University of Latvia

University of LatviaRiga, Latvia

Logo from University of Latvia – http://www.lu.lv

Situated along the coast of the Baltic Sea and split by the Daugava River, Riga has

been an important harbor to the country of Latvia for many years. Riga is also a site of great Jugendstil Architecture unparalleled

throughout the world.

RIGA

• Latvia’s capital city and largest city• Population – 706,413 (2010)• Travel around Riga using Public Transportation,

Taxi, or Car• Home to many historic and interesting sites

RIGA

• Public Transport systems include tram, bus, and trolleys running from about 5:30 am until 11:30 pm– Some routes have hourly nighttime schedules

• Tickets most of the time can be bought from the drivers or in press kiosks

• Student discounts are available when purchasing an E-ticket and info can be found at the following link:

– http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/advice/public-transport/

•

Public transportation

• Security is always something to be mindful of no matter where you are

• Be mindful of pickpockets and thieves• Don’t walk alone if you can help it• Latvian laws state that you must use your

headlights when driving at anytime in the day• The limit for alcohol is 0.5 • Read up on the local laws for where you are

staying

Security issues

• MAUI-UTRECHT NETWORK (T/F)– Student pays in-state tuition and fees for program

• Exchange (T/F R/B)– Student pays in-state tuition and fees, as well as

K-State room and board for program

• Flight not included with any option

Program Options

• If you are interested in this program, contact a Study Abroad Advisor to let them know.

• Once the University of Latvia is notified of your interest, you will be accepted if:

• There is a faculty that can offer guidance in the respective field of study

• University of Latvia can provide the scholarship as stipulated in the agreement

Enrollment in the program

• Application deadlines– May 15 for Fall Semester– November 15 for Spring Semester

• Accommodation Deadline– Stated in acceptance form/email

Important Dates

• Referral from the Kansas State University Study Abroad Office

• (1) Official copy of your most recent transcripts• (1) Copy of you passport• (1) Completed application form• (2) (35mm x 45mm) photos attached to your

application form• Proof of English Language Proficiency

Entrance Requirements

• Students should use the following link as a guide of what documents to prepare before leaving for the university: http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/visas/noneucitizens/01/

• For exchange students, the University of Latvia will prepare the following documents:– Confirmation of exchange– Approval of Accommodation– Confirmation of Subsistence

Residence permits

• Both dorms, PRIMA and REZNAS are located about 20 min away from the University main building, old town, and central railway

• Both are also located in Riga, Reznas street which is close to the city center with well developed traffic flow

Accommodation

PRIMA

REZNAS

• Newly reconstructed 9 floor Hotel PRIMA - www.hotelprima.lv

• Single Room 10 – 12m2 – 150 LVL/month• Double Room 15 – 17m2 – 90 LVL/month• Double Room 10 - 12m2 – 75 LVL/month• Triple Room 15 – 17m2 – 60 LVL/month

Prima – Room options

• Internet connection – cable, not Wi-fi• Free use of phone for internal call• Free use of computer hall• Communal showers available• Bed linen• Basic kitchen equipment• Lounge for reading/studying• Conference/Seminar hall• 24-hour reception desk• Bike and car parking available• Credit cards accepted

Prima – What’s includedAvailable for additional payment

• Laundry Service• Café• Printing, fax, scanner• Apartment cleaning• Household equipment rental• Rec complex w sauna• Sports hall

Double room – 18m2 – 60 LVL/month• Internet Connection (cable connection, Wi-fi)• Fridge in household area on second floor• Basic kitchen equipment• Shower and bathroom• Computer hall• Bed linen, blankets and pillows• 24-hour reception desk

Reznas

• Students are to plan to arrive during Registration week for their appropriate semester

• Dates for the 2011/2012 year can be found at the following link http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/calendar/academic-calendar-20112012/

• An introduction meeting will be held on the Friday of registration week as well as a short 4-hour orientation course

Arrival

• There are courses offered in the following program areas– Latvian Language – Social Sciences– Baltic Studies – Education– Russian Language – Psychology– Chemistry – Art– Economics and Management

• Lists of available courses for the Fall 2011 term are available here: http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/courses/

Courses

Latvian Credits & Marking System

Grade

Meaning Comments

Estimated corresponding ECTS grade

10

izcili (with distinction)

Knowledge of the student is substantially higher than the estimated normal level.

A

9

teicami (excellent)

Knowledge of the student is higher than the estimated normal level

A

8

ļoti labi (very good) Knowledge corresponds to the highest expected level.

B

7

labi (good)

The student has mastered the subject deeply and with understanding, is progressing within the expected limits, but makes minor mistakes.

C

6

gandrīz labi (almost good)

The student has generally succeeded in the course within the required limits, but he or she is either merely reproducing the knowledge rather than actively using it, or making more substantial mistakes.

D

5

viduvēji (satisfactory)

Awarded to students, who are progressing within the limits of their individual abilities, generally are not behind the appropriate age group, but make substantial mistakes and reproduce the facts rather than analyse them.

E

4

gandrīz viduvēji (almost satisfactory)

The very last positive grade. Awarded to students, who do their best but still make grave mistakes and just reproduce most of the relevant material.

E/FX

3-1

neapmierinoši (unsatisfactory)

Marks of different levels for students whose records are below the expected.

Fail

Table taken from http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/marking/

University Life

• University of Latvia had 20 Fraternities and 11 Sororities

• Attend sports events such as football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, ice hockey, and bobsleigh

• Learn “dainas” (Latvian folk songs) or cultural dances

• Spend time traveling around to Jurmala or Sigulda on the weekends

Entertainment & Student Life

• Follow the link below to information on the Post Office and Telephone system used in Latvia.

http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/advice/post-office-and-telephone/

Post office & Telephone

• The following is a guide for studying at the University of Latvia– Information in the preceding presentation and

more can be found in the following link

Student Compass

http://www.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/eng/general-information/information-materials/Compass_Living_in_Latvia.pdf

Faculty of Social Sciences Gundega KREICBERGAPhone: +371 67140499E-mail: gundega.kreicberga@lu.lv

Faculty of Theology Dace BALODE Phone: +371 67034433E-mail: dace.balode@lu.lv

Faculty of BiologyDr. Biol.., Assoc. Prof. Līga Ozoliņa-MollaPhone: +371 67034870E-mail: ligaozol@lu.lv

Faculty of ComputingDean, Prof. Juris BorzovsPhone: +371 67034490E-mail: juris.borzovs@lu.lv

Faculty of Chemistry Anda PRIKŠĀNEPhone: +371 67377436E-mail: anda.priksane@lu.lv

ContactsFaculty of Economics and Management Kristīne ZAKSAPhone: +371 67034776E-mail: kristine.zaksa@lu.lv

Faculty of Education and Psychology Dainuvīte BLŪMA Phone: +371 67034037E-mail: dainuvite.bluma@lu.lv

Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences Zaiga KRIŠJĀNEPhone: +371 67336373E-mail: zaiga.krisjane@lu.lv

Faculty of History and Philospohy Andris ŠNĒ (history.) Phone: +371 67281701E-mail: andris.sne@lu.lv

Faculty of HumanitiesZanda Usāre (modern languages)Phone: +371 67034816E-mail: zanda.usare@lu.lv Assist. Prof. Valdis Muktupāvels (philology and arts)Phone: +371 67033848, e-mail: vm@lu.lv

Faculty of Law Dr. iur.,  doc. Artūrs KučsPhone: +371 67034554E-mail: arturs.kucs@lu.lv

Faculty of Medicine Agnese INDRIKSONE Phone: +371 67370665E-mail: agnese.indriksone@lu.lv Faculty of Physics and Mathematics Ojārs JUDRUPS Phone: +371 67034596E-mail: ojars.judrups@lu.lv Assist. Prof. Sandris Lācis (Physics)E-mail: sandris.lacis@lu.lv Prof. Aleksandrs Šostaks (Mathematics)E-mail: aleksandrs.sostaks@lu.lv Prof. Māris Ozoliņš (Optometry)E-mail: ozoma@lu.lv

Latvia Exchange ContactsInternational Relations Department

Raiņa bulv. 19, room 143 Phone: +371 67034334 Fax: +371 67243091 E-mail: ad@lu.lv Director: Alīna Gržibovska

Contacts for Exchange

KSU Exchange ContactsStudy Abroad Office304 Fairchild HallPhone: 785-532-5990Fax: 785-532-6550Email: overseas@ksu.eduDirector: Karli Webster