Almost 300 Newly-Enrolled International and Erasmus Students Explore RSU and Latvia

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Orientation Week takes place this week, from 4 to 8 February. The week is dedicated to events for newly-enrolled international students who will commence their studies in medicine, dentistry and social sciences. Orientation Week is designed to help new students settle into university life and Latvia. Around 300 international and exchange students will take part in a series of exciting, and diverse events that will take place during the week to help freshers find out more about life at the university, the study process, e-studies, various practical matters, immigration procedures and life in Latvia.

In addition, the RSU International Department (ID) and the International Student Association (ISA) have planned several exciting leisure activities – orientation and team-building games, a day trip to Rundāle Palace, guided museum tours and other events.

'Apart from an introduction to RSU and the study process, it is essential for newly-enrolled students to get to know one another. Therefore, each year we are increasingly involving the RSU ISA and the Student Union (SU) to help organise the event. RSU students who already have experience at RSU are best placed to give advice to freshers,' says Baiba Pētersone, the Director of the RSU ID.

The newly-enrolled students represent 22 countries with students from various European countries making up the greatest percentage of the international student body: the majority come from Germany, Sweden, Finland, Norway and Italy.

This semester RSU also welcomes 48 Erasmus+ exchange students from partner universities in Germany, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Spain, France and other countries. 34 of them are planning to enrol in healthcare study courses, while 14 students will study social sciences.

'We are delighted to welcome students from so many different countries. They are highly motivated. I am amazed by their previous educational, personal and professional accomplishments,' says Baiba Pētersone.

Orientation Week is organised by the International Department with the support of other structural units, the RSU ISA and the RSU SU.