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Latvia: Education, Weather & Stay in Latvia

Introduction

The Baltic state of Latvia, officially known as the Republic of Latvia, is situated in Northern Europe. The country shares its land borders with Estonia in the north and Belarus in the east. Sweden is separated from the country through a maritime border in the west. The country is a member of the European Union and the World Trade Organization.
Forests cover substantial parts of the country. It is interesting to note that the country has nearly 12000 rivers and more than 3000 lakes. Post 2000, the country has witnessed a handsome GDP growth. Unemployment rate in the country has dropped after remaining static for two years.

This shows the efforts on part of the government to improve the overall economic scenario in the country. However, this economic development has come with a downside. The fast growing economy of the country is increasingly being regarded as a possible economic bubble.The government of the country is planning to adopt the euro as the country’s currency after replacing its own currency Lats, from January 1, 2008.


Climatic Conditions in Latvia

The country has a temperate and maritime climate. Winters in the country are moderate. Average temperatures during winters range between –2.8o C and –6.6o C. During summers temperatures range between 16.7o C and 17.6o C. Spring and summers are particularly pleasant. As the country is close to the sea, there is a high level of humidity and precipitation. Some parts of the country witness continuous snow cover during the winter. The constant precipitation provides ample waters to the rivers and lakes present in the country.

Education Scenario in Latvia

The higher education system in the country is advanced and well organized. The higher education institutions in the country provide excellent infrastructure and good higher educational opportunities. Another advantage of the Latvian higher education is the cost factor. Compared to other European nations, cost of education in Latvia is fairly low and living costs are also a fraction of what they are in other European countries. The universities in the country are well known for producing brilliant engineers and IT professionals. There is also a constant emphasis on providing quality education through constant monitoring and quality assessment. In order to improve the quality of education, several institutions in the country have been given an autonomous status, which ensures that the institutions have the liberty to draft their own guidelines and policies. Also, the degrees acquired from institutions in the country are valued at par with those acquired in other European nations. The country is particularly popular with the developing nations as an increasing number of students from India, Nepal, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Bangladesh visiting the country for higher studies.

Staying options in Latvia

Most of the higher educational institutions in the country have hostel facilities. Students can, before traveling to the country for higher studies, get in touch with the respective institutions in order to get information on availability of accommodation. Hostel facilities are also available in different parts of the country. Dormitories, rented rooms, or rented apartments, and residence halls are available. Students willing to stay alone or in small groups can also go for private accommodation which include shared flats, home stays, and private rooms. Those willing to avail of accommodation can also be in the lookout for advertisement in the local newspapers or contact the programme coordinator.