Focus on Latvia

  Latvia

Riga

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for the specific dates

Description: A unique blend of Baltic and Slavic cultures, Latvia combines a rich past with a promising future. Riga, the 805-year-old capital, is full of distinctive architecture as well as modern businesses in old art nouveau buildings. Latvia is the central country of the Baltic States. Situated at a trading crossroads, Latvia has long served as a bridge between Western Europe and Russia. In 2004, Latvia became the new member of the European Union, but still holds on to its old customs, such as strong family bonds. Urban families often like to spend weekends in summer homes, and you'll be invited along as part of the family. You'll also discover rich home-cooked meals, many of which contain meat and potatoes. School is the center of teenage social life in Latvia, and you and your friends will participate in activities such as swimming, dancing, basketball, music, crafts, or drama.

Highlights: Year Program:
School runs from September to May, and depending on your host family location, your school (and required language and literature classes) may be predominantly Latvian-speaking or Russian-speaking. Other required subjects include the history of Latvia and current affairs, math, a foreign language, and physical education. Upon your arrival, you will participate in a four-day orientation, which will help you develop basic Latvian or Russian language skills and prepare you for life in Latvia. You will also have the chance to take a variety of weekend outings, school trips to neighboring countries, and other optional excursions.

Summer Intensive Russian Language Study:
Learn the Russian language in Latvia! This unique and exciting AFS Program includes a month-long immersion in the Russian language (no previous language experience is needed). You'll live with a Russian-speaking host family and explore Daugavpils, the second-largest city in Latvia, which is surrounded by forests, lakes, and the Daugava River. You'll attend weekday morning classes at the Daugavpils Language Center, and you'll take part in outdoor and cultural activities during the afternoons. You'll also have the chance to explore the country through sightseeing tours to Latvian cities including Riga, the oldest medieval city still in existence!

Cost in US$: $6,900 - $8,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947