Study Abroad in Latvia

  Latvia

Riga

Duration of Program: 7-12 months
Dates: August - July

Description: Arts, Ballet, or Music
Art, ballet, and music schools have their distinctive place 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. 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.

In art schools students are taught the basics of classic art. They work in pencil, water and oil colors, and ink. Schools of applied arts offer students classes in ceramics, textile, wood, leather, glass, and metal work.

At Riga Choreography School, training is based on classical dancing, following Vaganova's ballet methods.

In music schools students receive instruction in voice, solfeggio, music theory and history, choral singing, plus piano and a second instrument, chosen by the student. Students have the option to play in the school's orchestra and sing in the choir.

Adventure and language course programs as well as year and semester options are available in over 35 countries.

Highlights: Schools in Latvia emphasize academic performance. The classroom atmosphere is formal and students are used to treating their teachers with respect. Secondary education in Latvia is divided into Secondary schools (University preparatory schools) and Vocational schools. Secondary schools are known as VIDUSSKOLAS (middle school). 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.

You will attend a five-day arrival orientation the week after arrival in Sauka, 200 km from Riga. The orientation will be held at a historical estate that has been renovated and is run as a seminar site by a Danish family. YFU Latvia organizes a weekend trip to Tallinn, Estonia during the spring holiday weekend which is included in the program tuition. In June, there will be a departure orientation weekend trip to Vilnius, Lithuania.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more information

Participants Travel to Latvia in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Letters of Reference
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network

Youth For Understanding USA's Mission Statement: Youth For Understanding (YFU) prepares young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.

Year Founded: YFU in 1951