Ambassador of the Netherlands visits RSU

On Thursday, 5 March, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) hosted a visit by H. E. Carl Peersman, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Latvia, accompanied by Katrīna Ošiņa, Senior Political and Public Diplomacy Officer at the Embassy of the Netherlands. During the visit, the Ambassador met with RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis, International Department representative Reinis Gailītis, and RSU students from the Netherlands.

Over the course of the visit, RSU representatives introduced the guests with the university, its study programmes, international student community, research directions, and RSU development in the international academic environment. Particular emphasis was placed on medical and healthcare studies, the attraction of international students, and opportunities for international collaboration.

Ambassador engaged in conversations with great interest and actively asked questions about the RSU study process, student experiences, and the international development of the university.

During the visit, the Ambassador also met with RSU students from the Netherlands. There are currently 19 Dutch students studying at RSU (ten in Medicine programme and nine in Dentistry), as well as two exchange students in Social Sciences. Students shared their experiences on studying at RSU, the study environment, and life in Latvia. The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction with what he heard and emphasised that students greatly appreciate the quality of studies and the experience at RSU.

In informal conversation, the Ambassador also shared his first impressions of Latvia. He noted that he particularly appreciates Latvia’s vast natural landscapes and the opportunity to enjoy peace and quiet by the Baltic Sea. Although Latvia and the Netherlands have similar coastlines, the high population density in the Netherlands means that the seaside is almost always crowded. In Latvia, by contrast, it is possible to enjoy the silence, pine forests, and vast, peaceful coastal landscapes.

The visit to RSU was held in an open and curious atmosphere, confirming the Ambassador’s interest in Latvian higher education as well as RSU’s international environment and student community.