On March 25, 2026, the Department of Languages and Literature at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Daugavpils University (DU) was visited by Jennifer Uhler, Regional English Language Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Riga.

During her visit, she met with the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. paed. Mārīte Kravale-Pauliņa, the Acting Head of the Department of Language and Literature, Dr. philol. Ilze Kačāne, and the English Language Fellow at DU, Matthew ‘Joe’ Walther.

During the meeting, cooperation between DU and the U.S. Embassy in Riga was discussed. Particular emphasis was placed on the diverse language-learning initiatives implemented over the past two years with the support of the U.S. Department of State by English Language Fellows – Steven R. Schuit (academic year 2024–2025) and Matthew ‘Joe’ Walther (academic year 2025–2026). These initiatives were carried out across DU academic and professional development education programs. The growing role of the university in providing quality education and international experience in language learning and professional development, while responding to global political challenges, was also addressed. Both parties expressed sincere appreciation for the support provided and the successful partnership, and affirmed their readiness to continue and strengthen cooperation between DU and the U.S. Embassy and U.S. educational institutions.

Additional information:
Ilze Kačāne, Dr. philol.
Acting Head of the Department of Languages and Literature
e-mail: ilze.kacane@du.lv