The event was organised in the spirit of the summer solstice, giving international students who spend their summer break outside Latvia an opportunity to discover these Latvian celebrations and traditions through dancing, singing, Jāņi cheese, and wreaths of flowers. Such activities promote a sense of belonging of foreign students to Latvia and the University of Latvia, as well as promote more successful integration into the study environment.
During the event, students had the opportunity to get to know one another, join in energetic and engaging Latvian folk dances together with Rīgas Danči, take instant photos in a summer solstice atmosphere, and share intercultural experiences from various everyday situations, acting them out in the form of short sketches.
Degree student Srivishva Melvin Marimouttou from France, who is studying at the UL in the Dual Award in Computer Science, described the event: “It was nice, interesting, and wholesome too. These events are valuable for meeting new people from your own university.”
Similarly, degree student Krista Kukoša, who is studying in the Pre-Trial Investigation programme at the UL, commented after attending the event: “I made several friends. I think this event is valuable for students who want to make new friends.”
“Mix & Mingle International” is planned as a regular event in addition to Welcome Day and other activities that give UL international students the opportunity to get to know the university and build connections with the UL student community. The organisation of such events strengthens the international environment of the University of Latvia, promotes the well-being and sense of belonging of students, as well as promotes the reputation of LU as an open, international and student-centered institution of higher education.
 from Latvia and other countries took part in the UL International Department organised event “Mix & Mingle International – Summer Edition”. The aim of the event was to foster an integrated UL student community and celebrate the approaching summer solstice.){kind=link}