Wondering whether to study abroad in a Baltic country? Read this article to know more about Latvia. It is a North European Baltic country surrounded by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, Belarus and the Sweden maritime border. Latvia was ranked as the second greenest country globally in the Environmental Performance Index 2012. The town of Riga, the capital of Latvia, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Riga was given the title of the European City of Culture in 2014. Latvia is not yet explored and its breath taking beauty, architectural heritage and museums are not known among many. As an international student, you will find studying in Latvia and staying here just awesome.
Latvia is a member of the United Nations, European Union, Council of Europe, NATO, Europe, International and World Trade Organization. It was a member of the League of Nations (1921–1946).
Latvia has 3 big hydroelectric power.Latvia also has an underground gas station, which is the 3rd largest underground gas station in Europe and the only underground gas station in the Baltic States. Riga Technical University and the University of Latvia are two major universities in the country, both been established on the basis of Riga Polytechnical Institute and located in Riga.
Latvia is also one of the cheapest countries in Europe. The tuition fees are affordable, and the living expenses are moderate. In case anyone needs additional financial support, Latvia offers scholarships for even international students and researchers. As added advantage of studying in Latvia is that the government of Latvia covers medical insurance.
Students can also work for 20 hours per week in industries or companies like Grindex Pharmaceuticals, Phillip Morris International- a tobacco company, KPMG- professional services, Latvenergo- a utility company, Lattelecom- an IT and telecommunications, Tele2 is a telecommunications, AirBaltic, a national airline etc. Latvian universities provide internships and placements for courses like science, engineering, technology, applied arts etc. Placements are available through IAESTE- International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience. Students can also avail of professional internships in management, technology, education etc. through AISEC- Association Internationale des Etudiants en Sciences Economiques et Commerciales.
Higher education in Latvia follows the Bologna system, is in line with the American Credit system and hence recognized across Europe, US and other countries. A total of 59 public and private universities and colleges provide education in Latvia. Unlike many other countries, Latvia has two categories of higher education institutions. The university-type higher education institutions offer both academic education leading to bachelor’s and master’s studies. The non-university type institutions provide only professional higher education in-depth knowledge in a specific field and preparing students for design and improvement of systems, and products and technologies. These programs also lead to graduate and post-graduate professional degrees.
The universities and colleges offer degrees in architecture, social sciences, medical studies, aviation etc. A few renowned universities are Riga Technical University, the University of Latvia, Latvia University of Agriculture, Riga Strands University (Medicine) and Daugavpils University (Education) to name a few. Did you know that the University of Latvia founded in1919 was formerly called the Riga Polytechnic and was founded way back in 1862.
Just like most Bachelor degree programs anywhere in the world, the duration is 3-4 years; master’s is 1.5 to 2 years. Master’s students can continue their studies at the doctoral level and come out with results of original research and novel understanding in the scientific discipline. About 200 programs at UG, PG and Ph.D. level are taught in English for foreign students. The Universities have qualified faculty members of international standards. Universities teach in Latvian but the programs are taught in English for international students. The academic year comprises of two terms, autumn and spring. Once you get admission in a Latvian university you can be assured of the fact that Latvia is the safest and the greenest country in the world.
The Law of 1991 provided autonomy to institutions of higher education. It introduced bachelor and master level as well as professional study programs instead of the 5-year diploma studies. Master degree is awarded after the second stage of academic education and requires a total duration of university studies 5-7 years.
Latvian economy has shown a healthy comeback. The economy is based on processed food and wood industries. The economy is mostly privatised. Latvia has good scope for English teachers to get a job. The Latvian economy is going to benefit from the farsighted deals it is making with other countries like China.
The official language of Latvia is Latvian. A form of traditional architecture in Latvia is log houses. The position of houses differs between regions. In western Latvia, single farms are more popular and in villages, the houses are positioned in a circle around a central square. In eastern Latvia, villages are more popular and houses are positioned along a main street. This is seen as an influence of nearby Russia
Latvia is called “the singing nation”. It unusual to find a Latvian who has not sung in a choir or some other group at some point in their life. Every few years all Latvia’s choirs, as well as folk dance groups, gather together for the Song Festival, which includes several thousand singers. Folk songs are one of Latvia’s national treasures.
The culturally inclined can pick and choose — from the Early Music Festival in theRundle Palace to the Positivus Festival at the seaside in Salacgriva. When travelling in Latvia it is possible to combine pleasure with business — there is a wide range of possibilities for medical tourism, which are considerably cheaper than in Western Europe or America. Latvia has suffered through two world wars and met the regiments of Napoleon, Ivan the Terrible and others, which makes it an exploration ground for adepts of military history.Many hotels are adapted also for people with special needs. Not all restaurants can be easily accessed in a wheelchair though you can find plenty of eateries which are disabled-friendly.Latvian pubs offer a variety of delicious meals catering to different tastes, be it Latvian cuisine, something more exotic and, of course, fast food. All in all, Latvia is a safe country, regardless of one’s skin color or religious beliefs. Even gay people have their own clubs.
The climate of Latvia is marked by humid weather in summers and mild winters. Technically speaking, Latvia enjoys four distinct seasons. Being situated between the Baltic Sea and the Alps, the country is blessed with a good climate. Summer lasts from June to August and temperatures hover around 300C. The higher reaches get good snow during winters which may last up to April. In the low-lying areas, the beaches are the greatest attraction in spring and summer. In autumn, the forests are a splash of colours of fall.
abc Study Links is the official associate of several foreign Universities and is the largest of its kind in India for sending students to countries like USA, Canada, UK, New Zealand, Europe, Central America, Singapore, Malaysia, China & Philippines.
©copyright 2024 abc study links. Designed By UFS Technologies