An exciting introductory week was held for incoming foreign students at Vidzeme University
This year, 17 foreign full-time students from countries such as Ukraine, Georgia, Nigeria, and Azerbaijan will start their studies at Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences (ViA). In the autumn semester of 2022, 9 new foreign exchange students from France, Spain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Albania, and Moldova were also admitted as a part of the Erasmus+ program. Students will study various courses within the ViA International Study Module.
From August 30 to September 2, ViA held an introduction week for the new foreign students. During this week, students got acquainted with the premises of the university, management, lecturers, and staff and were informed about the great opportunities that await them while studying at ViA and living in Valmiera.
At the beginning of the week, students were welcomed and informed about practical things, such as lectures, the study process, living in dormitories, and everything related to it, concluding each day of the introduction week with team-building activities, such as a quiz night and a tour around Valmiera. At the end of the week, the students were introduced to the European University project E³UDRES² (Engaged and Entrepreneurial European University as Driver for European Smart and Sustainable Regions), also they held their first lectures, where they learned the first words in the Latvian language and got to know Latvian culture and its traditions.
Axel Karcher from France shared that he chose ViA because it was the university that stood out from other universities with its offer in the field of IT. Ren Aarts from the Netherlands and Stanislav Kalachyk from Ukraine share common interests, as both have expressed their desire to get to know the Baltics and be part of the local community aside from studies. Suela Qosaj from Albania inspired others by saying: "I would like to get as much as possible from this semester and then share what I have learned with others". All students are united in their comments about the university "This is a smart university in a beautiful city".
Zandis Kadakovskis, head of the International Direction of the Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Student Union and representative of Valmiera ESN (Erasmus Student Network), shares his experience and reflections about participating in the study exchange program: "Erasmus+ programs are a great opportunity to open a wider horizon, get to know new people and cultures. That is why I am also involved in the integration of exchange students in Valmiera, Latvia and Vidzeme University. I have also enjoyed this experience myself, so I know what it was like for a student in another country and to experience what the incoming students in Valmiera experience themselves".
Information prepared by:
Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences Public Relations specialist
Linda Broka
Phone: 26182244
E-mail: [email protected]