NSLI-Y 2023 Latvia – Week 2
Hello, everyone! Week two of the NSLI-Y program in Latvia has come to a close, with new experiences and new insights in language, urban public transportation and local cuisine. Additionally, we were fortunate to have an intimate tour of the Saeima, Latvia’s parliament building, learning more about the political makeup of this small Baltic country. And, of course, our daily Russian classes are proceeding successfully. We have already been very impressed with every student’s progress so far in these first two weeks!
We began the week with our continued Russian language studies. Students are beginning to master numbers and counting, challenging themselves with reciting larger and larger numbers. The energy expended works up quite an appetite, so everyone is very glad to break for lunch nearby.
Here are some pictures to show you how the first half of our day usually goes:
Here are some examples of the variety of foods offered, whether it is local cuisine or an import from a different culture.
A traditional Latvian dish.
A Latvian take on Japanese ramen.
Once satiated the students head back out and, depending on the day, will begin their afternoon activity. This week, we were fortunate to receive a unique opportunity to learn about the structure of the Latvian government. The students enjoyed a guided tour of the Saeima, Latvia’s parliamentary building, and learned about the historical significance of the rooms they viewed as part of the tour as well as its functions. We were grateful for the opportunity!
Here is our group listening to the tour with a portrait of Latvia’s first president, Jānis Čakste, hanging in the background.
In the Assembly Hall.
Group photo in the Saeima Assembly Hall.
Destiney asking our tour guide a question at the end of the tour.
Beyond our planned activities, life continues for the students with their host families. Below are some photos submitted by students.
Izzie enjoying the sunset over Riga with her host sister. In the background is the Riga Radio and TV Tower, the tallest tower in the European Union.
Madison celebrating her host sister’s birthday with other extended family members.
Everything is progressing well. See you next week!