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Below you will find an interview with Jessica, one of our medical students in Riga.
But first, a brief introduction to Latvia and its capital Riga: Latvia is located in north-east Europe and, together with Lithuania and Estonia, forms the "Baltic States". With around 700,000 inhabitants, the capital Riga is the largest capital of the three Baltic states. Situated 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 rightly rising steadily. The important cultural centre and 2014 European Capital of Culture is rich in architectural gems, including many first-class examples of Art Nouveau, which give the city a unique atmosphere. The narrow streets of the old town centre date back to the Middle Ages and are home to shops and restaurants as well as the lively Livu Square, where the city's nightclubs are located.
We asked Jessica Burkart what it's like to be a medical student in Riga.
- Can you tell me a bit about yourself or briefly introduce yourself?
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 when you found out that you had been accepted in Riga and how did you feel?
When I found out that I had been accepted in Riga, I was just at home. My mum had left the house two minutes earlier to be away for the weekend and I ran after her like in a film to tell her the news. It was a very nice moment.
- How do you organise your free time in Riga?
Due to my studies, I only have limited free time, which I would like to use in my WG with my flatmates, go for walks, eat out or go to the gym to create a bit of a balance. In winter, I will definitely go skiing or to the beach. There are lots of things to do here, but I haven't got round to much yet.
- What is your favourite thing about the city?
I am a very cosmopolitan person, so the whole package is very interesting for me. The new culture and the new food, the language, the surroundings 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, including from Russia.
- How do you cope with the stress of studying abroad?
So far, I find the degree programme manageable and not very stressful. As with any degree programme, you have to sit down and study, but once you do something that interests you, you get on very well.
- Do you regret the move to Riga?
No way! I love the city and am so pleasantly surprised.
- Did you find it easy/difficult to make your 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 feet. Everyone is ready to make friends and is open and welcoming. Even 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 didn't know exactly what documents they needed, in which language and which version. I realise that I wouldn't have managed it myself and that I would probably have despaired five times a day. Then there's the search for accommodation. If I compare myself to other students who either had an agency that didn't offer this or had no help from an agency at all, then there's no comparison. If you throw yourself into the property market of a foreign country and you can neither understand nor speak the language, then you are lost.
For information according to § 5b Abs. 3 UWG click here.
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