Latvian customs and traditions are very unique in comparison to other countries. Engaging and following them will make your integration process more easy!
Sklandrausis is typical for the West of Latvia and is considered a traditional meal.
Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi is often eaten in winter during Christmas time. Latvians enjoy eating this meal together with some other delicacies during the Holidays!
Latvia is not a country where you should be afraid of something bad happening to you, but like in every country, we always advise students to take precaution in certain situations where they can avoid getting themselves into uncomfortable or dangerous situations.
Below you can read some safety tips that we recommend for you to follow throughout your exchange.
While you are in public transport or in crowded places, it is important that you take care of your personal belongings such as your phone, wallet, bag etc. Try to keep it close to prevent and pickpocketing that can happen in crowded places.
“I’m really glad to be a exchange student in Latvia, It’s one of the most special experience in my life. I came here by knowing nearly nothing about Latvia. But than I had my host family, they taught me a lot of things about the culture. Other things to mention which made my exchange year so memorable is other
exchange students, AFS Latvia and volunteers are so kind to be friend with! I enjoy time I spend with all these people!”
– Lok Hei from Hong Kong 2017/2018
The average Latvian families consist of parents and kids. The grandparents live in a different household. In Latvia it is possible to live in countryside without any neighbours and that is the dream of many Latvians.Latvia is rather neatly divided into two large groups: the indigenous Latvians, who make 62,1% percent of population, and the Russian native speakers, who make up 37,2%, so it is possible that during your exchange program, your family can belong to one of these large groups.
School is going to be a very big part of your exchange program. This is where you will be spending the most of your day, where you will interact with other people your age, learn more about Latvia and continue your education. For many young people, school is a vital place of learning but also meeting new people.
During your exchange you will be provided with a language course that is closest to your host city. If you are staying in Riga or in the capital area, you will be attending the language lesson in the AFS office, as for other students placed in different parts of the country, you will be informed where your course will take place.
The language course is obligatory and will be held weekly. It is expected from you to show effort in learning the Latvian language and use these courses as much as possible for your language purposes.
If you feel like impressing your host family and AFS by learning some Latvian before you come we can recommend this online app (Learn Latvian – Fabulo) available for IOS and Android devices, that can help you get a kick start of the Latvian language. Click on the link below to find out more!
“It was a series of unexpected events from the first to the last day. It passed in a second, though it was hard. And as hard as it was, I would do it all again. The amount of growth, experience and happiness I gained are impossible to express through words. The only advice I can give is that you have to see for yourself. Give, risk, live!”
– Amelia from Italy 2017/2018
During your exchange program you will be given the opportunity to take part in some excursions that are supported and suggested by AFS Latvia but not organised by us! Which means that you will be responsible to cover to cost of the excursion on your own. Below you can find more details.
September 22nd there will be an organised excursion to Kurzeme region in Latvia, 1 day. The cost of the excursion is 35€ (euro= per person)
During your stay in Latvia, you will be able to access the AFS calendar where you can find information on which dates your camps and other AFS activities that you have to attend will be hosted. Please use this calendar to manage and organise your time beforehand and have all data in regards to when the camps and other AFS related activities are being hosted.
These set of rules are a combination of rules set by AFS that you are obliged to follow throughout the entire course of your exchange program. Should you disobey the rules, you will receive consequences for your actions, even by an early return.
Regardless of whether or not you have a driver’s license during your exchange program, you are not allowed to drive!
Going abroad is much more than just moving to a different country. It is about opening up to new people, getting to know them and their culture as well as sharing your own. This type of sensitivity raises student’s confidence when it comes to learning about new cultures and raising curiosity.
During your time abroad, you will get to know yourself far more than you expect! You will create a better understanding of yourself that will benefit you in your social intelligence. Getting to know yourself, opening up to new experiences and adventures is something that will be inevitable during your time abroad!
As exchange students, you become aware of life-long learning and it’s great impact. You will create a better understanding that learning can come from different places and that learning about a new culture and language can best be done in action!
AFS Intercultural Programs Latvia
Blaumaņa iela 38/40, 4th Floor, LV-1011 Rīga
Tel: (+371) 67280646
E-mail: [email protected]
National Hosting Coordinator: Sanita Heinsberga
Tel: (+371) 26 486 456
E-mail: [email protected]
Emergency phone: (+371) 67280646
Website: http://www.afs.lv
Facebook: AFS Latvia
Instagram: @afslatvia
