East-West Intercultural Studies (sub-programme of academic programme Asian and Intercultural Studies)

Degree to be achieved: Bachelor’s Degree in East-West Intercultural Studies
Duration of studies: 3 years 
Type of studies:  Full-time 
Amount of credits: 120 credit points / 180 ECTS
European Qualifications Framework (EQF) level: Level 6
International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) level: Level 6
Language of instruction:  English
Accreditation: The programme is accredited till 07.12.2029. 

Tuition fee 
EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and their family members; Long Term Resident EU - 2500 EUR per Year
Other сountry citizens - 3350 EUR per Year

Please note that the tuition fee may change in 2025. 

Programme overview

With six semesters of full-time studies offered in English, graduates are awarded a bachelor’s degree.
Arabic, Chinese, Korean and Japanese as well as French, German and other languages are taught in this programme not only as a means of communication but also as bearers of certain labels and patterns of behaviour rooted in specific cultures, which is extremely important when establishing international contacts.
The new programme offers an international qualification that is equally important for European (Western) and Asian students. It is oriented towards a mutual understanding, based on analogies, of Eastern and Western civilisations. The programme does not simply provide information about other cultures; it also helps students choose the right way to communicate with representatives of other cultures by explaining religiously, socially and mentally important nuances in the context of each culture that non-specialists may miss.

Study period and time of classes

The full-time degree programme covers 3 academic years. Classes are mainly from 8.30am till 6pm in the working days.

Career opportunities

Graduates of the bachelor’s programme will be able to work in the diplomatic service, embassies, NGOs, political, cultural and social research, public relations and policymaking and evaluation, city and regional administration, the tourism industry and culture as well as in research centres, think tanks, and business structures engaged in East-West communication.

More information about study programme and Study plan 

ERASMUS+ exchange possibilities

UL full-time students, regardless of their citizenship, have the opportunity to apply for the ERASMUS + exchange program for studies or/and traineeship.  

More information:

ERASMUS + study mobility 
ERASMUS + traineeship moblity   

Admission requirements

1. General secondary high school diploma.
2. The average grade of the secondary education document in all subjects must be at least 6 (in a 10 point grading system). 
3. All grades must be passing (at least 4 in a 10 point grading system).
4. English language proficiency 

NOTE! When registering for studies, you must specify the module: East Asian Region and Languages, Middle Eastern and North African Region and Languages, Western European Region and Languages, or Baltic Region and Languages.

As a part of the admission process applicants will be asked to participate in an online interview.

Autumn Intake (application start: 2 Jan 2025; studies start in Sept 2025) 

Full-time

Contact person for more information

Director of the Programme                
Prof. Kaspars Kļaviņš
E-mail: kaspars.klavins@lu.lv

Coordinator of the Programme          
Natālija Ambrosova
E-mail: natalija.ambrosova@lu.lv
Phone: +371 67034926
Faculty of Humanities
Visvalža 4A, Riga, LV-1050

The programme has been developed within the framework of the project "Design of Internationally Competitive Study Programmes Promoting the Development of the National Economy of Latvia at the University of Latvia" (project No. 8.2.1.0 / 18 / A / 015).