Russian Language Study Abroad Programs in Latvia

Participating in the Learn Russian in the EU program in Latvia has been one of the most formative academic experiences of my undergraduate career. The administrators are consistently kind, attentive, and genuinely invested in each student’s growth. They helped me navigate everything from housing to local logistics, creating an environment in which I felt supported from the first day. The professors are exceptionally knowledgeable, especially in areas connected to Soviet history, regional politics, and the linguistic complexities of the post-Soviet space. What stood out to me most was their ability to tailor instruction to students with widely different skill levels. Outside the classroom, the program offers a thoughtful set of excursions. Some take you to other EU countries, such as Estonia and Lithuania, where you gain insight into how these societies have navigated their own transitions since the Soviet era. Local excursions within Latvia provide invaluable context on the country’s complex history, from its pagan roots to wars of occupation and the Cold War. In Latgale, I encountered a cultural world that is both distinct and remarkably welcoming. Visiting Old Believer communities, learning about local Polish and Belarusian diasporas, and exploring the region’s religious and linguistic traditions helped me understand Latvia as far more than a site for language study. One of the highlights of my time here was the visit to the Daugavpils fortress, where volunteers reenact Napoleonic-era battles. It is an experience that brings history to life in a way that books simply cannot.

I had an amazing time during my 6 week study abroad in Riga! I wish I had stayed longer because I had just started to settle in when I realized I was halfway done with the program. I was placed in a really good living situation where I was able to meet other students from the school. The classes were very flexible with different students' levels of Russian. I ended up switching classes after my first week and I feel that I found a good fit. The school was definitely a place where you have to be outgoing if you want to meet people. The school didn't organize a ton of activities but everyone who was there at the same time as me was pretty social and also looking to meet new people. Overall, I would highly recommend this experience to anyone who is looking to improve their language skills. Being immersed in a homestay as well as in a country where the language is actually spoken was super beneficial. My Russian language skills were the best they had ever been while I was in Riga!