Program Description | Getting There | AFS Orientations and Activities
Program Description
Learn the Russian language in Latvia! This unique and exciting AFS Program includes a 4-week immersion in the Russian language (no previous language experience is needed). You’ll live with a Russian-speaking host family and explore Daugavpils, the second-largest city in Latvia, which is surrounded by forests, lakes, and the Daugava River. You’ll attend weekday morning classes at the Daugavpils Language Center, and you’ll take part in outdoor and cultural activities during the afternoons. You’ll also have the chance to explore the country through sightseeing tours to Latvian cities including Riga, the oldest medieval city still in existence!
You and your fellow AFSers will fly together between New York and Riga. Upon your arrival, you will be met by volunteers and staff of AFS Latvia and be taken to an orientation site where you will participate in a 1-2 day arrival orientation.
All participants will reside with volunteer host families selected by AFS Latvia. Your host family will provide room, board, and guidance to you during your stay.
Approx. 60 hours of Russian language classes (3 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks) will be offered by certified language instructors. Class are offered exclusively to AFS students. Beginner Russian speakers welcome. Class size varies by language level but will be approx. 10 students per class. All language study materials will be provided but we suggest that you bring an English-Russian dictionary for personal use.
In addition to your language classes, cultural lessons and activities will be organized by your local AFS volunteers. This may include a trip to Lithuania.
Program details are subject to change. Additional information will be provided to participants prior to departure.
Getting There
You and your fellow AFSers will fly together between New York and Riga. After you collect your luggage and pass through customs you will be met by AFS staff and volunteers and taken to the orientation site.
AFS Orientations and Activities
In addition to the orientations that you will participate in domestically - the local Pre-Departure Orientation, Culture Trek, and the Gateway Orientation - you and your fellow AFSers will have several orientations while abroad.
The first orientation will take place upon your arrival in Riga. This will be a 1-2 day orientation that is intended to prepare you for your weeks abroad. This will be an international orientation and your opportunity to meet participants from around the world. In addition to covering the rules and safety tips, there will be an emphasis on approaching your experience from an intercultural learning perspective.
At the end of your stay there will be an evaluation camp immediately prior to departure. This is your chance to reflect on your experience and to share with other AFSers. You will also prepare for the cultural readjustment that is a part of returning home.
In addition to the orientations, many local chapters organize activities for students and host families throughout the year. These will vary from chapter to chapter but may include parties or excursions to other cities or regions in Latvia. Unlike the orientations, these activities are optional and are at the student’s expense.
