Riga, Latvia: The Greatest (Un)known City in Europe Past Review
By Maggie P (History And Political Science, Nebraska Wesleyan University) for
ISEP Exchange: Latvia - Exchange Program at University of Latvia
There are no words that could ever truly reveal what I was able to get out of my study abroad experience. I do know that I am a better person for it and have a clearer vision for myself and for my career.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not much of a workload; grading system a bit tougher than what I was used to; professors worked mostly under the lecture format |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
N/A |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
I lived in the university dormitories because it was the cheapest option. It was located about 15 minutes outside the city center, but it was never that much of a hassle. The dormitories were only about a half a mile away from the Social Sciences building where most of my classes were, so I didn't even need to take the bus all the time to the city campus. The neighborhood wasn't the most glamorous and was not considered to be a necessarily "good" neighborhood, but I felt safe most of the time. Plus, the dormitory had 24/7 supervision by the women who ran the building and all of the residents had to use a key card to gain entrance. I only had to buy cookware and towels when I moved in. The dormitories supplied bed linens. |
| * Food: |
Be prepared for lots of meat and potatoes. Typical food options in Latvia are very heavy, so be aware. I enjoyed the food in Latvia, though I did gain some weight. I suggest moderation with the heavy foods, as delicious as they are. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
ESN Riga was the best part of my study abroad experience. They planned at least one trip per month, whether that be within Latvia or to another country nearby. We went to Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Sweden and each trip was fantastic! We also had weekly parties or special events for holidays. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No necessary vaccines; there was one doctor's office that I found that had people who spoke English which was helpful |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I probably spent about $50 a week on food, and probably around $20 on the weekends for going out. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Budget for medical problems |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If you are a political science or history student, the academic program at the University of Latvia is fantastic. If you are looking for a great social life and the chance to travel alone and with a group, the ESN Riga program is the best around. In general, if you are looking for a European experience off the beaten path, you have to check out Latvia! |
