Latvia

Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

Since each program differs in duration, content and age criteria, please contact the AFS for detailed descriptions of each program.

Common components of all AFS secondary school programs are:

AFS students live with host families selected by AFS. The family homestay provides the opportunity to learn first-hand about the culture as well as to enhance language ability.
The participation fee includes international travel, medical insurance, orientation, and materials for language instruction. Visa fees are the responsibility of the participant. Special travel arrangements, if requested, are at the participant's expense.
Orientations are provided for students before departure to and upon arrival in the host country.
Applications must be submitted with a non-refundable HK$200 application fee, and a photocopy of the last year's school report (1 year). AFS will contact you to arrange participation in an interview and orientation.

Latvia is situated in North Eastern Europe and borders Estonia, Lithuanian and Russia. As such its culture has been influenced by western, eastern and northern cultures. Its population includes Latvians and Russians, and its cultural diversity has been influenced by the cultures of the west, east and north.

The Latvian landscape is generally flat with a few hilly regions. Riga is the capital of Latvia and is a major port in the Baltic Sea. As the one of the oldest Baltic cities, founded in 1201, Riga is rich in history and cultural significance. There are also regions popular for their forests and beaches.

The weather of Latvia varies greatly between seasons, from an average temperature in July of 17ºC, to an average is -5ºC in January.

The language is Latvian, with much of the population also speaking and understanding Russian.

AFS in Latvia

AFS Latvia was established in 1990 when it hosted two students and sent 15 to the USA, and Denmark. Focusing mainly on the year program, AFS Latvia hosts 25 students each year and sends approximately the same number. Although the program is small, there is a strong network of supportive volunteers and high schools.

AFS Latvia provides its hosted students with country information and language assistance prior to departure.

A placement in Latvia provides students with the opportunity to immerse themselves in an Eastern European culture and be part of a "newly recovered openness".

Host Schools

The Latvian school year commences in September and finishes in May. The school day typically begins at 8:30am and finishes at 3:00 pm. The majority of school are state run. Students take a variety of subjects, including Latvian or Russian language, mathematics, Latvian history and physical education, as well as elective subjects such as foreign languages, science and music. Students are also encouraged to participate in extra-curricula activities such as sport or dancing lessons.

Host Families

Latvian families are conservative and can be quite strict and protective, and host families generally feel a strong sense of responsibility for their hosted student. Most Latvian families live in small apartments and family members spend a great deal of time together. Host families are generally middle-class with both parents working. And AFS participants are expected to play a strong role in their host family, including being part of household work.

The evening meal is an important family occasion and consists mainly of potatoes and meat, which makes it difficult to place vegetarians.

Approximately, 30-40% of host families are Russian and therefore, speak Russian at home.

AFS Latvia's Web Site : http://www.afs.lv

View letters from students to Latvia.

Argentina / Australia / Austria / Belgium / Brazil / Canada / Czech Republic / Chile / Denmark / Finland / France / Germany / Hungary / Italy / Latvia / Japan / Mexico / New Zealand / Norway / Spain / Sweden / Switzerland / Thailand / The Netherlands / the United States.