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On September 11, 2024, Daugavpils University (DU) warmly welcomed a new cohort of Erasmus+ international students from various European and non-European countries as part of the “Erasmus+ Welcome Days” event. These students, who have arrived in Latvia to pursue studies at DU, were greeted with a formal reception, marking the start of their academic journey.
The event was opened by the DU Vice-Rector for Studies, Professor Inese Kokina, followed by speeches from the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health Care, Natālija Degtjarjova, and the Head of External Relations of the DU Student Council, Jānis Dronka. Velta Trūle, Project Manager in International Students Recruitment at the DU International and Public Relations Office, provided the students with an introduction to Latvia, the city of Daugavpils, and a comprehensive overview of the university’s historical background, academic programmes, and research activities.
The international students had the opportunity to introduce themselves, their home universities, and their countries to fellow attendees, fostering a sense of community among the diverse group.
This semester, Erasmus+ students are enrolled in a variety of degree programmes across different study levels. The most popular choices among undergraduate students include “Language and Cultural Studies”, “Psychology”, “Biology”, and the professional bachelor’s programme in “Business and Financial Processes”. At the master’s level, programmes such as “Educational Sciences”, “Biology”, and “Chemistry” are in demand, while doctoral students focus on areas like “Biology” and “Management”. Additionally, all international students are offered a Latvian language course during the semester to help them adapt to their new environment.
Throughout September, DU will host several integration events for Erasmus+ students, designed to help them smoothly transition into academic and social life at the university. These activities will also provide an opportunity to explore the city of Daugavpils, its surroundings and the capital city Riga.
The programme offers a wide range of activities, ensuring students receive essential academic and practical information while also offering the chance to immerse themselves in Latvian culture and fully experience the opportunities available at DU.
In the fall semester of 2024, 32 exchange students from 9 EU and non-EU countries will study at DU:
Georgia - European University in Tbilisi;
Germany - Greifswald University;
Italy - Catholic University of Sacred Heart in Milan;
Higher School of Linguistic Mediators;
Kenya - Maseno University;
Philippines - Mindanao University;
Poland - University of Warsaw;
South Africa - Stellenbosch University;
Sweden - Stockholm University;
Turkey - Anadolu University;
Ardahan University;
Bingol University;
Dicle University;
Erzincan Binali Yildirim University;
Gaziantep University;
Inonu University;
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University;
Suleyman Demirel University;
Yıldız Technical University;
The Erasmus+ programme department extends its sincere gratitude to all dedicated lecturers at DU who work with international students throughout the semester. In addition, the Erasmus+ programme department is grateful to the Student Council for their invaluable support in fostering a welcoming environment for international students. Through their efforts, a wide range of activities and events are organized, providing Erasmus+ students with opportunities to engage and integrate into campus life at DU.
Lizi Kvaratskhelia, European University in Tbilisi, Georgia:
Discovering new cultures and places is one of the most interesting and valuable parts of the Erasmus+ programme. Within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme, Daugavpils University gave us the opportunity to get to know not only the city, but also to travel more widely around Latgale.
The excursion included such varied activities as visiting historical landmarks, participating in different kinds of workshops, enjoying a national cuisine lunch and pleasant views, which provided us with the opportunity to create long-lasting memories with new friends and discover more about Latvian culture.
As a psychology student, I already had many memorable experiences at Daugavpils University. Studying here is the most important and delightful among them. I’m developing myself professionally, as well as I’m improving my English language competence. I look forward to accomplishing even more things at Daugavpils University.
Richelyn Caldera Dumdum, Mindanao University, Philippines:
Stepping into Daugavpils University, I was embraced by a wave of gratitude that I could not contain. The grand architecture of the campus is striking, but it’s the warmth of its people the staff, professors, and, most notably, the rector that truly made it special. On my first day, we had the honor of meeting Dr. Arvīds Barševskis, the esteemed rector of this university. His welcome was not just a gesture, but a genuine embrace that made me feel like I had found a second home. His kindness and hospitality left an indelible mark, and we all felt incredibly fortunate to be in his presence.
Ruth Solange Ayi, Gaziantep University, Turkey
Exploring the Latgale region rekindled the concept of hope in me, whether through the deer that shed their horns every year in the hope of a new and better beginning, or through the ceramist who, with just a small ball of clay, ends up with extraordinary creations. Throughout the tour I had the feeling of being at the traffic circle of time; with each visit I had the sensation of moving from the present world to the past, and at the same time of living the future of the past. Nature whispered calm and the gentle wind brought inner peace, in that forest where the Devil’s Lake slept. In terms of time and space, the bread museum was the most impressive, through the process of making bread to after tasting session; the history and atmosphere of the place take you to another level. There it’s impossible not to experience a culture shock. The trip was incredibly satisfying, beyond expectations. However, I would have liked to have felt a supernatural presence in this church, which imposed a natural silence. I hope the legend behind the Holy Spring is true. All in all, it was a journey of instruction, self-discovery, history and, above all, a lot of fun with friends from all over the world. Thanks for introducing us to a world unlike our own.
Contact information
EU Erasmus+ programme department
Vienibas street 13-201
E-mail: erasmus@du.lv
Telephone: 371 65421606
