Broad Orientation Week programme for new international students comes to a close

Between 20 to 23 August, more than 400 new international and exchange students from 43 countries attended Orientation Week organised by the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) International Department. During the week, the students learned more about the University, the study process, and other issues that concern their lives by hearing from senior students’ best practice examples: for example, how to organise one’s time and the study process, how to balance physical and mental health, and how to adapt to life in Latvia. The students got to know Riga and Latvia and were able to make new friends.

To help the new students integrate successfully into the study process from day one, the International Department, in collaboration with the International Student Association (ISA) and other RSU departments, introduced the new students to student platforms, the study process, exams and grades, academic integrity, library services, immigration procedures, and student services.

Special emphasis was placed on teaching the new students how to successfully organise the learning process. Andrea Wallesch, a doctor at Karlstad Central Hospital and an RSU graduate, gave an interactive masterclass on various internationally recognised and research-based learning methods and tools.
 

Health, safety, and sustainability

Mārtiņš Ennītis, a doctor at the RSU Clinic of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, shared his knowledge about adaptation in Latvia and mental health. The students also learned about the RSU Health Centre and were instructed on the procedure on reporting illness.

The RSU Department of Infrastructure gave a presentation about the University’s technical facilities and regulations, as well as safety and sustainability at RSU. Mārtiņš Ķipurs, a representative of the Riga Municipal Police, introduced the students to security and public order regulations that apply in the city.

Sports and Latvian folk dances

The new students enthusiastically listened to the University’s international student ambassadors Karlijn Johanna Linda Henricus Op de Laak and Jerzen Benny Malayaatil talk about life in Riga and Latvia. After this, the Dandari folk dance group led the new students in an energetic and fun introduction to Latvian folk dance.

The rich content of the Orientation Week was complemented by sports activities led by Ance Mistere, a physiotherapy graduate. To keep the students in shape, the RSU Sports Club provided an overview of the sports activities that are available at the University.

Welcome speeches and tours

The new students were welcomed by RSU Rector Prof. Aigars Pētersons, Director of the International Department Baiba Pētersone, Head of the International Admissions Office Māris Ginters, Deputy Vice-Dean for International Students of the Faculty of Medicine Mārtiņš Vaivads, and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Inguna Rence-Bambīte, as well as representatives of the RSU ISA and the RSU Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP).

Each day, the students could take part in afternoon tours of the RSU Main Building that were led by staff from the International Department and RSU student mentors, and in the evenings they attended various activities organised by ISA.