RSU has launched a new Student Ambassadors Scholarship Programme and selected six recipients

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RSU student ambassadors during the event at the Anatomy Museum

RSU student ambassadors during the event at the Anatomy Museum

RSU student ambassador scholarship commission with the ambassadors during the event at the Anatomy Museum

RSU student ambassador scholarship commission with the ambassadors during the event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

Event at the Anatomy Museum

20 March 2024

For Students

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) has launched a new International Student Ambassadors Scholarship Programme to promote the University globally and to enhance the reputation of its medicine and dentistry study programmes. Earlier this year, six scholarship recipients were selected among almost 40 applicants - Jerzen Benny Malayaatil, Hussaina Musaji, Muskan-e Muhemmed, Andreas James McGregor, Karlijn Johanna Linda Henricus Op de Laak, and Marelize Vermeulen.

The scholarship aims to support talented international medical and dentistry students who are passionate about representing RSU around the world. In addition to a stellar academic record, the scholarship recipients must demonstrate a solid prior experience in and future commitment to building the reputation of RSU abroad.

The six students were honoured and received their scholarship certificates at a celebration in the RSU Anatomy Museum on 14 March. On behalf of the Scholarship Commission, its Chairperson and Director of the International Department Baiba Pētersone, congratulated the six student ambassadors. The commission included four other members: Māris Ginters, head of the International Admissions Office, Agnese Leske, financial analyst at the Financial Analysis Unit, Karlīna Emīlija Melberga, head of international affairs at the RSU Student Union (Studējošo pašpārvalde, SP), and Yathin Sabu, vice-president of the International Student Association (ISA).

Our international students are our strength and the leading source of RSU’s reputation internationally. When the students speak, we know that they speak with the most authentic voice. This is what we want to celebrate with this scholarship. We believe that it is important that our current students communicate with our future students directly and that the message resonates with those future students.
Baiba Pētersone, director of the International Department

RSU ISA President Bárbara Namora e Silva also greeted the scholarship recipients. The event, which included musical performances, was attended by the recipients, members of the scholarship selection commission, and other guests.

What were your reasons for applying to become a student ambassador?

Karlijn Johanna Linda Henricus Op de Laak, 7^th semester medical student from the Netherlands

Right now, I believe there is still a broad audience that is waiting to be reached. Many are unaware of this beautiful country and its educational system. I fell in love with it myself by accident. However, I believe that with the right approach we can reach many high schoolers and guide them through this adventure with a promising future without overwhelming them.

Jerzen Benny Malayaatil, an 11^th semester medical student from the United Arab Emirates, views the role of student ambassador as more than just an opportunity to represent RSU. He sees it as a chance to embody the spirit of pride and leadership within the student body

The potent mix of camaraderie, collaboration, and the responsibility of paving the way for future students were my inspiration to apply to become an ambassador. I hope to foster connections, inspire prospective students, and contribute to our diverse student community.

Hussaina Musaji comes from Sweden and currently is a 12^th semester medical student at RSU

I applied for the Student Ambassador Programme because I remember the challenges of starting my studies without a lot of guidance. It brings me great pleasure to be able to assist new students and show what Riga and RSU have to offer.

10^th semester medical student Marelize Vermeulen is ready to wear her ambassador title with pride

As a South African, there are no scholarships available to me. This scholarship has given me an opportunity I would not have had otherwise. Representing something I believe as much in as RSU is the ultimate privilege and honour.

For the next five months, the scholarship recipients will engage in various outreach activities to introduce RSU to prospective international students. They will share their personal experiences and insights to help prospective students navigate the exceptional study opportunities offered by RSU.