The Program

This program is offered through the International Relations Office of the University of Latvia (LU). You will enroll as a visiting international student at the University of Latvia and may enroll in a variety of courses taught in English in the Baltic Study program or other University departments.

International students are encouraged to get involved in the life of the University through the Students' Union and student clubs and organizations. The Exchange Student Initiative (http://www.ev.lu.lv/asd/esi/about_us.htm) exists specifically to organize activities and events for international students.

International students are housed in double rooms in the University dormitories. The past few years, UW-Eau Claire students have lived in Student Hotel Prima, a newer residence with a primarily international population. The Prima provides bedding, an internet connection in every room, cable TV, telephone. Each floor has a kitchen with a microwave adn refrigerator, and a lounge area.


Location

Latvia on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, is bordered by Lithuania, Belarus, Estonia, and Russia. Latvia regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. You will experience firsthand the ways in which Latvians are making the exciting yet difficult transition from a communist system to a free market, capitalist system.

Riga (pop. 800,000), the capital of Latvia, is also the cultural and commercial center of the country and a major seaport. Founded in 1201 by German crusaders, Riga's old town retains a distinct West European/Hanseatic flavor.

Courses

The LU Baltic Study program offers several courses, taught in English, for international students. Exact course offferings vary; sample offerings are below. UW-Eau Claire equivalents are listed if available. You may also take a 3-credit Latvian or Russian language course.

Most Baltic study courses are 1.5 UWEC credits. See http://www.lu.lv/eng/studies/courses/baltic.html for descriptions and more current course information.

For business majors, additional courses in English are offered through the Faculty of Economics and Management. Credits vary from 1.5-4 UWEC. See http://www.lu.lv/eng/studies/courses/emf/ for details.

If you study in Latvia for the semester, you may also wish to apply for the 3-credit, 3-week Central European Travel Seminar in August. It visits Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, Warsaw and Riga.


Academic Calendar

The program runs late August to late December. Exact dates will be available the semester prior to departure.

Expenses

The estimated Wisconsin resident fee for one semester is $2,565.  This includes 12 credits of UW-Eau Claire tuition, CISI insurance, and administrative fees.  Minnesota residents add reciprocity; non-residents add $900 in non-residents fees. 

Additional costs: passport, international and local transportation, housing, food, books, and personal expenses.  You should estimate another $5,100-$5,000 for these items. 

Total Wisconsin resident estimated cost estimate: $7,665-$8,065. Cost estimates may change at any time.

Financial Aid/Scholarships

If you qualify for financial aid, you can apply your aid to program costs. Your aid package will be based on actual costs in Latvia, including round-trip airfare.  You can learn about additional options, including a study abroad grant through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation; a Wisconsin Grant for Study Abroad, scholarships for specific majors and national study abroad scholarships at http://uwec.edu/CIE/sac/finaid.htm

Eligibility

To apply, you must be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking, undergraduate UW-Eau Claire student. You must be in good academic standing and have a cumulative resident GPA of 2.8 or higher. Although you may apply as a freshman, you need to be at the sophomore level or above at the time of departure.

Application Deadline

Applications for Fall 2009 are accepted beginning September 2, 2008.  The priority application deadline for Fall 2009 is November 17, 2008.

Complete applications will be reviewed after the deadline.  Late applications will be considered if space is still available. Please contact the Center for International Education to find out if spaces are available before submitting a late application. No applications will be accepted after January 30, 2009 for Fall 2009.

You can download an application at online applications, or stop by to pick up an application in the Center for International Education.

Comments

Latvia was one of the best experiences I have had. I learned a lot about Eastern Europe and was able to interact with different people. History is still reshaping itself here.
-Stephanie, past participant

From touring an old KGB prison to listening to my host mother's first-hand account of Soviet occupation, the print of a history textbook became a reality.
 -Mychal, past participant

I found my experience in Latvia to be extremely valuable and constantly interesting. It was a horizon-broadening experience that will not be forgotten.
-Paul, past participant

Latvia was truly a unique and rewarding adventure, and I continue to grow from my experience during the semester.  The 3 week pre-tour through Eastern Europe was also an amazing chance to put the region's complicated history into a tangible and captivating context.  I recommend this program to anyone interested in learning and traveling, or having a guaranteed memorable and exciting time.
 -Laura, past participant


Additional Information

If you study in Latvia for the semester, you may also wish to apply for the 3-credit, 3-week Central European Travel Seminar in August. It visits Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Krakow, and Warsaw and ending in Riga.

For more information or an application, contact:

Center for International Education
Schofield 111
UW-Eau Claire
Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004

Phone: (715) 836-4411
Fax: (715) 836-4948
Email: studyabroad@uwec.edu