University of Latvia
Part of the MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange Program
All photos from UL web page and photographed by Toms Grinbergs, UL Press Centre
The Partnership
This
program is part of the MAUI-Utrecht Network Exchange and is open to students
from member institutions only. Interested students should contact
their local study abroad coordinator regarding the application/placement
process and for additional information. Application deadlines
for all MAUI-Utrecht Network programs, including fall semester, winter
semester, or academic year abroad, is in February. Spring semester
placements may be available after the deadline: contact the Study
Abroad Coordinator.
The University-University of Latvia
The University of Latvia (UL, Universitas Latviensis) was founded on September 28th, 1919 from the former Riga Polytechnic (founded in 1862). The University of Latvia is the first classical university in the history of Latvia and follows the slogan "Scientiae et Patriae". The mission of the University of Latvia is a guarantee for the development of Latvia. The University of Latvia integrates diverse fields of research and studies with creative initiative to provide the higher education of European standard, to cultivate the Latvian language and traditions of cultural cooperation. Currently there are 13 faculties and 20 institutes at the UL which cover all fields of studies and research. The number of students at the UL is 20.000, making it one of the largest universities in the Baltic States.
Location
Riga, the capital of Latvia, was officially founded in 1201. Eight hundred years have shaped the city’s unique appearance and rich traditions. Due to its geographical location at the southern coast of the Gulf of Riga along the Baltic Sea, the city has been an important centre of trade, finance and culture for centuries. Riga has unique architecture values - medieval architecture, Art Noveau and the 19-th century wooden architecture. The historical and geographical core of Riga – the Old Town - has been included in UNESCO's list of the world's most important cultural and natural sites. Latvia is often regarded as a land that sings – Latvian Nationwide Song and Dance festival takes place every five years in Riga and brings together thousands of the best singers and dancers.
Details & Information:
| Full name of the University | University of Latvia |
| Number of students you can accept during 2012/13 (total number of semesters) | 3-5 students for one term each |
| Areas of study open for exchange students | Humanities and social sciences |
| Areas of study restricted to prior bilateral agreements between the exchanging departments or faculties | No restrictions |
| Areas of study not available to MAUI students | No |
| Utrecht Network contact person | Ms. Alina Grzhibovska. Director of the International Relations Department, |
| Contact person incoming students | Ms. Beate Ramina, |
| General website of the university | www.lu.lv |
| Website of the international office/website for incoming students | www.lu.lv.eng/istudents |
| Academic calendar | First Monday of September – January (autumn term) |
| Examination period | December-January |
| Orientation session(s) for incoming students | Orientation session always takes place during the last Friday of the registration week |
| ECTS available | In all |
| Application deadline(s) for admission | for autumn term – May 15th |
| Application materials on the website or paper copies only? | Application procedure on the web – paper copies sent by mail |
| Course registration deadline(s) | Within registration week |
| Language requirements | As courses are in English, there are no special requirements |
| Language test certificate required? If so, which and when | No |
| Preparatory language course for incoming students | Latvian language courses are available within the term and are free of charge for exchange students |
| Courses taught in English | All courses are available before the term starts |
| Internships available? | Depends on the field of interest |
| Student jobs available/allowed? | Individual responsibility |
| Housing assistance & how to apply | Assistance by International Relations Department |
| Housing options | Dormitories are available |
| Housing application deadline(s) | The same as for studies |
| Cost estimates per month (in Euro) | |
| Housing | Starting from 130 EUR (depends on housing conditions) |
| Meals | 250-400 EUR(depends on individual preferences) |
| Books | books are not obligatory to buy |
| Local Transportation | 15-35 EUR (depends on how many routes are needed) |
| Health Insurance | Health insurance is from the home country |
| Other | |
| Additional fees to pay | No |
| Comparable health insurance coverage from abroad allowed/not allowed? | From the home country |
| Health facilities at the university | No special |
| Other relevant information | |
| Summer courses available? | Intensive summer Latvian language course in August (one should apply individually). |
| Last update of this information | January 2012 |
How to Apply/Application Process: Please check with your home university advisor for deadlines & application procedures for this program. If you are a UMSL student who would like to apply, please visit the Study Abroad Application Deadlines & Procedures page.