The students were welcomed by UL Rector, Professor Gundars Bērziņš, who encouraged them to make the most of the academic and extracurriculum opportunities offered by the University. Whereas Baiba Pētersone, Director of the UL International Department, highlighted UL’s international environment and the value of intercultural experience in developing knowledge and skills for life.
UL’s Welcome Day supports the successful adaptation of new international degree and exchange students to UL and life in Latvia. The UL’s International Department provided information about the study process, IT systems and the grading scale used in Latvia, while representatives of the UL Library introduced students to available information resources.
Students also learned about student support offered by UL’s Student Services and culture and sports opportunities at the Cultural Centre and the Sports Centre.
The Riga Municipal Police provided information about safety and public order in the city.
UL’s senior international students and international alumni shared their experiences of studying at UL and living in Latvia. Student organisations, including the UL Student Council and Erasmus Student Network, encouraged newcomers to get involved in their events.
New students shared their impressions of Welcome Day.
“Welcome Day was very useful and informative. I especially enjoyed the quiz with interesting questions about Latvia and the University of Latvia, as well as the dancing at the end of the event. During my studies at the University of Latvia, I would like not only to gain academic knowledge but also to develop personally and gain new experiences,” says Lina, an exchange student from Germany.
Sami, a first-year medicine student from Italy, highlighted the informative nature of the event and the opportunity to meet other students: “The event was very nice and informative. I especially found the police presentation useful and enjoyed the dancing at the end of the event. My main expectations for my studies are to meet students from other faculties, make new friends and receive good student support.”
The event concluded with an evening cultural programme featuring the UL folk dance group “Dandari” and the award to the winner of the quiz about Latvia and the University.
Welcome Day for international degree and exchange students was organised for the third time this year. The UL International Department expresses its appreciation to all University departments and units that contributed to the programme.
Photos are available in the University of Latvia photo archive.
. On 26 August, students gathered at the University’s House of Science for Welcome Day, to learn more about the University, Riga and Latvian culture. ){kind=link}