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High School in Latvia

During your time studying abroad in Latvia you’ll be exposed to new family, friends, language, and culture.

During your time studying abroad in Latvia you’ll be exposed to new family, friends, language, and culture. At school you’ll have the opportunity to make new friends and learn all about the ancient and unique culture of Latvia, which has always been a bridge between east and west. Latvia is currently experiencing a cultural rebirth, making this a very exciting time to be there.

Things to know

Russian influence in Latvia has always been very pronounced and there’s still a large Russian community, so you might have the opportunity to learn Russian as well as Latvian! Meat is an important part of the diet, so be prepared to find it in most meals. Riga, the capital of Latvia, used to be called ‘The Paris of the North,’ for its architecture and vibrant social life.

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligible to participate.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range
15yrs, 6 months to
18yrs, 0 months at start of program
Language Skills No language requirement
COVID-19 Vaccine Required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your journey to Latvia

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Latvia will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff, volunteers and meet your fellow AFSers from around the world. Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on Latvian culture, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

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Meeting Your Latvian Host Family

AFS students studying abroad in Latvia have lived in many different parts of the country. You could be with either a Latvian-speaking family or a Russian-speaking family, but either way you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn both languages. Latvian families often spend lots of time together; many urban families own country cottages, where they go on the weekends and during holidays. It’s common for elderly people to live with their family so you might be living with some host-grandparents.

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Settling into daily life in Latvia

Teenage Life in Latvia

During your time studying abroad in Latvia you’ll have a lot of opportunities to make friends and socialize. For most teenagers in Latvia school is the major priority but you’ll be able to take part in all kinds of extracurricular activities too. Swimming, dancing, basketball, martial arts, and track are all popular . In the winter, people enjoy skiing or snowboarding. Latvia is also well-known for its choral singing and folk dances!

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Food you’ll encounter

In Latvian families it’s very important to sit down together for a meal, rather than grabbing something on the go. Meat and potatoes are staple ingredients and smoked fish and sausages are popular too. In the summer and fall you’ll get to try lots of delicious berry pies. Hearty bread is served with every meal and dinner is nowadays becoming the most important meal of the day. In urban areas it’s pretty common to eat out at restaurants.

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Your High School in Latvia

High school in Latvia runs from September through May. Classes are Monday through Friday from 8AM to 3PM. Public schools are either Russian-speaking or Latvian-speaking and you could be placed in either one depending on where you’re living. Some of the core classes include Latvian language and literature, history of Latvia, and math. When you study abroad in Latvia, you’ll also be able to choose between a wide variety of electives.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

Learn More

What's Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates
  • School enrollment fees
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S.
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Latvia? YES. Visa
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) In host country
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Easy
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.
When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do.
That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.
It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Latvia.

In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.