Information for AFS Exchange Students

Latvia

Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Since its independence, Latvia has been referred to as one of the Baltic states. It is bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus, as well as sharing a maritime border with Sweden.

Population: 1,843,529 inhabitants.

Capital city: Rīga

Official language: Latvian
Government: Unitary Parliamentary Republic.
Regions: Kurzeme , Latgale, Vidzeme, Zemgale, Sēlija

Currency: Euro (€)

EU Member since 2004
Religion: Latvians are traditionally Lutherans, Orthodox or Roman Catholics.

Geography and climate: Latvia has the fifth highest proportion of land covered by forests in the European Union. The country has a temperate seasonal climate.

Applying for an AFS exchange program i just the beginning of the journey that awaits you. Learning and embracing a new culture is in today's context considered as one of the most valuable tools. We as AFS help you prepare as future, active and global leaders by providing you modern day tools of intercultural learning.

Sharing Cultures - Connecting Lives

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.

Stepping out of your comfort zone

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!

Life-Long Learning

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!

What are some cultural traditions in latvia?

Customs and Traditions

Latvian customs and traditions are very unique in comparison to other countries. Engaging and following them will make your integration process more easy!

Similar to Finland here almost every people in countryside owns a sauna in the garden maybe even with a small lake next to it. By the traditions first you hit yourself with birch tree branches inside the sauna and then run outside and jump to the lake or snow.
Dress code: The Latvian national dress is an integral part of Latvia’s heritage. If you have ever looked at one, you must have noticed that more attention was paid to beauty than practicality. Yet even today, when you spot someone in such a costume, you will sense the elegance and grace radiating from both the wearer and garments
Līgo is the most popular Latvian festivity. It originated as an ancient fertility festival celebrated after sowing the crops and before gathering harvest. People light bonfires, jump over them and celebrate until the sunrise.
Name days: Every Latvian is happy to celebrate the day of their name, as marked in the calendar. Each day in the Latvian calendar includes up to four names, and there is a date – May 22 – to celebrate the names not included in it.
4th of May On 4 May 1990. Latvia proclaimed its independence from the USSR, and restoration of the Republic of Latvia. It is highly celebrated throughout the country as Latvians understand the price of freedom. The “White Table Celebration” is also done on this date. Families, friends and neighbors are invited to get together around a table, to share a jointly prepared meal, and to talk about history and future of their courtyard, neighbourhood, city, region and country.
Declaration of Independence of Latvia. On 18 November 1918, in Riga, the People’s Council of Latvia proclaimed the independence of the new country and Kārlis Ulmanis was entrusted to set up a government and he took the position of Prime Minister. Various public events take place all over the country, including concerts and fireworks. The largest torchlight procession organised by the National Alliance takes place in the capital city Riga and its route through the streets of the city centre traditionally starts at the monument of Kārlis Ulmanis, the first prime minister of Latvia, and ends at the Freedom Monument.

Food

Because of the harsh climate and modest soil, throughout history, Latvians were supposed to work hard to supply food. Therefore, they preferred a strong and heavy diet. That's why also nowadays Latvian cuisine might be heavy and greasy, quite simple and not at all spicy. For breakfast people usually eat something light, whereas lunch and dinner are heavier meals. Be ready to eat lots of potatoes, meat, fish and dairy products! During dinner or at a party, you will be able to try a variety of food and are expected to eat everything off of your plate, so only take as much as you can handle! In some cases, some may get offended if you do not eat their food as cooking is a way of Latvian hospitality. Tea is a very common drink in Latvia, often herbal, black and green.

Sklandrausis

Sklandrausis is typical for the West of Latvia and is considered a traditional meal. It is a sweet pie, made of rye dough and filled with potato and carrot paste and caraway. In 2013 European Commission designated sklandrausis with a Traditional specialities guaranteed.

Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi

Pelēkie zirņi ar speķi (grey peas with smoked meat) is often eaten in winter during Christmas time. Latvians enjoy eating this meal together with some other delicacies during the Holidays!

Aukstā zupa

Aukstā Zupa is the most popular Latvian cold soup and is eaten every summer in enormous quantities. It will cool you down even on the hottest day. here are numerous versions of this dish and all of them taste amazing. The spectacular pink color is always gonna cheer you up.

Music

Latvia is often called The Singing Nation. Singing and dancing occupies a large part of the nation's cultural identity. It is taught in kindergartens and schools. Once in five years the Latvian National Song and Dance Festival takes place with around 20000 singers from all around the country, showing the patriotism through the songs and dances. During your experience you will definitely learn more about Latvia through its music.

Sports

Ice hockey holds a special place in hearts of Latvians, becoming the second religion in the country. Many towns have their own ice hockey halls where local clubs play in two leagues. The passion of the entire nation is, however, its National team and Riga Dinamo Club. In 2023 Latvian team won a bronze medal in Ice Hockey World Championship. Another popular sport in Latvia is basketball. The country has a long basketball tradition, having talanted players who have achieved success both domestically and internationally.

Public transportation - €1.50 in Riga (prices vary from city to city)
Cinema ticket - 7-10€
Coffee 2-5€

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 scenarios so 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.

Be aware of your personal belongings

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 you.

Swipe - don't carry

The currency that is used in Latvia is the € (euro) and in many places in Latvia you will not be required to carry cash, but only use your credit card. In many restaurants/stores there is a sign where they will write if they only accept cash. Therefore carrying big amounts of cash is not necessary, and if you only carry your credit card, it will definitely be more safe than having large amounts of cash.

Follow the traffic laws

When in doubt - always ask!

Moving to a different country is very exciting, but a lot of questions come along as well. Don’t feel shy to ask your host family about tips or advice about anything during your stay in Latvia. There are many things that you will learn throughout the course of your program, but the safest option is always to ask your host family, who will gladly answer any doubts that you might have.

Latvia through the eyes of a student

“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 knowing nearly nothing about Latvia. But then I met my host family, and 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 that are very kind to me! I enjoy the time I spend with all these people!”

– Lok Hei from Hong Kong 2017/2018

Lasīt vairāk

Latvian families

The average Latvian familiy consists of parents and kids. The grandparents usually 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.

Spending quality family time

Why does a family host an exchange student?

Families in Latvia decide to host students because of their wish to learn about another country and experience the intercultural learning effect in first hand! The #AFSeffect affects us all!

AFS Latvia volunteers explain the aims and objectives of the program to the host families and get to know the families as well before the arrival of the students. Your host family is not paid to host you but have agreed to take you into their home as a part of the family!

Communication with your host family is key!

In order to have a good bond with your host family, communication is very important! Therefore, showing your appreciation often in simple ways such as saying “paldies” (thank you) and participating in family activities. Don’t forget that being an exchange student does not mean that you are a guest in the host family, but a member of the family, therefore you are expected to take your share of the work and responsibilities around the house. Remember that this is an experience also for the host family and that everyone partakes in the experience of intercultural learning.

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.

What type of school will I be attending?

Typically you will be attending Vidusskola that is nearest to your host family’s house. AFS students in Latvia study at high schools, lyceums, colleges and gymnasiums, but generally speaking there aren’t any major differences between these institutions. Their names can be different, but the content is more or less the same — all of them are high schools.

Will I recieve credit for my year/semester abroad?

Most Latvian students do not receive any credit for their year abroad. In spite of this, they generally have no difficulty readjusting and going on with their studies after coming back. This is usually also the case with those students who spend an AFS year in Latvia and then go back to their home countries. Going to school is a mandatory part of AFS school-based programs. You will get a certificate with grades, but getting a diploma is not guaranteed.

What does the grading system look like?

What type of extracurricular activities do schools in Latvia offer?

Some schools in Latvia provide a lot of extracurricular activities for students, while others offer very few. Schools that are located in small towns usually serve as cultural centres in local communities, and often you will have an opportunity to take part in different clubs. Folk dancing and choir singing are extremely popular among Latvians. The most popular sports in Latvia are basketball and

hockey. However, other sports (such as soccer, skiing, biking, yachting, sleighing) enjoy great popularity as well. Dance, music, language and crafts clubs and groups are very common and you can always join one of them

What type of holidays will I have during my school time?

What does a typical day at school look like?

Classes typically start at 08:30 and one class lasts for 40 minutes. There is one big break during the day which is the lunch break which lasts typically for 30 minutes. In between classes, there is a 5-10 minutes break that serves for the students to change classrooms for different classes. The school year starts on the 1st of September and lasts until the end of May.

Learning Latvian

If you are staying in Riga or in the capital area, AFS will provide Latvian lessons which you will be attending 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 once every two weeks. 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 (Ling Learn Languages) 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!

Learn Latvian

Give, risk, live!

“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

Lasīt vairāk

The AFS Activity Calendar

Calendar

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.

Go to Calendar

This is a set of rules set by AFS that you are obliged to follow throughout the entire course of your exchange program. Should you break the rules, you will receive consequences for your actions, maybe even an early return.

No driving!

Regardless of whether or not you have a driver’s license during your exchange program, you are not allowed to drive!

No alcohol!

No drugs!

No hitchhiking!

No pregnancy or causing pregnancy!

Actively participating in school!

Independent travel!

Medical insurance

During your exchange program, you will be covered by the AFS insurance. It is very important for you to read over the files to get to know what your insurance covers and entitles you. This will all be further explained during your arrival camp, however you will always be able to access the information on this website at any point of your program.

Medical Pamphlet

Medical Pamphlet 2024

What students should know about Finances

about-finances-to-Students

Where can you find us?

Contacts

AFS Intercultural Programs Latvia
Blaumaņa iela 38/40, 4th Floor, LV-1011 Rīga

Tel: (+371) 67280646
E-mail: [email protected]

Emergency phone: (+371) 67280646

Website: http://www.afs.lv
Facebook: AFS Latvia
Instagram: @afslatvia
TikTok: @afslatvia