Introduction

Latvia is a Baltic state located in North East Europe, with a population of about 2.4 million people. The state used to be part of the Soviet Union, but later became an independent state. The national language is Latvian, while the most common foreign languages are English and German. The country experiences four seasons, with the average temperature in the summer bring 15.8 degrees, and in winter, -4.5 degrees. The Medical Academy of Latvia is located in the capital of Latvia, Riga.

The Medical Academy of Latvia was founded in 1950 as the Riga Medical Institute. It had been formerly known as the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Latvia established in 1919. In 1990 Riga Medical Institute was renamed as the Medical Academy of Latvia, and is listed in the WHO list of Medical schools. The University prides itself on being not just an educational institution, but one which gives students the opportunity to gain high quality academic and professional education in the 7 faculties of study. At present, there are about 1600 students from 18 countries enrolled in the school.

As the University believes that the basis of modern health and social care is teamwork, it offers a range of studies which includes training for all health care specialist, while ensuring that different areas of social sciences are mastered by students as well. This increases the students’ chances of a successful career.

Since 1990 overseas students have also studied at the institution. In 1995, the first batch of dentists and in 1996 the first batch of doctors graduated. Since then, the University has seen students from countries such as Germany, Canada, Egypt, India, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Riga Stradins University ensures a good education is provided to graduates to enable them to work efficiently in their chosen field.

A view of the Riga Stradins University Campus.

A Lesson in Dentistry.	A lesson in physiotherapy.
A young patient is examined by a group of foreign students together with the Head of Department of Pediatrics.

Library

The Riga Stradins University has a newly established Information Centre, making it one of the most modern scientific libraries in the Baltic countries. Medical literature can be borrowed by all students.

Accommodation

All foreign students can rent rooms in the students’ hostel. Single, double, triple rooms and apartments are available.

The newly established Information Centre in the University Library.	The University Library.
A renowned doctor delivers a lecture to an auditorium of students.	In the class.