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’s 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-à-vis their identity as post-Soviet states located within arm’s reach of Putin’s 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 — Visit UD's Center for Global Programs & Services
Quick Facts
| When | January 3–24, 2026 |
| Where | Riga, Latvia |
| Program Costs | This year’s 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 UD 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 financing your trip abroad. |
| Application Deadline | April 20, 2025 |
| Credits | 3 |
| Instructional Language | English |
| Courses | LLCU 330: Topics in World Literatures and Cultures — On Putin's Doorstep; Identity and the Baltic States (3 credits). Study of 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 — 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 Director | Dr. Julia Hulings, 229 Jastak-Burgess Hall, hulings@udel.edu |
Want to know more?
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: https://udel.zoom.us/my/hulings
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Zoom link: https://udel.zoom.us/my/huling
Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Zoom link: https://udel.zoom.us/my/hulings
Student Testimonials
Don’t take our word for it — Check out what former students had to say!
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 Lāce. She spoke with us at length about the many ways Latvia works to preserve and celebrate their culture and history."
Explore other faculty-led study abroad programs offered by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
