University of Latvia

1. University of Latvia Riga, Latvia Logo from University of Latvia – http://www.lu.lv

2. RIGA Situated along the coast of the Baltic Sea and split by the Daugava River, Riga has been an important harbor to the country of Latvia for many years. Riga is also a site of great Jugendstil Architecture unparalleled throughout the world.

3. RIGA • Latvia’s capital city and largest city • Population – 706,413 (2010) • Travel around Riga using Public Transportation, Taxi, or Car • Home to many historic and interesting sites

4. Public transportation • Public Transport systems include tram, bus, and trolleys running from about 5:30 am until 11:30 pm • Some routes have hourly nighttime schedules • Tickets most of the time can be bought from the drivers or in press kiosks • Student discounts are available when purchasing an E-ticket and info can be found at the following link: – http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/advice/public-transport/

5. Security issues • Security is always something to be mindful of no matter where you are • Be mindful of pickpockets and thieves • Don’t walk alone if you can help it • Latvian laws state that you must use your headlights when driving at anytime in the day • The limit for alcohol is 0.5 • Read up on the local laws for where you are staying

6. Program Options • MAUI-UTRECHT NETWORK (T/F) • Student pays in-state tuition and fees for program • Exchange (T/F R/B) • Student pays in-state tuition and fees, as well as K-State room and board for program • Flight not included with any option

7. Enrollment in the program • If you are interested in this program, contact a Study Abroad Advisor to let them know. • Once the University of Latvia is notified of your interest, you will be accepted if: • There is a faculty that can offer guidance in the respective field of study • University of Latvia can provide the scholarship as stipulated in the agreement

8. Important Dates • Application deadlines • May 15 for Fall Semester • November 15 for Spring Semester • Accommodation Deadline • Stated in acceptance form/email

9. Entrance Requirements • Referral from the Kansas State University Study Abroad Office • (1) Official copy of your most recent transcripts • (1) Copy of you passport • (1) Completed application form • (2) (35mm x 45mm) photos attached to your application form • Proof of English Language Proficiency

10. Residence permits • Students should use the following link as a guide of what documents to prepare before leaving for the university: http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/visas/noneucitizens/01/ • For exchange students, the University of Latvia will prepare the following documents: • Confirmation of exchange • Approval of Accommodation • Confirmation of Subsistence

11. Accommodation • Both dorms, PRIMA and REZNAS are located about 20 min away from the University main building, old town, and central railway • Both are also located in Riga, Reznas street which is close to the city center with well developed traffic flow PRIMA REZNAS

12. Prima – Room options • Newly reconstructed 9 floor Hotel PRIMA - www.hotelprima.lv • Single Room 10 – 12m2 – 150 LVL/month • Double Room 15 – 17m2 – 90 LVL/month • Double Room 10 - 12m2 – 75 LVL/month • Triple Room 15 – 17m2 – 60 LVL/month

13. Prima – What’s included • Internet connection – cable, not Wi-fi • Free use of phone for internal call • Free use of computer hall • Communal showers available • Bed linen • Basic kitchen equipment • Lounge for reading/studying • Conference/Seminar hall • 24-hour reception desk • Bike and car parking available • Credit cards accepted • Available for additional payment • Laundry Service • Café • Printing, fax, scanner • Apartment cleaning • Household equipment rental • Rec complex w sauna • Sports hall

14. Reznas Double room – 18m2 – 60 LVL/month • Internet Connection (cable connection, Wi-fi) • Fridge in household area on second floor • Basic kitchen equipment • Shower and bathroom • Computer hall • Bed linen, blankets and pillows • 24-hour reception desk

15. Arrival • Students are to plan to arrive during Registration week for their appropriate semester • Dates for the 2011/2012 year can be found at the following linkhttp://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/calendar/academic-calendar-20112012/ • An introduction meeting will be held on the Friday of registration week as well as a short 4-hour orientation course

16. Courses • There are courses offered in the following program areas • Latvian Language – Social Sciences • Baltic Studies – Education • Russian Language – Psychology • Chemistry – Art • Economics and Management • Lists of available courses for the Fall 2011 term are available here: http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/courses/

17. Latvian Credits & Marking System Table taken from http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/marking/

18. University Life

19. Entertainment & Student Life • University of Latvia had 20 Fraternities and 11 Sororities • Attend sports events such as football, basketball, volleyball, swimming, ice hockey, and bobsleigh • Learn “dainas” (Latvian folk songs) or cultural dances • Spend time traveling around to Jurmala or Sigulda on the weekends

20. Post office & Telephone • Follow the link below to information on the Post Office and Telephone system used in Latvia. http://www.lu.lv/eng/istudents/exchange/advice/post-office-and-telephone/

21. Student Compass • The following is a guide for studying at the University of Latvia • Information in the preceding presentation and more can be found in the following link http://www.lu.lv/fileadmin/user_upload/lu_portal/eng/general-information/information-materials/Compass_Living_in_Latvia.pdf

22. Contacts Faculty of HumanitiesZanda Usāre (modern languages)Phone: +371 67034816E-mail: zanda.usare@lu.lv Assist. Prof. Valdis Muktupāvels (philology and arts)Phone: +371 67033848, e-mail: vm@lu.lvFaculty of LawDr. iur.,  doc. Artūrs KučsPhone: +371 67034554E-mail: arturs.kucs@lu.lvFaculty of MedicineAgnese INDRIKSONE Phone: +371 67370665E-mail: agnese.indriksone@lu.lv Faculty of Physics and MathematicsOjārs JUDRUPS Phone: +371 67034596E-mail: ojars.judrups@lu.lv Assist. Prof. Sandris Lācis (Physics)E-mail: sandris.lacis@lu.lv Prof. Aleksandrs Šostaks (Mathematics)E-mail: aleksandrs.sostaks@lu.lv Prof. Māris Ozoliņš (Optometry)E-mail: ozoma@lu.lv Faculty of Economics and ManagementKristīne ZAKSAPhone: +371 67034776E-mail: kristine.zaksa@lu.lvFaculty of Education and PsychologyDainuvīte BLŪMA Phone: +371 67034037E-mail: dainuvite.bluma@lu.lv Faculty of Geography and Earth SciencesZaiga KRIŠJĀNEPhone: +371 67336373E-mail: zaiga.krisjane@lu.lv Faculty of History and PhilospohyAndris ŠNĒ (history.) Phone: +371 67281701E-mail: andris.sne@lu.lv Faculty of Social SciencesGundega KREICBERGAPhone: +371 67140499E-mail: gundega.kreicberga@lu.lvFaculty of TheologyDace BALODE Phone: +371 67034433E-mail: dace.balode@lu.lv Faculty of BiologyDr. Biol.., Assoc. Prof. Līga Ozoliņa-MollaPhone: +371 67034870E-mail: ligaozol@lu.lv Faculty of ComputingDean, Prof. Juris BorzovsPhone: +371 67034490E-mail: juris.borzovs@lu.lv Faculty of ChemistryAnda PRIKŠĀNEPhone: +371 67377436E-mail: anda.priksane@lu.lv

23. Contacts for Exchange Latvia Exchange Contacts International Relations DepartmentRaiņa bulv. 19, room 143 Phone: +371 67034334 Fax: +371 67243091 E-mail: ad@lu.lvDirector: Alīna Gržibovska KSU Exchange Contacts Study Abroad Office 304 Fairchild Hall Phone: 785-532-5990 Fax: 785-532-6550 Email: overseas@ksu.edu Director: Karli Webster