Latvia has signed agreements with several third world countries in the field of education. Moreover, Latvian Institutions of higher education are cooperating in bilateral agreements with institutions of higher education in third countries regarding student exchange. Every year many Pakistani students are applying in Latvian universities to pursue their higher studies.
Let’s explore the challenges and benefits of studying in Latvia.
Challenges and Benefits of Studying in Latvia
Benefits:
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Latvia and Riga are startlingly beautiful where you can find nature, traditions, and food in a unique style-. Riga dwells approximately 500 foreign students therefore multicultural activities are very common and so making friends is very easy.
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Latvia is preferred as a study abroad destination for its low tuition fees, wide range of programs exceptional faculty, and affordable living costs.
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The number of foreign students in Latvia is comparatively small than other European countries with no essential collision in specific fields. Therefore it is easy to explore good opportunities within Latvia especially in multinational organizations. Moreover, if in future it is expected that if the flow of foreign students increase in the education system then proportionally the quality of studies will also increase.
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Foreign students can study in full-time study programs if the secondary education documents of foreign students are in compliance with the standards of Latvia as well as if the knowledge of foreign students corresponds to the admission requirements of the relevant Latvian institution of high education.
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Latvia enjoys the 2nd highest place in the world rank in number of students comparing to the size of the population. There are 36 public institutions of higher education and 222 private institutions of higher education in Latvia. There are three levels of higher education in Latvia: Bachelor, Master, and Doctor. Degrees from Latvian institutions are recognized in all European Union countries.
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After the studies at professional study programs like medicine, dentistry, and pharmacy, graduates can continue with studies in Doctor Programs.
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Foreign students have also rights to study in exchange programs according to bilateral agreements signed between institutions of higher education of both countries.
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The universities in Latvia have compulsory internship programs. This gives foreign students the opportunity to contact the employers and they can apply for jobs .This in turns help the students to convert their student visa to work visa.
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After receiving a temporary residence permit, a foreign student has a right to employment .The student’s residence permit during the term of validity of a residence allows to work with any employer for up to 20 hours per week
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Latvia offers the fastest internet speeds in the world. This efficient communication in the country can connect the student with the rest of the world in seconds. Latvia is categorized as the fastest innovator. Here, students are trained to show and implement their innovative ideas on the growing sectors.
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Due to a large number of foreign students social activities are very common. Pakistani students can enjoy their culture with other Pakistani students.
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You are mesmerized in spring with plenty of flowers, fruit trees and shrubbery. Summer has long bright nights and with a pleasant temperature around 20 degrees. However, sometimes the temperatures even rise around 30 degrees
Challenges to face while studying in Latvia:
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People in Latvia are reserved and are not that fond of citizens from third world countries. The cultures are very different and Latvians remain distant and are usually cold.
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Most of the courses are offered in Latvian and only few courses are taught in English.
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Job opportunities are limited in Latvia because of language restraint. The possibility of getting a job is very low if you do not know local languages. Just English will not help to get good earnings.
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Latvia has long, dark winters from November to February. This could be annoying for Pakistanis who have arrived from a warm atmosphere. Winters are though not that extremely cold or snowy. The average temperature is minus ten degrees Celsius, but in extreme conditions temperatures can reach minus twenty for a few days each year.
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Other than tuition, there are no free excursions extra- curricular opportunities like free sports or events held all are paid here in Latvia.
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Because of the small population of Muslims in the country, facilities such as Halal restaurants are bare. Riga has few Halal restaurants and only one mosque to pray.
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There are some strict rules for third world population as they might consider you a terrorist likewise racism is also observed in some of the Latvian zones.
