Visit of Swedish Ambassador Daniel Olsson to RSU: dialogue with students and university management

Photo: Courtesy of RSU

On Thursday, 4 December, the Ambassador of Sweden to Latvia, H.E. Daniel Olsson, visited Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU). During his visit, he met with both international and Latvian RSU students, as well as university representatives, to discuss opportunities for further collaboration.

In a conversation with students, the Ambassador showed genuine interest in their experiences in Latvia and at RSU and emphasised the close ties between Latvia and Sweden at both governmental and personal levels. Students shared their experiences and expressed their pleasure that an active Swedish student community has developed at RSU, where they can communicate in Swedish and support one another during their time abroad.

Students noted that

the study process is challenging due to the high academic requirements and differs from their experience in Sweden; however, their overall assessment of studies at RSU is very positive, with particular emphasis on the quality of education and the university’s international environment.

Sweden – largest international student community at RSU

Following the conversation with students, the visit continued with a meeting between the Ambassador and RSU Chancellor Toms Baumanis, and Director of the International Department Māris Ginters. During his presentation, Ginters introduced the Ambassador to key facts about RSU, including student numbers, the proportion of international students, and the university’s areas of specialisation. The importance of Sweden within RSU’s international community was highlighted separately.

The presentation data shows that, since 2022, Sweden has been the leading country among RSU international students, accounting for 32% of the total international student body. In 2025, there are 993 Swedish students studying at RSU, compared with 501 in 2020. A more detailed overview indicates that most students come from Stockholm (338), Västra Götaland (155), and Skåne (147), although other regions of Sweden are also represented. The Swedish presence at RSU is not limited to students, as nine Swedish academic staff members are currently involved in teaching.

Importance of Latvian universities in educating doctors

During the meeting, attention was also drawn to the shortage of medical specialists in Europe and the pathways by which young doctors enter the labour market in their home countries after completing their studies. The Ambassador noted that, in his view, Latvia could certainly rank among the ten most popular foreign destinations for young Swedes choosing to study medicine, one of the most sought-after professions today.

International collaboration helps growth and development

International collaboration is one of RSU’s priorities, as it facilitates the academic growth, innovation, and the enrichment of student experiences. RSU representatives emphasised that collaboration with international partners – including universities and municipalities – is crucial for the university’s development and expressed the hope of continuing to strengthen such collaboration with partners in Sweden.

At the end of the visit, the Ambassador was invited to visit the RSU Medical Education Technology Centre on a future occasion to learn about the university’s experience in integrating simulation into the study process.