EILC– Erasmus Intensive Language Courses in Latvia

The Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) are specialised courses in the less widely used and less taught languages organised in the countries where these languages are used as teaching languages at HEIs.  EILC are also organized in Latvia in order to increase the number of people who knows Latvian language.

The EILC are open to students who have been selected for an Erasmus study/placement period in the European Lifelong Learning/ Erasmus programme. Students whose main subject of study is the language of the country organising the EILC are normally not eligible participants. Comenius Assistants can also participate, provided that there are places available on a course.

EILC applications are to be submitted electronically to the student`s home institution, which will be responsible for forwarding the application to the EILC organizing institution. Comenius Assistants apply directly to the EILC organizing institution.

Erasmus students can choose their EILC location independently of their future host institution location.

Erasmus students/Comenius assistants may not be charged a study fee for participation in an EILC course. However, fees may be charged for excursions and similar optional events and for other charges that Erasmus students normally may be asked to pay.

However the participants have to cover the costs of subsistence and accommodation. The home institution or home National Agency may award a supplementary Erasmus grant for the duration of the course.

EILC in Latvia

“Definitely learn the language of the country where you go to live.” (Maria from Italy, EILC 2009-2010)

“Learn as many you can. Especially Latvian! Carpe diem!” (Mannfried from Germany, EILC 2009/2010)

“Try to become expert in English but be also open for the less widely spoken languages.” (Stefanie from Germany, EILC 2008-2009)

EILC courses for Erasmus students have been organized in Latvia already since the academic year 1999/2000. Every year students from different European countries (majority of students are from Germany) come to Riga to learn Latvian and enjoy cultural and social activities offered within the programme.

The number of participating students has been growing rapidly, and the participants are satisfied with the teaching quality.

You can obtain more information on Latvia here:

www.li.lv
http://www.mfa.gov.lv/en/
www.liveriga.com
http://latviatourism.lv/