Riga, Latvia

Challenge yourself and study in Riga, Latvia! Your resume will thank you!

Study the culture, history and politics of Eastern Europe in Riga, an ancient city in the heart of the Baltics known for its eclectic mix of old Gothic churches, wooden medieval buildings, and stunning Art Nouveau architecture. Students will also enjoy Europe鈥檚 biggest food market and oldest zoo.

Partnering with the Baltic Center of Educational and Academic Development, you will hear guest lecturers from local universities; take weekend trips to the largely Russian-speaking city of Daugavpils, Latvia, and Vilnius, Lithuania; visit world-class art and history museums; take a day trip to regional medieval castles; join a class in traditional Latvian cooking and visit a high school in nearby Jelgova; and celebrate the important Latvian holiday known as Barricade Day with local students. You will study the complicated present and past of the Baltic states vis-脿-vis their identity as post-Soviet states located within arm鈥檚 reach of Putin鈥檚 Russia.

Whether you are interested in better understanding the current political situation in the former Baltic SSRs, learning about the complicated history and intersections of religious, political, and ethnic identities, reading the vibrant literature and viewing art of this region, or spending time in a beautiful city off the beaten path, the interdisciplinary winter session course in Riga is your chance to experience firsthand the complex world that is Latvia.

Learn more and apply 鈥 Visit 91原创's Center for Global Programs & Services

Quick Facts

WhenJanuary 3鈥24, 2026
WhereRiga, Latvia
Program CostsThis year鈥檚 estimated program fee is $2,500 and includes a homestay (with breakfast and dinner provided), a local transportation pass, program-related excursions and international medical insurance. Not included: airfare to Latvia (estimated $1,000), books and supplies ($100), U.S. local transportation, meals, passport, Visa, personal expenses, and 91原创 tuition and fees ($1,824 for residents and $4,899 for non-residents based on current year). Scholarships and awards are available; learn more about听financing your trip abroad.
Application DeadlineApril 20, 2025
Credits3
Instructional LanguageEnglish
Courses

LLCU 330: Topics in World Literatures and Cultures 鈥 On Putin's Doorstep; Identity and the Baltic States (3 credits).听Study of听the current political situation in the former Baltic SSRs, the complicated history and intersections of religious, political, and ethnic identities, and the vibrant literature and art of the region.

UNIV 370-035: Study Abroad 鈥 Riga, Latvia (0 credits, pass/fail).Students are asked to reflect upon changes in their knowledge, skills, and attitudes that occur due to their study abroad experience.

Program DirectorDr. Julia Hulings, 229 Jastak-Burgess Hall,听hulings@udel.edu

Want to know more?听听

Visit the Languages, Literatures and Cultures booth at the Study Abroad Fair on Monday, February 24, 2024, or join us at an upcoming interest meeting / information session:

  • Thursday, Feb 27, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Zoom link:听

  • Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Zoom link:听

  • Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Zoom link:听

Student Testimonials

Don鈥檛 take our word for it 鈥 Check out what former students had to say!

A row of eight uniformed soldiers salute in front of a large war memorial monument.

Kieran Steinberg

Degree: 2024, B.A., Foreign Languages, Literatures and Linguistics

"Overall, this first week has taught me so much, not just about Latvia specifically, but about Eastern Europe and history as a whole."

"We met with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Agnese L膩ce. She spoke with us at length about the many ways Latvia works to preserve and celebrate their culture and history."

Explore听other听faculty-led study abroad programs听offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.