for Exchange StudentsGuide

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Dear students,

We hope that this guide will provide you with all the necessary information about our University, programmes for Exchange students, life in Rīga, student facilities, social and cultural life during your stay.

We hope that among many other possibilities, Rīga Stradiņš University will catch your eye and you will find your time and studies both challenging and interesting for new experiences and insights into a different culture and people that you will gain.

We sincerely hope that once you come to RSU, your time here will be productive and fulfilling and that it will help you to achieve your future goals!

Yours sincerely, The International Office team

Welcome to Latvia! Welcome to Rīga!Welcome to RSU!

Rector’s welcome

Rīga Stradiņš University is open to new challenges, creative people and new ideas, which can ensure the highest quality in any field.

Rīga Stradiņš University acquired its status as a university in 2002, however its historical roots extend back to Rīga Medical Institute, founded in 1950 on the base of the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Latvia, and in 1990 was renamed as the Medical Academy of Latvia. The vast majority of medical professionals working in various fields in Latvia have acquired their education at Rīga Stradiņš University.

Today Rīga Stradiņš University trains not only doctors, dentists, pharmacists and nurses, but also specialists in rehabilitation, public healthcare, social sciences and law. Our university focuses on specialities, which are greatly needed by the society.

If you are interested in working with people and you wish to pursue your future profession in fields, which affect the quality of human life, please feel free to acquaint yourself with our accredited study programmes and join the ranks of our current students.

Professor Jānis Gardovskis RSU Rector

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Latvia in Brief

The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918, on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in a territory that has been home to the Latvian language andculture for thousands of years.

Latvia is bordered by Estonia to the north, Russia to the east, Belarus to the southeast, Lithuania to the south and the Baltic Sea to the west. Its strategic location has made it an international crossroad for trade, commerce and cultural exchange since ancient times. Vikings followed the ‘Amber Road’ through Latvian territory along the Daugava River to reach Byzantium and the Mediterranean Sea.

The Republic of Latvia was founded on 18 November 1918. It has been continuously recognised as a sovereign state since 19�0, despite occupations and rule by the Soviet Union (1940–1941, 194�–1991) and Nazi Germany (1941–194�). On �1 August 1991, Latvia declared the restoration of its de facto independence, re-established international diplomatic ties, and joined the United Nations. Latvia joined the WTO in 1998 and in �004 became a member of the European Union and NATO.

• Country: Latvia (Republic of Latvia)

• Capital: Rīga

• Major cities: Daugavpils, Liepaja, Rezekne, Ventspils, Jelgava, Jurmala

• Area: 64 �89 km² or �49�7 sq. miles

• Border: 186� km

• Coastline: �00 km

• Population: �.1 million (July �01� est.)

• Religions: Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox

• Language: Latvian (official). English, Russian and German are also widely spoken

• Currency: EURO

Political System

• The Republic of Latvia is a parliamentary democracy

• Head of state – the President, elected by Parliament for 4 years

• Legislative power – the Parliament (Saeima), 100 members elected every 4 years

Membership

• European Union, NATO, United Nations, Council of Europe, World Trade Organisation, Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Council of the Baltic Sea States, etc.

Nature

With over 44 percent of its territory covered by forests, a vast network of free flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s best preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife.

Latvia is a land of diverse terrain where plains alternate with hillocks and river valleys. It is stately forests, broad mires and clear waters. Together, these features form a unique mosaic that is the landscape of Latvia. It is a heaven for the tourist, who loves nature, respects tradition and has an interest in the culture of the local inhabitants. It is a place for those who enjoy social interaction and value the sense of achievement that comes from an active approach to relaxation. For more see: www.visitlatvia.lv

Rīga was listed as No 4 on

the Top 10 list by Lonely Planet’s

Best in Travel 2014

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Rīga – City of inspiration

• Official name: Rīga (the line above the letter “i” indicates it is a long vowel)

• Population: 696618 inhabitants (January �01�)

• Area: �07.17 km�

• Location: By the river Daugava, linked to Rīga Bay and the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe

Rīga was officially founded by the German Bishop Albert in 1�01, though the area was populated already long before that. The city joined the Hanseatic League in 1�8�. German rule was replaced by Swedish rule in 16�9. Rīga became the largest city of the Swedish Kingdom. In 1710, Rīga came under Russian control; however German influence remained significant until the proclamation of independence in the �0th century (Source: www.liveriga.com).

Facts about Rīga:

• Oldtown – a city with great history and architecture, listed in UNESCO world heritage.

• Rīga– the biggest city in the Baltic States.

• European Capital of Culture, �014.

• Unique houses and sightseeing objects of Art Nouveau and many more.

• The only city in Europe, where � different religious churches are located.

• In 1�10, the world’s first decorated Christmas tree was erected in Rīga city square.

• One of the greenest city centres in Europe by its parks, monuments and a channel; Rīga was the cleanest capital city in Europe in �007.

• Fantastic nightlife.

• Rīga museums and art galleries.

Source: www.riga.com, www.riga2014.org/eng/

europe’s Culture Capital

Sitting at the crossroads of the great empires that wrote the pages of Europe’s elaborate history, Rīga was – for centuries – a strategic linchpin in the annexation of important lands, until it

was smothered into obscurity when the Iron Curtain fell. Today, with two decades of freedom (and a renewed status as Latvia’s capital) under its belt, the city is

reclaiming its rightful title as the cosmopolitan cornerstone of the Baltic. Over the past few years hipster-chic cafes have spread like wildfire throughout the city centre, sweaty pork-and-potato dinners have been swapped for savvy new-Nordic-inspired dishes, and hundreds of crumbling facades are being restored to their brilliant, art nouveau lustre – all in time for Rīga to earn the long-deserved honour of being named the European Capital of Culture (Source: www.lonelyplanet.com).

Higher education in Latvia

The Latvian higher education system is a part of the Bologna process, and, correspondingly, follows the so-called three cycle system, where the 1st cycle includes and academic or

Professional Bachelor’s degree, the �nd cycle includes an academic or Professional Master’s degree and the �rd cycle includes the Doctoral degree. Academic credits in academic and professional programmes may be transferred in order to adjust the education path to specific needs.

Rīga Stradiņš university – a place to visit and enjoy

Having grown out of Rīga Medical Institute, Rīga Stradiņš University offers medicine and health care studies and dynamic social science studies steeped in historic traditions, but incorporating the latest world trends.

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Even though small for world standards, RSU is among the most influential universities in the Baltic States with approximately 7 000 students and 1 000 staff members. Most notably, RSU boasts the largest number of international students in Latvia, currently standing at 1�% and with realistic goals to achieve �0% by �0�0 as a part of European Commission’s strategy ‘Youth on the Move’.

RSU is located in Pārdaugava – the part of Rīga that Latvians call “the other side of the River Daugava”. Still, the University can be easily reached by several means of public transportation – trams, buses and trolleybuses.

international Cooperation

Currently RSU has more than 140 bilateral agreements with partner countries in Europe and beyond.

RSU is a member of:

• European Association for International Education (EAIE), www.eaie.org

• European Union Universities of Small States (EU²S²)

• European University Association (EUA), www.eua.be

• Medical Education in Europe (MEDINE�), www.medine2.com

• The European Association of Erasmus Coordinators (EAEC), www.eaec.eu.com

Cooperation networks:

• Erasmus+

• Nordplus

• Nordman Network, etc.

Partner countries:Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Iceland, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey.

erasmus+ at RSu

RSU has started expanding cooperation with European HEIs since 1999 after the obtaining of the Erasmus University Charter, and the university is striving for providing students with more opportunities.

Within the past few years RSU has achieved the highest number of incoming exchange students since 1999. However, the university is highly motivated to host even more exchange students, therefore, RSU strives for the improvement of teaching standards and expansion of the number of courses with English as a language of instruction.

The welcoming was great and the activities really thoughtful, even if I did not participate to all. Everything was well organised and prepared. As international students we could really see the effort and felt rapidly welcome.

Marie Casse (Zuyd University of Applied Sciences)

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Orientation Week (OW)

Every semester, one week prior to the official start of the semester, the RSU International Office hosts the Orientation Week for new students – both full time and incoming exchange students. We offer our students a broad programme of various events, presentations, excursions, leisure activities and games throughout the OW. We highly recommend all incoming students to attend OW, as it will give lots of useful practical information about the University, Rīga life, transportsystem and life in general in Latvia.

Annual RSu erasmus event

A special event for Erasmus incoming students is offered at the end of September/beginning of October, where students have a great opportunity to get to know each other better, party, play fun games, participate in variouscontests and acquire great presents and a bunch of great memories!

eiLC

RSU does not offer Erasmus Intensive language courses, but they are offered by several other universities of Rīga, therefore if you wish to apply for EILC, please search for information here: http://www.viaa.gov.lv/eng/about_us/erasmus_eng/eilc/

Latvian Language Course

Each year we offer a special RSU Latvian language course for beginners. The course takesplace in RSU from September till December once/ twice a week. 6 ECTS will be awarded at the end of the course based on the results of the written exam.

Buddy Programme

To ensure a smooth integration to the Latvian way of student life, RSU has a buddy programme arrangement. This means that when you are accepted to the University, you will be assigned a buddy. All our buddies are RSU students, who have volunteered to help international students

adapt with their life in the first few weeks of their stay in Latvia.

RSu Student card

As most other universities, the RSU has its own student card. You will receive it at the University after you have signed the Study contract, usually during Orientation Week. Cards are issued in the Student Services right on the spot after taking student’s photo. There is no fee for receiving and extending student card. The student card will allow you to receive various benefitsinside and outside of the University. Additionally, RSU Internal rules of Studies state that students are obligated to carry with them a valid RSU student card at all times.

RSu e-environment

In order to use RSU IT services (computers, Internet, WiFi, etc.) and gain access to e-studies, you have to acquire a login and password at RSU. User details are usually accessible immediately after receiving login information. Students will receive personal IT access data, when receiving RSU Student card.

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erasmus+ opportunities for exchange students

Faculty of Medicine

International Student Department

A human heart beats approximately 35 million times a year. It takes 210 million heartbeats to complete the RSU Medical programme.

Since 1990, RSU offers medical studies in English. Over the years we have built up the most competitive and successful Medical programme in the Baltic States with more than 1000 international students from all over the world studying at our institution with an aim to obtain qualification of Medical doctor after 6 years of studies.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme Medicine

Offered study years* 4th and �th yearsCompilation of various courses from 4th and �th years of studies is possible; however, it is highly preferable to choose the courses from a single year of studies.

Study duration Autumn/Spring semester or the whole academic year

Language of instruction English

Language of studies English

Language requirements for exchange students

B�

ECTS Up to 60 ECTS per year

* Study courses from 1st, �nd and �rd years of studies are not available for exchange students. Study courses from 6th year of studies are partly available. Overlaps are possible.

Please see the latest updates on our homepage: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

Faculty of dentistry International Student DepartmentThere is no doubt that education is a necessity of life and a long-term investment in one’s future. Owing to the experienced teaching staff and the modern technologies our dental students use throughout the study process, they learn highly valued specialities and become top-class professionals.

Professor Ilga Urtāne, Dean, Faculty of Dentistry

Established in 19�1, the Faculty of Dentistry is one of RSU’s oldest faculties. The faculty’s modern �-year programme, recognised in the European Union, educates qualified dentists, whose knowledge and practical skills are sufficient to practice in general dentistry after graduation and treat patients with oral cavity and dental diseases, as well as carry out educative activities for the prevention of the mentioned diseases.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme dentistry

Offered study years* Autumn semester of the 4th study year (7th semester)

Study duration Autumn semester

Language of instruction English

Language of studies English, Latvian*

Language requirements for exchange students

B�

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

* Students are able to attend lectures with international students. For practical classes, seminars and treatments students will be integrated in Latvian groups, where teachers will work with them in English. The study process is only available within the framework of the planned curriculum; no extra classes are available.

NB! The number of places is limited!

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Faculty of Rehabilitation Department of PhysiotherapyFrom the perspective of rehabilitation, the type of the illness or ailment is not the most important thing. It is more essential to provide people with the opportunity to participate in social life and work through various means.

Professor Aivars Vētra Dean, Faculty of Rehabilitation

In 199�, the first study programme in Physiotherapy was developed at the University, but at present the Faculty of Rehabilitation offers the widest opportunities in Latvia for emerging specialists, who will care for the maintenance, restoration and improvement of people’s health. There are rehabilitation teams in all largest treatment institutions in Latvia.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study options Clinical Placement, Study Programme “Physiotherapy”

Placement duration � months

Language of instruction English

Language requirements for Exchange students

B�

Semester Autumn/Spring semester

ECTS Up to �1 ECTS per placement

Please see the latest updates on our homepage: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

department of Social Work

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme Social Work

Offered study programme Please check homepage for a detailed programme: www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

Study duration Spring semester

Language of instruction English

Language of studies English

Language requirements for exchange students

B�

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

Please see the latest updates on our homepage: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

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Faculty of CommunicationThe Faculty of Communication is always open to change, therefore I wish our students to excel among others and be progressive-minded. The keynote of our Faculty is the Roman philosopher Seneca’s statement ‘We learn by teaching’.

Taņa Lāce Dean, Faculty of Communication

The Department of Communication Studies is open to students, who wish to learn more about communication sciences, acquire education in various academic areas and train to obtain skills necessary for an efficient and client-oriented process of public relations in the contemporary information society, or to gain knowledge purposefully for the benefit of the practical media environment.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme Public Relations, Journalism

Study duration Autumn/Spring semester or whole academic year

Language of instruction English

Language requirements for Exchange students

B�

Study form* Module system with availability of up to 10 different courses of the Faculty of Communication per year

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

* Exchange students are free to choose study courses also from Faculty of European Studies and Faculty of Law. Overlaps are possible.

The study process at the Faculty of Communication and Faculty of European Studies is organised according to the so called module system, which is popular in Western Europe. This provides students with an opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of their study

courses: a maximum of three subjects are taught at one time, and examinations are taken at the completion of each study course. The small number of students in each group (no more than ��) ensures comprehensive and individual approach to each student.

Faculty of european Studies Department of Political ScienceIf you realise that Earth energy requires renewal and fresh ideas require breadth, come and join the Faculty of European Studies to learn how to shape the future of your country.

Professor Ilga Kreituse Dean, Faculty of European Studies

The Department of Political Science is open to foreign exchange students who wish to learn more about the geopolitics of the Baltic region. The Department offers several courses on Comparative Post-Soviet politics and Baltic politics, including Ethnic Politics and Ethnic Issues in International Relations as well as a theoretical course in Foreign Policy Analysis.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme Politics and Public Administration, international Relations

Study duration Autumn/Spring semester or whole academic year

Language of instruction English

Language requirements for Exchange students

B�

Study form* Module system with availability of up to 10 different courses of the Faculty of Law per year

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

* Exchange students are free to choose study courses also from Faculty of Communication and Faculty of Law. Overlaps are possible.

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Faculty of european Studies Department of Regional Economics and Business

The Department of Business and Regional Economics is open to students who wish to gain an understanding about economics and business administration principles in Europe, offering courses in English on EU and economic correlations, e. g. European Economic Integration and EU Institutions, Policy, Law and Economy.

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Study programme european economics and Business

Study duration Autumn/Spring semester or whole academic year

Language of instruction English

Language requirements for Exchange students

B�

Study form* Module system combined with individual classes only for Erasmus students with availability of up to � different courses of the Faculty of Regional Economics and Business

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

* Exchange students are free to choose study courses also from Faculty of Communication and Faculty of Law. Overlaps are possible.

Please see the latest updates on our homepage: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

Faculty of LawA lawyer must always be ready to learn about everything new, which enters our ever changing, dynamic lives. Crisis situations also impose specific conditions on any sort of activity. They must be put to good use, one must adjust to them.

Professor Andrejs Vilks Dean, Faculty of Law

For Erasmus+ exchange students:

Programme Law

Study duration Spring semester

Language of instruction English

Language requirements for Exchange students

B�

Study form* Individual classes with availability of up to � courses from the Faculty of Law per Spring semester

ECTS Up to �0 ECTS per semester

* Exchange students are free to choose study courses also from Faculty of Communication and Faculty of Law. Overlaps are possible.

Please see the latest updates on our homepage: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

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erasmus Application procedure

Application deadlines for:Autumn semester/Academic year 1� June Spring semester 1� November

E-mail nomination letter from home university should be sent prior the deadline, containing the following information about students:

Name Surname Date of birth Valid e-mail address Study programme Number of study years completed prior to exchange Study length Special needs, if applicable

Students without prior e-mail nomination from home institution will not be considered as nominees. After receiving the above mentioned information, RSU Erasmus officer will contactthe student directly, and send all relevant information. Scanned documents via e-mail are accepted.

Required documents for application:• Application form (online)

• Learning agreement (for studies)

• Training agreement (for placements)

• Transcript of Records (English version)

• Copy of valid ID card or passport

• EHIC card copy (compulsory to all exchange students)

• 1 original passport size photo (for E-ticket) sent by regular mail

Information about application and documents: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/erasmus

Grading System

Latvian credit point system differs from the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation system (ECTS), and yet it is compatible with it, which means that credits earned at RSU can be transferred to other higher education institutions in the EU/EEA.

If it is not possible to assess achievements in the 10-point scale in a regular test, teachers may use “pass” or “fail”.

10-point grading scheme for assessment

Achievement level Grade Meaning Approx.

eCTS grade

very high10 izcili (with distinction) A

9 teicami (excellent) A

high8 ļoti labi (very good) B

7 labi (good) C

medium

6 gandrīz labi (almost good) D

� viduvēji (satisfactory) E

4 gandrīz viduvēji (almost satisfactory) E/FX

low �-1 negatīvs vērtējums (unsatisfactory) Fail

One creditpoint in Latvia is defined as the amount of the workload of one week full time studies. The scheduled amount of full-time studies for one academic year is 40 credits. Recalculating in European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points, the amount of Latvian creditpoints has to be multiplied by 1.� (Source: www.aic.lv).

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Academic Calendar & National Holidays in Latvia

The academic year at RSU begins at the end of August or the beginning of September and ends in late June. The academic year is divided into two �0-week semesters, the autumn semester ending in mid-January, and spring semester ending at the end of June. Students should note that in general there are no mid-term breaks, the only holidays being the Christmas break and sometimes Easter holidays.

For exchange students:

Faculties/departments Fall semester Spring semester

Faculty of Medicine September – mid January February – June

Faculty of Dentistry September – mid January –

Faculty of RehabilitationDepartment of Physiotherapy

September – December* February- May

Faculty of RehabilitationDepartment of Social work

– February – end of May

Faculty of Law – February – May

Faculty of European Sciences and Faculty of Communication

September – December* February – end of May

* Semester ends in December, shortly before Christmas.

National Holidays & Remembrance Days in Latvia

• 18 November Independence Day of Latvia

• 24-26 december Christmas

• 31 december New Year’s Eve

• 1 January New Year’s Day

• March/April Easter (from Good Friday to Easter Monday)

• 1 May Convocation of the Constituent Assembly

• 4 May Restoration of Independence of Latvia

• 23-24 June Midsummer celebrations Līgo

On national holidays the University, as well as other institutions in Latvia are closed. For exact dates of all national holidays, please see the Academic Calendar on our homepage, as dates may vary from year to year.

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Contacts

Address:

Rīga Stradiņš University16 Dzirciema StreetRīga, LV-1007Latvia

Department of Academic and Foreign Affairs: daep@rsu.lvStudent Services: dafa@rsu.lv

Staff:

Lana AmosovaErasmus Institutional CoordinatorE-mail: lana.amosova@rsu.lvPhone: +�71 67 409 �64Incoming/outgoing exchange students, bilateral agreements, international cooperation

Maruta FuntaInternational CoordinatorE-mail: maruta.funta@rsu.lvPhone: +�71 67 409 �64Outgoing exchange students, staff mobility, international cooperation

Practical information

Accommodation and LivingAs in many other European cities, the demand for reasonably priced accommodation options is very high, and therefore student housing facilities are limited. At the same time, the city’s private rental market is considerably cheaper than that in other European cities, and therefore is rather appealing to international students studying at RSU.

Information: http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/practical-information

Contacts: dafa@rsu.lv

TransportThe main provider of public transportin Rīga is SIA Rīgas Satiksme. The company runs busses, trolleybuses and trams on more than 80 routs covering all of Rīga. Locals and foreigners admit that public transport in Rīga is very good. There is a variety of transport options that you can use when in Rīga and all means of transport are easy to use. All public transport types have strict timetables (usually from �:00 to 0:00) and unless anything extraordinary happens you can rely on them. These timetables can be found in each public transport stop as well on Rīgas Satiksme homepage www.rigassatiksme.lv

Upon arrival, all RSU students receive a personalised e-ticket, which gives a �0% discount for public transport in Rīga. Upon registration at the University, you receive the personalised e-ticket and all you have to do is go to the nearest vendor to charge it. You may register and recharge the ticket online.

erasmus+ students should send 1 passport size photo to the address of the university for the purposes of preparing personalised e-tickets prior to arrival to Latvia.

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Arrival to Rīga

By plane:Rīga International Airport is the largest international aviation company in the Baltic’s and the main air traffic centre in this region offering regular passenger, cargo and postal delivery to various cities of the world. It is possible to go to 70 destinations from Rīga International Airport.

Web: www.riga-airport.com

By bus:At present Rīga International Coach Terminal is one of the most important transportation hubs in the country. The location of the coach terminal is in the historic and economic centre, next to the Central Market near the railway embankment.

Web: www.autoosta.lv

By ferry:Rīga Passenger Port (Rīgas Pasažieru termināls) provides ferry services from Rīga to Stockholm, Helsinki and Tallinn.

Web: www.portoriga.lv; www.tallink.lv

Personal SecurityRīga and Latvia, in general, are fairly safe. Violent street crimes are rare and most security problems are associated with petty theft, such as pick pocketing, which is a problem in certain areas of Rīga centre. Take care of your personal belongings and avoid crowded public transport, and the area around the Central Market, as well as unlit streets late at night, and you should be safe. Should a need arise, you can contact Police (Policija) by dialling 11�.

HealthRSU Health Centre (Ambulance) is located on the ground floor of RSU’s Main Building, but there is just one GP working there, and patients are accepted based on previous appointments. Therefore, we suggest that you look at other medical companies in Rīga, especially the closest to your place of residence.

Psychological Wellbeing & CounsellingPsychological wellbeing is extremely important, especially when under stress. Therefore students are free to receive counselling services at the Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy where highly qualified specialists in the field of psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy are ready to provide consultation, psychotherapy and other therapeutic activities within the boundaries of their Professional competence.

Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy

Web: www.psihosomatika.lv

Leisure timeRīga offers a wide range of leisure and social activities. With its rich cultural heritage, lively art scene, concerts, annual festivals, internationally recognised National Opera, classical and modern theatres, parks, sport centres, cinemas, cafés, bars and vibrant nightlife – Rīga has something for all tastes and preferences.

Skyline BarRadio Bar DADA

Mad House LidoThe Flying Frog

Planet Sushi

Scandal

Black Magic Bar

Apsara Tea House

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MuseumsThere are many museums and art galleries in Rīga:

Latvian War Museum www.karamuzejs.lvMuseum of the History of Rīga and Navigation www.rigamuz.lv

Latvian National Museum of Art www.lnmm.lvNational History Museum of Latvia www.history-museum.lv

Rīga Porcelain museum www.porcelanamuzej.riga.lvRīga Art Nouveau Museum www.jugendstils.lv

Ethnographic Open Air Museum www.brivdabasmuzejs.lvPauls Stradiņš Museum for History of Medicine www.mvm.lv

TheatreRīga boasts several theatres – showcasing internationally acclaimed

professional repertoires or even amateur productions. daile Theatre (7� Brīvības Street) is famous for its experimental repertoire

productions, sometimes stretching the boundaries of art. The Latvian National Theatre (� Kronvalda Blvd) has a more traditional repertoire

and it is preferred mainly by a more conservative audience. Latvia’s internationally most acclaimed professional theatre is the New Rīga Theatre (�� Lāčplēša Street), with a small, mostly young troupe of actors who offer their spectators a contemporary look through their scenic interpretations, both of classical and contemporary texts. Mikhail Chekhov Rīga Russian theatre (16 Kalku Street) is the most popular Russian theatre in Rīga that stages Russian and world classics as well as works of young playwrights.

OperaThe Latvian National Opera (� Aspazijas Blvd) is a repertoire theatre, which performs opera and ballet in a season that runs from September up until the end of May. In the course of a season, the LNO will perform approx. �00 performances. Generally six new productions will be created

per year. The LNO productions are of an internationally recognised artistic quality. We recommend that you see the Swan Lake, Giselle, or The Nutcracker (a great Christmas production!) ballets and operas Madame Butterfly or La Traviata.

CinemaThere are several movie theatres in Rīga, and all films are always shown in their original languages with Latvian and Russian subtitles. The largest movie theatre is Forum Cinemas with 14 theatre halls, where mostly top grossing Hollywood blockbusters are screened.

Forum Cinemas www.forumcinemas.lvMultikino (Shopping centre Rīga Plaza) www.multikino.lvCinamon (Shopping centre Alfa) www.cinamon.lvSplendid Palace www.splendidpalace.lv

Cafes and RestaurantsInternational students’ Top 10 Cafes Restaurants and Bars

More information on Leisure time in Rīga and Latvia RSu Survival Guide http://www.rsu.lv/eng/international-students/practical-information/survival-guide

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NightlifeNightlife in Rīga is a good way to experience how Rīga changes at night. There are many bars, café-clubs and nightclubs, most of which are located in the Old Town or the surrounding area.

For more information about entertainment and leisure activities visit: www.easyget.lv; www.rigathisweek.lv; www.inyourpocekt.lv; www.virtualriga.com

TravellingRīga is a great city to explore, but Latvia has a lot more to offer. Below

you will find a few suggestions of places that you should not miss.Latvia is divided in fourhistorical regions that differ not only in terms

of geography and climate, but also mentality and even language to a certain extent.

Jūrmala is a resort town only �� km west of Rīga. The attraction of Jūrmala is its almost �� km long white sandy beach and the large pine

forests. In Jūrmala you will discover acombination of charming wooden houses built at the beginning of the �0th century and modern resort

buildings. Jūrmala is easy to reach as various means of transport (trains, buses and minibuses) have direct routes to Jūrmalaand it only takes half an hour to get there. For more information see www.jurmala.lv

Kurzeme (“Land of Curonians”) is situated in the western part of Latvia on the coast of the Baltic Sea; therefore the weather in Kurzemeis always milder than in other parts of Latvia.

Vidzeme (“Middle Earth”) is situated in the North-Eastern part of Latvia and is the geographically highest region of Latvia. Vidzeme invites you to visit some of the most popular tourist

destinations in Latvia because it has it all – the Baltic Sea shore, Gauja – the most picturesque river in Latvia, Gaiziņš – the highest peak in Latvia, medieval heritages can be found in several medieval castles as well as many castle ruins situated in the region.

Zemgale (“Land of Semigallians”) is situated in the central and South-Eastern part of Latvia on the border with Lithuania. The name “Zemgale” is sometimes explained as “Low land” as the region is mostly flat with lowlands as characteristic geographical feature. Some of the greatest manors and two splendid baroque palaces (Jelgava palace and Rundāle palace) built in the 18th century for the Dukes of Courland can be found in the region.

Latgale (the name derives very likely from Latgale = “The Lettland”) is the easternmost region of Latvia – northeast of the River Daugava. While most of Latvia is historically Lutheran, Latgale is historically predominantly Roman Catholic. Parts of the region are disadvantaged; however, do not let it scare you as you will find lots of culture, traditions, religion and beautiful nature in Latgale. People are hospitable and very friendly – much more so than in other parts of Latvia. Moreover, Latgalians speak a different language (or a dialect of Latvian if you like) that many Latvians do not understand!