First Orientation Week for International Students Online

From 26 to 28 August 2020 the International Department at Rīga Stradiņš University’s (RSU) organised Orientation Week for international students online for the first time.

Around 400 newly enrolled students from 31 different countries joined the online event. On the first day, the new students were introduced to RSU and learned about the class of Autumn Semester 2020. Prof. Deniss Hanovs discussed Latvian culture and topics related to inclusion and adapting to Latvia.

On the second day, the new students met colleagues from RSU’s International Dean’s Office and various student organisations, they got to know student life at RSU were given tips on how to study by senior students.

On the third day various guest presenters were invited to talk about themes relevant to new students: a representative of the Rīga Municipal Police talked about safety in Riga and paid special attention to COVID-19 related social restrictions; Dr. Cindy Heaster from the RSU Health Center informed new students about health related issues and vaccinations that might be very useful upon arrival to Latvia. Completing the Orientation Week programme Dr. Laura Valaine and Dr. Renāte Kangsepa from the RSU Psychosomatic Clinic introduced the mental health system in Latvia and mentioned various services and treatments that the clinic offers to new students in order to help them settle into their new environment and adjust to a new culture.

Orientation Week is organised each year one week before the beginning of the academic year. It is designed to help new students to settle into university life and to get to know the formalities regarding studying at RSU.

Alongside the many structural units at RSU that worked to make this event a success, we also want to thank all student organisations and activists.

All Orientation Week videos are available on the RSU Youtube channel.