Daugavpils Program
±«Óătv University Russian Program Abroad
Summer 2024, Daugavpils, Latvia
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Why Latvia?
· Latvia is a safe and political stable country in Eastern Europe, which is a member of the European Union and NATO.
· No visa is required for Canadians, Americans, Brits, or Europeans, and it is easily accessible with only one connecting flight from Halifax and most other major Canadian cities.
· 34% of the population speak Russian as a first language and many more speak it as a second language, giving plenty of opportunity for immersion.
Why Daugavpils?
· The second largest city in Latvia, Daugavpils is more than 740 years old and a place with a fascinating history, evidence of which is preserved throughout the city in the form of architectural monuments.
· Residents of and visitors to Daugavpils enjoy the richness of nature in and around the city, which is adorned with sixteen lakes, eight rivers and streams, forests, and parks.
· Called the “mini-EU” thanks to its multicultural makeup, Daugavpils is the “most Russian” city in the European Union, where Russian is the first language for 80% of the residents, and 96% of the population knows Russian.
What is the program like?
· 6-week intensive programme of rigorous language study and cultural experience. 120 hours of Russian language classes: 4 hours a day, 5 days a week with experienced Russian as a Foriegn Language teachers from Daugavpils Univeristy.
· 13 hours with a peer tutor (local university student)
· The area studies course “Transnational Eastern Europe” will be conducted in English and include excursions around Daugavpils and the surrounding region.
· You will be registered at ±«Óătv University and will receive 12 units [P/F].
Where will I live?
· You will live with a thoroughly vetted and thoroughly trained host family of native Russian speakers who will speak to you only in Russian.
· You will have private room, access to laundry and to Wifi.
· The host family will feed you breakfast and dinner every day, and will accommodate all dietary restrictions and allergies.
What else is included?
· Excursions around Daugavpils and surrounding area including Algona Lake.
· Multi-day excursions even further afield to Riga (Latvia’s capital) and Vilnius (the capital of neighbouring Lithuania).
· All accommodation, transportation, entry fees, and guides on the excursions.
What are the dates?
· You will arrive in Riga on May 25, 2024 and leave July 7, 2024.
· All students will be transported from Riga to Daugavpils on May 26 and classes begin May 27.
What is the cost?
· The program fee is €4,175. This includes housing for six weeks, 2 meals a day, all instruction in Latvia, peer tutoring, all course materials, and all excursions (transport, entrace fees, guides, lodging, meals)
· Expenses do not include registration at ±«Óătv, travel to Riga, insurance, lunches (a few Euros a day), and public transport (less than one Euro a ride.)
Funding Opportunities
· ±«Óătv students with demonstrated need may apply for the Study/Work International Fund (SWIF): /campus_life/ile/financial-support.html
· ±«Óătv students may also apply for the Yuri Glazov Memorial Award (awarded by the Russian Studies Department – .)
How to apply
· Please , and include your personal statement, academic transcripts, and Russian academic reference.
· Once accepted (by the end of the end of February 2024), you will need attend an orientation session in March 2024 and then register for up to 12 specified ±«Óătv units (4 courses) in the Summer Semester.
· Non-±«Óătv students will be able to register as “visiting students” with a letter of permission.
Deadline for application: January 31, 2024
Questions?
Talk to the coordinator
Dr. Brett Winestock, Instructor, Russian Studies ±«Óătv University brett.winestock@dal.ca
Contact us, Phone: 902-494-1082 Email: rusn@dal.ca