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Exchange students who will start their studies at the University of Latvia at the beginning of the academic year 2017/2018, in August use the opportunity to attend the intensive Latvian language course. To facilitate integration into Latvian society, students are given an opportunity to learn Latvian, achieving A1 level in August. During the semester, they can continue to study for attaining A2 level, whereas in spring semester – B1 level.
“Students are keen on learning the state language. Some perceive it as a minimum survival equipment. Not quite in every corner of Latvia people will answer you in English. Many students during a semester also acquire Russian language," says I. Ģerģe.
The intensive Latvian language course is taught by two lecturers – Everita Andronova and Veneta Žīgure. Course is divided into two parts – lectures and practical classes. Practical classes take place in a computer classroom, where students use the interactive computer program to learn Latvian. Students learn not only the basic phrases and words but also the grammar of the Latvian language. The book and the workbook helps the students to master the basics of the Latvian language.
Besides learning Latvian, students also are acquainted with the culture of the country, visiting museums, libraries and other places of interest in Riga.
On August 7, singing Latvian folk songs and watching videos about Latvian traditions and customs, foreign students shared their first impressions about Latvia. On August 9, under the leadership of the Erasmus Student Network (ESN), the students went on the Old City Walking Tour. ESN representative provided an introduction into the history of Latvia and the most beautiful places in Old Riga.
On August 11, exchange students attended the National Library of Latvia and the University of Latvia Academic Centre of Natural Sciences. Students were given an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent views of the Old Town from the rooftops of National Library and the UL Centre of Natural Sciences. On Wednesday, August 16, it is planned to look at the reconstructed Latvian National Museum of Art.
Foreign students are provided with the opportunity to learn Latvian, achieving A1 level in a month. Upon passing a written and oral exam, a certificate is issued at the end of the course.
The course includes intercultural communication, as it involves students from different countries.
. The course provides both an excellent opportunity to learn Latvian language and to get to know Latvian culture and traditions, confirms Ieva Ģerģe, the External Relations Coordinator at the University of Latvia.){kind=link}