Throughout the event, participants worked in mixed groups, providing an opportunity to develop intercultural communication skills and broaden their social networks.
As part of the programme, students explored a variety of topics relevant to the UL community, including how to strengthen integration between local and international students, what attracts international students to study at UL, how the university can better support them, the importance of international mobility, and ways to balance academic and social life. The event concluded with an interactive quiz, where participants tested their knowledge with thought-provoking questions about Latvia, UL, and the Erasmus+ programme.
“This event has two main objectives. One is to give UL students the opportunity to get to know each other and build connections that may grow into lasting friendships. The other is to better understand the international needs of our students and identify ways the university can support them,” said Baiba Pētersone, Director of the International Department.
“The event was excellent. Sometimes, as an international student, I feel lonely, but today I realised that others feel the same way. It was wonderful to meet fellow students and discover how much we have in common, as well as to share discussions and laughter,” said Shokoufeh Salem Minab, a doctoral student in Computer Science and Mathematics at the Faculty of Computing from Israel.
Kate Rutka, a Bachelor’s student in Cultural and Social Anthropology at the Faculty of Social Sciences, also shared positive feedback: “I really appreciated the opportunity to work in international groups and exchange experiences. I was also pleased that gluten-free snacks were provided, which is very important to me.”
“Mix & Mingle International” is planned as a regular event, complementing Welcome Day and other initiatives that help international students get acquainted with the University of Latvia and build connections within the wider student community.
, representing both Latvia and a range of other countries, took part in the “Mix & Mingle International” event organised by the UL International Department. The aim of the event was to foster a more integrated student community, where local and international students can actively engage with one another.){kind=link}