International students at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) often encounter significant challenges in integrating into Lithuanian society due to linguistic barriers and cultural unfamiliarity. Although Lithuanian language courses are a mandatory part of the curriculum, these courses often fall short in enabling students to achieve the linguistic proficiency and cultural adaptability necessary for meaningful integration. Previous survey conducted among international students revealed that only part of them felt confident using Lithuanian in everyday situations after completing the course, while majority reported difficulties connecting with the local community due to language-related challenges.

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the Lithuanian language courses offered at KTU, focusing on how active and experiential learning strategies can address these challenges and enhance students' integration experiences. Using a mixed-methods approach, we gathered quantitative data through pre- and post-course surveys measuring language proficiency and integration levels and conducted qualitative interviews with 20 students to explore their perceptions of the course structure and teaching methodologies.

Preliminary results show that students who engaged in active and experiential learning activities—such as cultural immersion tasks, language workshops, and collaborative community projects—demonstrated an improvement in language confidence compared to those who relied solely on traditional classroom instruction. Furthermore, majority of participants reported that experiential learning activities helped them better understand and appreciate Lithuanian culture, fostering a stronger sense of belonging.

This study underscores the critical role of innovative teaching methodologies in overcoming linguistic and cultural barriers and provides actionable insights for improving the effectiveness of language instruction for international students. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on active and experiential learning in multilingual and multicultural educational contexts, offering practical recommendations for universities aiming to enhance student integration.

Keywords: Active learning, experiential learning, mixed-methods approach, language instruction, cultural immersion, student integration.