CONFERENCE
We are excited to share another research article: "International Student Recruitment Strategies in the Regions of Latvia" co-authored by Ieva Jegermane and Elina Apsite-Berina from the Department of Geography LU Eksakto zinātņu un tehnoloģiju fakultāte.
The study combines statistical analysis and in-depth interviews with international students and university staff to explore how foreign students experience integration in regional universities. While most institutions have developed internationalization strategies, primarily focused on attracting students and promoting academic staff mobility, less attention is given to integration quality, student well-being, and long-term graduate retention.
Despite declining overall student numbers in the regions, the share of international students is increasing. Students are attracted by specialized study programs, affordable costs and housing, personalized learning environments, and safe environment. However, significant integration barriers remain, including language challenges, differences in prior educational experience, limited employment opportunities, and occasional cases of discrimination.
A sincere thank you to the Latvijas Zinātnes padome for funding this research and to Daugavpils Universitate, Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies, RTU - Rīgas Tehniskā universitāte (Riga Technical University) in Rēzekne and Liepāja, Ventspils Augstskola / Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and Vidzemes Augstskola / Vidzeme University of Applied Sciences for cooperation.
