A bridge between cultures: Head of RSU International Department Māris Ginters on international students and future plans

Photos: Courtesy of RSU

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) is a leader in education exports in the Baltic region, welcoming students from more than 80 countries. How can international students feel like part of the university and the Latvian community? What are the biggest challenges in running the International Department?

We spoke with Māris Ginters, who has been at RSU for over two decades, about these and other topics. From student to faculty member and now head of a department, Ginters shares his vision for student integration, the academic environment, and work processes at RSU.

What do you see as the biggest challenges after taking over the leadership of the department?

At the moment, I have a lot to learn and need to familiarise myself with the specifics of the role, as my previous experience was mostly in student admissions. But that’s just one part of how the department operates. Right now, I’m working on understanding the full scope of responsibilities.

Can you give an example of a current project?

Yes, for instance, in the area of sports. We recently organised a meeting with university management to discuss how international students can be more involved in RSU sports teams and activities. We also conducted a survey of more than 500 students. Information about the survey was available online, in university lobbies, and on social media.

We hope this initiative will strengthen the connection between local and international students.

Sports are an excellent way to achieve this because they minimise language barriers. Our goal is to build stronger bridges between different student groups.

Of course, daily operations bring new challenges as well. Every day is different and requires handling a variety of issues that I wasn’t previously involved with.

How do you think international students' interests and access to studies are changing?

This applies not only to international students but also to local students. The world is changing, and so are students’ habits.

One noticeable post-pandemic trend is the dominance of digital communication. Students are now used to doing many things remotely and expect quick responses.

However, hands-on experience and direct human interaction remain essential, especially in healthcare-related programs. In these fields, digital tools cannot fully replace face-to-face learning. Social and communication skills are critical, and we sometimes notice that students lack them.

At the same time, students today have higher expectations. They want immediate answers and quick solutions to problems. This presents a challenge for the university—how to balance an academic approach with the fast-paced digital world.

Māris Ginters and international students at RSU

How is the integration of international students in Latvia progressing?

I believe there is still a lot we can do in this area, but the process must be student-friendly, inclusive, and engaging—it cannot be forced. Each student decides how much they want to integrate into the local community. Our job is to create opportunities and promote events and activities at both the university and in Riga.

Some students actively participate in sports, cultural events, and other activities—sometimes they even know more about Riga than locals!

The university offers many opportunities, but students don’t always hear about them. That’s why our role is to facilitate this exchange of information and encourage participation.

How did this year’s Orientation Week for new students go?

This was my 30th Welcome Week, so I can confidently say that the process is well-refined, and every detail is carefully planned. Many students are arriving in Riga for the first time, everything is new to them, and they’re receiving a massive amount of information.

Students really appreciate this week because it’s their first opportunity to build connections and friendships that will support them throughout their studies. We aim to make the experience not just informative but also exciting. For example, we invited a folklore group to introduce students to Latvian culture, dance, and music.

During the pandemic, Orientation Week was held remotely, and the difference was significant.

The face-to-face connection is irreplaceable.

We receive a lot of positive feedback, which confirms that this approach is essential. That’s why almost every respected higher education institution hosts in-person orientation events for international students.

I’m incredibly grateful to my colleagues in the International Department who help plan and organise Orientation Week. It’s great to share a common vision and approach to our work. The sense of teamwork and mutual support is invaluable and brings the most satisfaction.

Tell us about your journey at RSU. How did it all start?

My journey at RSU began in 1998. I grew up in Teika, a neighborhood in Riga. When it came time to choose a university, I knew I wanted to study social sciences, but I wasn’t sure where.

A friend attended an Open Door Day at RSU, and I asked him to bring me brochures about the Faculty of European Studies—a newly established but already well-regarded department at RSU. Back then, digital information wasn’t as accessible, so printed materials played a crucial role.

The information intrigued me, so I started attending preparatory courses at RSU on Saturdays. Eventually, I enrolled and completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees, making RSU my second home.

After graduating, I worked at the State Employment Agency, handling international affairs, but I returned to RSU six years later. I’ve been at the International Department since 2010. Time has flown by, and

I’m excited to be contributing to the university’s growth.

Have you ever taught any courses?

Yes, I taught Political Science, specifically a course on political elites. It was a semester-long course with regular lectures and student assessments. It was an interesting experience that allowed me to stay connected to academia while working in other roles.

How do you evaluate RSU’s success in attracting international students?

This year, for the first time, RSU has over 3,000 international students from 87 different countries, and the number continues to grow.

We also strive to create a welcoming experience for students from countries that have never been represented at RSU before. For example, this year we welcomed students from the Philippines, Malta, Algeria, and Ghana for the first time. While many of RSU’s international students see themselves as global citizens, I’m still amazed by the unique paths that lead them to apply here. Their individual stories are truly inspiring.

I’m proud that RSU continues to attract students from all over the world!

What’s most rewarding is knowing that, through our approach and dedication, we’ve convinced young people from around the globe that RSU is the best choice for their professional development and future—despite strong competition both in Latvia and internationally.