Students and staff

Summer School

Summer School of Latvian Language and Culture 2024

In 2024 the summer school is planned to be held live in Riga.

SUMMER SCHOOL OF LATVIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE 2024 for students and other persons interested with no or little (A1+) to good (B1) prior knowledge of the Latvian language

For the ninth year, the University of Latvia organizes "Summer School of Latvian Language and Culture" for students and other interested parties who want not only to learn and improve their Latvian language skills, but also to expand their knowledge of Latvian history, art and folklore. The students who study the Latvian Language or other Baltic languages at their home universities are particularly encouraged to apply.

We offer:

  • intensive, modern and interactive Latvian language course (grammar, reading, writing, speaking, 64 academic hours), which includes such topics as the human personality, experience, knowledge and skills, friendly contacts and time spent in Latvia, versatile and unique Riga, city tour and orientation, daily life and holidays in Latvia, Latvian traditional and modern culture, current events in Latvian media, Latvia’s and Latvians’ success stories in the world;
  • lecture on Latvian history and politics, getting acquainted with modern Latvian history and political situation in Latvia;
  • lecture on Latvian culture and art, getting acquainted with its historical development and key figures, especially, in the visual arts and architecture;
  • lecture on Latvian folklore: customs and traditions, getting acquainted with one of the most interesting forms of folklore - Latvian folk songs or dainas, by singing and dancing;
  • guided tour of Riga, visiting several museums (e.g., Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation or Museum of the Occupation of Latvia, the Latvian National Museum of Art, the National Library, Latvian Ethnographic Open-Air Museum);
  • one day guided tour to Cēsis (palace of Cēsis, old town);
  • one day guided tour to Kuldiga (Venta rapid, old city).

In the summer school, the language of communication during the Latvian classes, lectures and excursions is the English language.

The attendees, having successfully completed the course, are awarded 4 credits (6 ECTS).