Latvia

Latvia may be a small spot on the world map, but the hospitality, history, culture, adventure, and people will take up a big part of your heart if you choose one of this Baltic country as your YFU destination.

Because of the country's many previous inhabitants, culture has been and remains a strong symbol of national identity. The culture of Latvia can best be described as a balance of influences between a rich historical past and present-day European neighbors. Music is a great example of the blending of the old and the new, which can be witnessed at many song and dance festivals. Riga, the capital city, is the center of Latvia's musical life.

Recently, the Latvian National Opera was reopened after a long period of reconstruction, regaining its old fame and glory. The majestic white building holds opera and ballet performances. Montserrat Caballe and the Boris Eifman ballet troupe from St. Petersburg have drawn thunderous applause here.

Most people live in cities, though many have cottages in the country. For vacations, they enjoy adventures like canoeing or bicycle touring. You may also find yourself out on a golfing or windsurfing expedition with host siblings or friends. Attending plays, movies, exhibitions, and concerts also make enjoyable family outings.

Academic Programs

Schools in Latvia emphasize academic performance. The classroom atmosphere is formal and students are used to treating their teachers with respect. Secondary education in Latvia is divided into Secondary schools (University preparatory schools) and Vocational schools. Secondary schools are known as VIDUSSKOLAS (middle school). Most of these schools last for three years and students are required to take at least 12 subjects. You will take classes at the upper secondary level in a wide variety of subjects, including math, language, history, biology, social sciences, music, art, and sports.

Some Secondary Schools, known as Gymnasiums, may specialize in a group of subjects such as Math, Physics and Computer Sciences, Chemistry and Biology, Foreign Languages and Humanities, etc.

You will attend a five-day arrival orientation and language course the week after arrival in Sauka, 200 km from Riga. The orientation will be held at a historical estate that has been renovated and is run as a seminar site by a Danish family. YFU Latvia organizes a weekend trip to Tallinn, Estonia during the spring holiday weekend which is included in the program tuition. In June, there will be a departure orientation weekend trip to Vilnius, Lithuania.

Arts, Ballet, or Music Art, ballet, and music schools have their distinctive place in the Latvian system of education. They are known for their high professionalism and classical schooling. In these schools intense, special instruction is combined with required liberal arts. There are strict demands on students, whether or not a professional career is planned, requiring the highest effort that the student is capable of giving.

In art schools students are taught the basics of classic art. They work in pencil, water and oil colors, and ink. Schools of applied arts offer students classes in ceramics, textile, wood, leather, glass, and metal work.

At Riga Choreography School, training is based on classical dancing, following Vaganova's ballet methods.

In music schools students receive instruction in voice, solfeggio, music theory and history, choral singing, plus piano and a second instrument, chosen by the student. Students have the option to play in the school's orchestra and sing in the choir.

13th Year Abroad
The traditional Academic Year and Arts, Ballet, or Music programs are also available as 13th Year Abroad options. Learn more about other 13th Year Abroad Programs.

Programs, Departures, and Costs

Online Resources

To learn more about Latvia, we recommend:

• E-mail YFU Alumni from the Alumni Referral List with your questions
• Visit your local library to find reference books, travel guides and essays, language dictionaries, and many more country resources 
• Use an internet search engine to find informative web sites
• YFU-Latvia web site in English
• Embassy of Latvia in Washington, DC web site

"For both Estonians and Latvians, culture centers around music and dance. There is so much to be learned!"

All YFU Programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Last Updated: Monday, October 6, 2008