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Daugavpils Program

H 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 H 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 H, travel to Riga, insurance, lunches (a few Euros a day), and public transport (less than one Euro a ride.)

Funding Opportunities

· H students with demonstrated need may apply for the Study/Work International Fund (SWIF): /campus_life/ile/financial-support.html

· H 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 H units (4 courses) in the Summer Semester.

· Non-H 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 H University brett.winestock@dal.ca

Contact us, Phone: 902-494-1082 Email: rusn@dal.ca