Study Abroad in Latvia

Semester Programs

During your time in Latvia, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

Schools in Latvia emphasize academic performance. The classroom atmosphere is formal, and students are expected to treat their teachers with the utmost respect. Secondary education in Latvia is divided into secondary schools (university preparatory schools) and vocational schools. Secondary schools are known as vidusskolas (middle schools). Most of these schools last for three years, and students are required to take at least 12 subjects. You will take classes at the upper secondary level in a wide variety of subjects, including math, language, history, biology, social sciences, music, art, and sports. Some secondary schools, known as Gymnasiums, may specialize in a group of subjects such as math, physics and computer sciences, chemistry and biology, foreign languages and humanities, etc.

Orientations

All students applying for this program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Students will also attend a three-day arrival orientation a few days after arrival.  Students will also attend a fall seminar and end of the program seminar. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

Russian and Latvian. Previous language study is not required.

Special Interest Programs

Art and music schools have their distinctive places in the Latvian system of education. They are known for their high professionalism and classical schooling. In these schools, intense special instruction is combined with required liberal arts courses. There are strict demands on students, whether or not a professional career is planned, requiring the highest effort that the student is capable of giving. Students in the special interest programs attend the same orientations as those in the traditional academic programs.

Art: In art schools, students are taught the basics of classic art. Students are enrolled in specialized arts schools or attend high school and then attend professional art after-school classes. Enrollment in photography school is also possible.  Students applying for this program should have at least two years of experience in art and will need to provide a letter of recommendation from a previous art teacher. No experience is necessary for photography enrollment. Students should be prepared to pay for additional materials costs.

Dance: Students in the dance program will be enrolled in a local high school and a local professional ballet, hip hop or modern dance school. Students will attend classes at least 2-3 times each week. Students are required to have at least two years of ballet, hip hop or modern dance experience and should submit a statement from their dance instructor or school verifying their experience.

Music: Students participating in the music program attend either a high school that specializes in music or one that offers extremely strong extracurricular music options. Students applying for this program should have at least two years of experience in music and will need to provide a letter of recommendation from a music teacher.

Trimester Programs

During your time in Latvia, you will live with a host family and attend a local high school.

School

Schools in Latvia emphasize academic performance. The classroom atmosphere is formal, and students are expected to treat their teachers with the utmost respect. Secondary education in Latvia is divided into secondary schools (university preparatory schools) and vocational schools. Secondary schools are known as vidusskolas (middle schools). Most of these schools last for three years, and students are required to take at least 12 subjects. You will take classes at the upper secondary level in a wide variety of subjects, including math, language, history, biology, social sciences, music, art, and sports. Some secondary schools, known as Gymnasiums, may specialize in a group of subjects such as math, physics and computer sciences, chemistry and biology, foreign languages and humanities, etc.

Orientations

All students applying for this program must be available for a mandatory 3-day National Pre-Departure Orientation, which usually takes place in mid-July. This orientation is a required part of the program aimed at preparing students for their experience overseas.

Students will also attend a three-day arrival orientation a few days after arrival.  Students will also attend a fall seminar/end of the program seminar. All orientation costs are included in program tuition.

Language

Russian and Latvian. Previous language study is not required.

Special Interest Programs

Art and music schools have their distinctive places in the Latvian system of education. They are known for their high professionalism and classical schooling. In these schools, intense special instruction is combined with required liberal arts courses. There are strict demands on students, whether or not a professional career is planned, requiring the highest effort that the student is capable of giving. Students in the special interest programs attend the same orientations as those in the traditional academic programs.

Art: In art schools, students are taught the basics of classic art. Students are enrolled in specialized arts schools or attend high school and then attend professional art after-school classes. Enrollment in photography school is also possible.  Students applying for this program should have at least two years of experience in art and will need to provide a letter of recommendation from a previous art teacher. No experience is necessary for photography enrollment. Students should be prepared to pay for additional materials costs.

Dance: Students in the dance program will be enrolled in a local high school and a local professional ballet, hip hop or modern dance school. Students will attend classes at least 2-3 times each week. Students are required to have at least two years of ballet, hip hop or modern dance experience and should submit a statement from their dance instructor or school verifying their experience.

Music: Students participating in the music program attend either a high school that specializes in music or one that offers extremely strong extracurricular music options. Students applying for this program should have at least two years of experience in music and will need to provide a letter of recommendation from a music teacher.