Building Bridges and Great Friendships

In the small European country of Latvia, there is a quaint town called Kuldīga—very traditional and historical, included in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list. Locals are very friendly people who just seem to be a little introverted. But some social change might be happening…

Last year, the Erasmus Mundus Master’s Study Programme was opened, gathering 30 students from around the world into this tiny, very Latvian town. Students were coming from Thailand, the USA, China, Germany, Peru, Venezuela, Spain, Italy, and many more countries. It was a surprise. Suddenly, locals and all the services needed to adjust to new needs.

✋ I am one of the students. But I have some advantages - I can speak the local language, understand the culture and life. Among my international classmates, I noticed they wanted to experience the culture and get to know locals.

Among the locals, I noticed interest in the international students, but the culture is probably a bit too introverted for someone to just walk up and invite an international student to participate in Latvian in-house life.

I felt interest from both sides, but some encouragement was needed. And I enjoy connecting with people and connecting others. So here we are…

▶️ We are opening the “Local Buddies” program, where international students will be matched with local people who promise to care for and include the students in their in-house life.

Expected students come from Mexico, Kosovo, India, Guatemala, Colombia, United States, Philippines, Estonia, Germany, Brazil, Peru, Australia, Thailand, China, and many more far-off locations. I can’t hide my excitement knowing they will have local friends.

Thanks to the study program and the local municipality for supporting my initiative!

PS - In the photo, you can see me presenting the idea to locals—the interest is higher than expected. I feel new international friendships rising! Wooohooo!