Daugavpils is a Russian-speaking city. More, it is the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.

At least 80% of people speak Russian as their first or bilingual language. More than 95% of people speak Russian fluently.

In Daugavpils, Russian is the primary language of everyday communication.

Yes. Daugavpils University awards European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, the standard for most European countries. ECTS credits are widely accepted by institutions around the world.

All international students enrolled in Russian-language study abroad programs at DU, regardless their academic level and picked DU courses, are administered through the ‘Eastern European Culture and Business Relations” study program. This originates in DU internal process management. Therefore, all courses listed in the transcripts, issued by DU to students at Russian-language study abroad programs, include a reference to the “Eastern European Culture and Business Relations’ program.

Course codes at DU are assigned without any relation to the semester or year of study.

Please find official information on the Latvian grading system here.

Anyone over the age of 18 who is studying at a university may apply to an AY/Semester study abroad program with Learn Russian in the EU.

We highly recommend considering study abroad after reaching some strong foundation in the Russian language, e.g. Novice High ACTFL proficiency level or A1.1-A2 on the European CEFR scale.

Russian is the primary language of instruction. All language, literature, and courses are taught in Russian.

Courses in history, political science, and area studies will be also taught in Russian. Professors will adjust the language to help students follow the explanations. English presentations and materials may be used.

Natural Sciences/STEM instructors are English- and Russian-speaking Daugavpils University professors. The language of instruction varies from English-only to English/Russian mix and up to Russian-only, depending on the instructor and the course.

Learn Russian in the EU forms study groups exclusively from international students. Thus, your classmates will be of a similar background and with similar training objectives.

Elective courses may be delivered in groups or in one-on-one setting. These courses are usually taught in Russian, though teachers can add English explanations when required. Many professors speak English.

Yes. Staying with Russian-speaking host families is the most popular lodging option among our students.

We have implemented a system of selecting, vetting, instructing, and monitoring host families. They are our partners and provide valuable help in acquiring the language, traditions, and culture.

First of all, we need an application submitted through our website. Upon receiving the application, we will e-mail the student an acceptance confirmation letter.

Then, we will open a personal student account in our IT system and send detailed instructions.
Please see more in the Preparations timeline.

Daugavpils University uses 45-minute academic hour. The lessons are usually run in pairs, with a short break in the middle.

Learn Russian in the EU Fall Semester study abroad programs hosted at Daugavpils University usually begin on September 1st and run for 16 weeks.

Spring semester study abroad programs usually begin on February 1 and run for 16 weeks.

There are no official breaks during a semester.

Yes. All undergraduate courses available through Learn Russian in the EU study abroad programs, are provided by Daugavpils University (DU). This guarantees their European and worldwide recognition. DU is a member of European University Association (EUA). DU diplomas are certified by the European Commission.

Daugavpils University, established in 1921, is the foremost academic and research institution in Eastern Latvia. Its Department of Russian and Slavic Linguistics has a long tradition of research and instruction in the Russian language and literature. The department offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs in Russian philology, pedagogy, and intercultural communication.