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Below you will find an interview with Jessica, one of our medical students in Riga.
But first a short introduction to Latvia and its capital Riga: Latvia is located in the north-east of Europe and together with Lithuania and Estonia forms the "Baltic States". The capital Riga is the largest capital of the three Baltic states with a population of around 700,000. Located at the mouth of the Daugava River and with a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea to the west, Riga offers a charming, enriching study abroad experience.
Around 80,000 students live in the city. A number that is growing steadily, and rightly so. A major cultural centre and the 2014 European Capital of Culture, the city is rich in architectural gems, including many prime examples of Art Nouveau, which give the city a unique atmosphere. The narrow streets of the old town date back to the Middle Ages and are home to shops and restaurants, as well as the lively Livu Square, where the city's nightspots are located.
We asked Jessica Burkart what life is like in Riga as a medical student.
- Can you tell me a little about yourself or introduce yourself briefly?
I'm Jessy, I'm 20 years old, I'm from Lake Constance and I'm studying dentistry in Riga.
- Where were you at the time you found out you were accepted in Riga and how did you feel?
When I found out that I was accepted in Riga, I was just at home. My mum had left the house 2 minutes before to be out for the weekend and I ran after her like in a movie to tell her the news. It was a very beautiful moment.
- How do you spend your free time in Riga?
Due to my studies, I only have limited free time, which I like to spend in my flat-share with my flatmates, going for walks, going out for dinner or working out at the gym to balance things out a bit. In winter I will definitely go skiing or to the beach. There are a lot of things to do here, but I haven't gotten to much yet.
- What do you like best about the city?
I am a very cosmopolitan person, so the whole package is very interesting for me. The new culture and food, the language, the environment and of course the nature. The city itself is beautiful. I myself come from a city that has a lot of old town, but what makes Riga so special is the diverse influences, also from Russia.
- How do you cope with the stress of studying abroad?
So far, I find the programme manageable and not very stressful. You have to sit down and study, as in any degree programme, but after you do something that interests you, you manage very well.
- Do you regret the move to Riga?
No way! I love the city and am so positively surprised.
- Did you find it easy/difficult to make first acquaintances and friends? Why?
Not at all. All futuredoctor students are in the same situation. They have left home, moved to a new country and have to find their way around. They are all willing to make friends and are open and welcoming. After a short time, everything feels very familiar.
- In which situation did you feel particularly supported by futuredoctor?
For me, futuredoctor simply brought order to the chaos. I had the feeling that the universities themselves don't know exactly what documents they need, in what language and what version. I'm aware that I couldn't have managed it myself and that I would probably have despaired five times a day. Then there is the search for accommodation. When I compare myself to other students who either had an agency that didn't offer that or didn't have any help from an agency at all, there's no comparison at all. If you throw yourself into the property market of a foreign country and you can't understand or speak the language, you're lost.
For information according to § 5b para. 3 UWG click here.
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