The Spring Semester of 2022 is one that has indeed changed the lives of a number of young, brilliant, adventurous and talented individuals as we were selected from different nations to become Erasmus+ students here at Daugavpils University (DU).

Though our arrival dates varied, the collective experiences have been impactful, enlightening and life-changing. We have been immersed into the rich Latvian culture through excursions, songs, dances, expeditions and our interactions with the amazing natives of this country. It is without a doubt that we have also progressed academically through the guidance of our professors who were exceptional. For us as post graduate students, we have made significant strides in our research studies and we are grateful to have been able to share our individual research studies at the 64th International Scientific Conference of DU. I am also confident that the undergraduate students have benefitted immensely from their professors and studies.

To the team at DU, I express heartfelt thanks for the support you have given. You welcomed us and made sure we felt at home here in Daugavpils. You have indeed been inclusive, understanding and supportive in many ways. The excursions organised were well received and our farewell picnic was amazing! The glamping experience was a first for many of us and it certainly allowed us to bond as a community of international students even though it was the final group activity.

I also express sincere gratitude to the school leaders, staff and students who welcomed us so warmly in their schools, having engaged us in rich cultural exchanges and shared with us aspects of their curriculum.

Undoubtedly, the memories will remain invaluable. The experiences will become integral to our futures as we return to our respective countries to contribute to nation building and to share in diverse ways what we have learned and how we have been impacted by our experience in Daugavpils.

Certainly, this is not the end. But, for now, to my friends from Tajikistan Хайр то боздид; to my friends Spain, hasta pronto; to my friend from Cape Verde, até então; to my friends from India, ख़ुदा हाफ़िज़। ; to my friend from Italy, adio; to my friends from Turkey, hoşça kal; to my fiends from the Philippines, paalam, hanggang sa muli; to my friends from Bulgaria, Довиждане; to my friend from Poland, do widzenia; and of course, to my Jamaican friend, I will see you back home!

As I bid farewell to my DU family, I also wish future students every success and a rewarding experience when you arrive.

Keriffe Clark

Erasmus+ Student

The University of the West Indies, Mona – Jamaica