Logo from University of Latvia – http://www.lu.lv
RIGA
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
Public transportation
• 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/
Security issues
• 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
Program Options
• 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
Enrollment in
the program
• 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
Important Dates
• Application deadlines
– May 15 for Fall Semester
– November 15 for Spring Semester
• Accommodation Deadline
– Stated in acceptance form/email
Entrance Requirements
• 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
Residence permits
• 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
Accommodation
• 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
P
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Prima – Room
options
• Newly reconstructed 9 floor Hotel PRIMA www.hotelprima.lv
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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 – What’s included
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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
Available for additional payment
• Laundry Service
• Café
• Printing, fax, scanner
• Apartment cleaning
• Household equipment rental
• Rec complex w sauna
• Sports hall
Reznas
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
Arrival
• 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
Courses
• 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/
Latvian Credits &
Marking System
Grade
Meaning
10
izcili (with distinction)
9
teicami (excellent)
8
ļoti labi (very good)
7
6
5
4
3-1
Estimated
corresponding
ECTS grade
Comments
Knowledge of the student is substantially higher than the
estimated normal level.
Knowledge of the student is higher than the estimated normal
level
Knowledge corresponds to the highest expected level.
The student has mastered the subject deeply and with
understanding, is progressing within the expected limits, but
labi (good)
makes minor mistakes.
The student has generally succeeded in the course within the
required limits, but he or she is either merely reproducing the
gandrīz labi (almost good)
knowledge rather than actively using it, or making more
substantial mistakes.
Awarded to students, who are progressing within the limits of
their individual abilities, generally are not behind the
viduvēji (satisfactory)
appropriate age group, but make substantial mistakes and
reproduce the facts rather than analyse them.
The very last positive grade. Awarded to students, who do their
gandrīz viduvēji (almost
best but still make grave mistakes and just reproduce most of
satisfactory)
the relevant material.
Marks of different levels for students whose records are below
neapmierinoši (unsatisfactory) the expected.
A
A
B
C
D
E
E/FX
Fail
Table taken from http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/marking/
University Life
Entertainment &
Student 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
Post office & Telephone
• 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/
Student Compass
• 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
http://www.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/eng/general-information/information-materials/Compass_Living_in_Latvia.pdf
Faculty of Social Sciences
Gundega KREICBERGA
Phone: +371 67140499
E-mail: gundega.kreicberga@lu.lv
Contacts
Faculty of Theology
Dace BALODE
Phone: +371 67034433
E-mail: dace.balode@lu.lv
Faculty of Biology
Dr. Biol.., Assoc. Prof. Līga Ozoliņa-Molla
Phone: +371 67034870
E-mail: ligaozol@lu.lv
Faculty of Computing
Dean, Prof. Juris Borzovs
Phone: +371 67034490
E-mail: juris.borzovs@lu.lv
Faculty of Chemistry
Anda PRIKŠĀNE
Phone: +371 67377436
E-mail: anda.priksane@lu.lv
Faculty of Economics and
Management
Kristīne ZAKSA
Phone: +371 67034776
E-mail: kristine.zaksa@lu.lv
Faculty of Education and
Psychology
Dainuvīte BLŪMA
Phone: +371 67034037
E-mail: dainuvite.bluma@lu.lv
Faculty of Geography and
Earth Sciences
Zaiga KRIŠJĀNE
Phone: +371 67336373
E-mail: zaiga.krisjane@lu.lv
Faculty of History and
Philospohy
Andris ŠNĒ (history.)
Phone: +371 67281701
E-mail: andris.sne@lu.lv
Faculty of Humanities
Zanda Usāre (modern languages)
Phone: +371 67034816
E-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 Kučs
Phone: +371 67034554
E-mail: arturs.kucs@lu.lv
Faculty of Medicine
Agnese INDRIKSONE
Phone: +371 67370665
E-mail: agnese.indriksone@lu.lv
Faculty of Physics and
Mathematics
Ojārs JUDRUPS
Phone: +371 67034596
E-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
Contacts for Exchange
Latvia Exchange Contacts
KSU Exchange Contacts
International Relations Department
Raiņa bulv. 19, room 143
Phone: +371 67034334
Fax: +371 67243091
E-mail: ad@lu.lv
Director: Alīna Gržibovska
Study Abroad Office
304 Fairchild Hall
Phone: 785-532-5990
Fax: 785-532-6550
Email: overseas@ksu.edu
Director: Karli Webster