studies; the main object of my research is to better reflect the relevance and originality of the research. The dissertation is a big challenge, but I am moving forward in small steps.  

You are an Associate Fellow of the China Research Programme of the Eastern Europe Studies Centre (EESC). What are your main activities?

I have been working with EESC for two years now. As an associate expert of the China Studies Programme, I have been working on various publications covering not only China but also Taiwan and the Southeast Asia region. I also participate in various events and discussions. At the Eeastern Europe Studies Centre, I contribute to the development of the China Programme, which is moving forward confidently and gradually expanding its geographical research frontiers.   

What do you do outside your studies? What does your leisure time look like?

Outside of my studies, I am involved in the preparation of EESC publications… ? It’s not so easy to balance studies and work, especially in the first year, so there’s not a lot of free time. In my spare time (if I can find the time), I like to build models of historical ships – a very interesting activity that is very calming and allows me to escape from every day worries. I also love travelling, especially in East and South-East Asia. But my travels are not so much like a holiday – I like to be very active and interested in history, local culture and customs, so I usually come back from my travels even more tired, but with lasting impressions and new knowledge, which is really useful for my professional career.