Academic Centre
A wide range of exchange programmes was one of my criteria, when choosing a university after leaving school. In my opinion, the University of Latvia, both four years ago and now, offers the widest choice of exchange programmes with different study modes, fields, countries, aims, etc.
Business Administration programme, which I studied, is easily compatible with the available exchange programmes, because the majority of universities offer something similar, and there will be no problems with transferring credit points for the acquired courses. According to my experience, students from every faculty have an opportunity to participate in exchange studies, although students from specific fields will need more time to find the appropriate university.
As I started searching for an exchange programme in Europe, my purposes were to improve my English and to find study courses taught from a new perspective (e.g. with more practice). Additionally, I wanted to be the only student from Latvia, without anyone speaking my native language, to take responsibility for myself and to solve all problems independently. I also wanted to find high-level studies and good English spoken both at the university and in the country. A scholarship sufficient for living was essential (e.g. without expensive journey to the state, necessity to commute to the capital, daily use of public transport, etc.). I was looking for a university, visited by some Latvian students before, which offers long-term exchange programmes and has positive feedbacks.
Sweden
After some research, I decided to travel to Linnaeus University in Kalmar, Sweden. It is a small town by the Baltic Sea, where everything is reachable by foot or bike, and which is well connected with the major cities, such as Stockholm and Copenhagen (by train, or cheaper – by bus). The university, located in two towns, is very progressive in terms of technologies and approaches to studies. Many courses are taught in English, as not only local, but also international students attend them. All the professors are experts in their fields, and practical application of acquired knowledge is emphasised. For example, during our Marketing course, several groups had the task to develop an advertising campaign project for a real client – Swedish design company, attempting to enter the Norwegian market. After the groups had presented their projects, the client chose one of them, and that group received the highest grade for the course.
In general, my participation in Erasmus programme in Sweden was a good start – the country is not far from Latvia, the culture is quite close to ours, and almost everyone speaks English. It was easy to feel confident and to orient oneself in a small town. Due to the large number of exchange student, no one felt lonely – everybody was able to find new friends and get involved in the organized events, such as various excursions, sports, entertainment, etc. Everyone could receive help and advice when necessary; every Erasmus student had a local student, who assisted him or her in the beginning, but later on, we could turn to the university administration. Another peculiarity of Sweden was that exchange students lived in single rooms, as opposed to other countries, where two or more students share one room to reduce expenses.
Italy
On my returning home from Erasmus studies, I dreamed about something more than studies abroad. Now I wanted to explore international environment, broaden my professional experience and learn new practical things. Exchange studies in the US were possible only after a year, because I had to pass an English language test first. Therefore, I decided to try Erasmus practice exchange programme. In total, during one academic level studies, it is possible to participate twice in Erasmus programmes – once for studies, and once for practice. It takes much time and effort to find a suitable practice position via Erasmus, but, it is still possible and the number of host companies increases every year. It was more complicated when I was a student; besides, I was trying to find something different from Sweden and something, where I could apply my knowledge in business administration, marketing and the media.
After two months of searching, I managed to find a position in Bologna, Italy. Half a year I was working in a language school as a headmaster’s assistant in marketing, administration and mass communication. Erasmus practice programme provides a scholarship for students, as a host company often pays nothing. Nevertheless, host companies attempt to support trainees in some way, for example, I could study Italian every day for free. It was not my aim to learn Italian at that time, but in Italy, it is impossible to survive without it. The language courses increased my knowledge of Italian culture, the Italians themselves, helped find new friends and travel. As the phrase goes – never say never – owing to my Italian and the skills, I developed during my practice, now I work in Italy!
I would also like to mention that, as opposed to study exchange programmes, during practice exchange no one takes responsibility for the students – one has to manage everything independently. Italy turned to be a great “survival school” for me, because Italian people do not speak much English, their culture and lifestyle are very different. However, trust me – everything is possible! With such an experience, you will not only survive in any country, but you will do there rather well!
The US and Russia
After Erasmus study and practice programmes, I have participated in another two programmes - ISEP (International Student Exchange Program) in the US and Erasmus Mundus in Russia. In both countries, I have chosen relatively popular universities - Middle Tennessee State University and Russian State University for the Humanities. The exchange programme to Russia is quite similar to Erasmus, but covering Russian universities only. The scholarship was sufficient to live and study in the centre of Moscow. The studies were quite exciting and useful: I collected many materials from the university library, since I was working on my bachelor thesis at that time. My student card granted free entry to many local museums, as well as discounts in theatres and other cultural venues. It is great that student status offers one many advantages in any country; you should always ask for student discounts before paying. Local students and those who have spent some time in the country are the best information source you can use.
ISEP differs from Erasmus with stronger competition, there students have to meet more criteria. One needs to have own financial resources, because the programme covers only living and studying expenses, but travelling expenses including visa have to be covered by the student. Additionally, one never knows whether they will be granted a visa. Within this programme, the university chooses the student: a student applies to several universities and provides all the necessary documents – grades and other achievement reports, application letter, references, results of the English language test, etc. After that, one of the universities accepts the student. These exchange studies were actually very different – another continent, another university life, and different approach to studies. It was a very useful experience, in terms of both language and the chosen courses. The life on the university campus was very exciting – some events happen every day, there are plenty of extra-curricular activities, which are free for student card holders: university theatre performances, sporting events, additional courses (dancing, photography, swimming, etc.), fitness and recreation sessions, participation in conferences, language classes, etc.
In conclusion, I would like to advise students to take part in the exchange programmes at least once during their studies. Trust me it is worth it! You will not only gain knowledge and improve skills, useful in further life (e.g. how to graduate successfully from the university, how to find a well-paid job, etc.), but you will also find out more about yourselves, will learn to be flexible and will not be afraid of any challenges. You will meet new friends, get acquainted with different cultures, visit other countries, and become richer than before. For these reasons, I highly recommend everyone to start searching for a desired exchange programme and destination already during the first year. Do not miss this wonderful opportunity!
