RSU opens its doors to new students from all over the world

At the end of the academic semester, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) welcomed prospective international students and their families to an Open Day. This was a great opportunity to get acquainted with the University in person, to see the environment and the international community, where young people from over 80 countries are currently studying. 

During the event, participants learned more about those RSU study programmes offered in English – Medicine and Dentistry – as well as the study process and extracurricular opportunities available for international students. Guests also visited the University’s modern teaching facilities where students can learn practical skills on a daily basis.

Participants had the opportunity to visit the Medical Education Technology Centre (METC) and see how RSU creates a learning environment where theoretical knowledge is closely integrated with practical experience from the very first years of studies. Visitors had a special opportunity to observe a simulated hospital, where students practice clinical scenarios in realistic conditions, ranging from patient care and teamwork to decision-making in stressful situations. They saw first-hand the importance that RSU places not only on acquiring medical knowledge but also on developing communication skills, ensuring patient safety, and engaging in scenario-based training, allowing students to become confident and responsible future professionals. By visiting the Emergency Department, the operating theatre, and the military medicine training facilities, the participants gained insight into RSU’s modern and technologically advanced study environment that prepare them for realistic environment in a variety of healthcare settings. 

A special programme was also prepared for prospective dentistry students, starting with a visit to the dentistry preclinical facilities, where future dentists learn their first practical skills by working with simulation mannequins. Later, the applicants visited the Institute of Stomatology, where from their third year onwards, students work with patients in modern clinical facilities under the supervision and close guidance of their lecturers. This demonstrates to the future students how highly RSU values early practical experience and training in real healthcare environments, ensuring that students gain confidence both in their professional skills, patient care and communication during their studies. 

A significant part of the charm of the Open Day lay in the students’ own stories, which allowed guests to get a genuine insight into everyday life at RSU, along with practical advice and encouragement from those who have already begun this journey.

Marelize Vermeulen from South Africa should receive a special mention. This year, she is graduating from the Medicine programme, and for the past six years, Marelize has been an active participant in the University’s Open Day events as a student representative, sharing her experience and encouraging future students to begin their studies at RSU. Her enthusiasm, openness, and genuine desire to help others have inspired many new students to join RSU’s international community.

Alongside Marelize, the Medicine students Nureka Minduli Thotawatta from Australia and Karlijn Op de Laak from the Netherlands, as well as the Dentistry programme students Arvidas Andersson from Luxembourg and Jonique Claire Rousseau from the Netherlands also shared their experience. 

Events like these provide prospective students and their families not only with practical information about the study process, but also allow them to experience RSU’s international, friendly, and supportive study environment even before they start their studies.

The RSU International Department extends its sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed to the organisation of the event and looks forward to welcoming new students next semester.