INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
INTERNATIONALIZATION STRATEGY
Internationalisation is one of the priorities defined in EKA development strategy. The key objective is to enhance EKA international competitiveness by promoting students and academic staff mobility, strengthening international cooperation, involving foreign academic staff in the study process and supporting integration of international students into university life, thus contributing to the internationally recognized brand of the university and providing high quality multicultural learning environment.
The vision of EKA internationalisation: EKA is an internationally competitive and recognised, science-based and innovation-oriented higher education institution that:
- atttracts internationally recognised and qualified employees to perform scientific and academic activities;
- ensures multicultural environment to support students’ and staff competitiveness both in the local and international labour markets;
- is a place for globally-known international research and academic events;
- actively cooperates with other universities, institutions and employers in Latvia and beyond in academic, research and creative activities.
EKA main goals stated in Internationalisation and Modernization Strategy - IMS2028 are:
- To support EKA staff and students’ excellence by providing opportunities and motivating to participate in international mobility
- To establish the multicultural environment at EKA to ensure “internationalisation at home”
- To enhance the quality of the study process at EKA by attracting internationally recognized and qualified teachers to perform academic activities
- To support tolerance and diversity in the classroom by providing opportunities to develop intercultural and social communication skills among students and staff
- To raise awareness about environmental and climate-change challenges among students and staff and increase interest in social entrepreneurship in the field of circular economy and environment protection
- To promote civic engagement and active citizenship among students and staff
- To increase digital and research competences of EKA students and staff
- To promote the implementation of innovative teaching methods into the study process
- To increase the relevance of curricula by strengthening the cooperation with employers and providing problem-based learning and offering international mobility.
- To increase the number of programmes and study cources taught in English
- To increase international recognition of EKA and raise its reputational value in the academic and scientific environment
- To strengthen the existing and to expand the cooperation with other universities, institutions and employers in Europe, Asia, Africa, North and South America in the field of research and creative activities
- To enhance the quality of research process at EKA by attracting internationally recognised and qualified researchers to perform scientific activities
IMS2028 goals are aligned with the priorities of the Erasmus+ Programme:
- Inclusion and diversity
- Digital transformation
- Participation in democratic life
- Environment and fight against climate change
INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS
Active projects:
Completed projects:
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INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC WEEK (IAW)
International Academic Week 2026: A Week of Academic Exchange, Innovation and International Cooperation
EKA University of Applied Sciences has successfully concluded International Academic Week 2026 (IAW2026) — an inspiring five-day programme of academic exchange, international cooperation, and meaningful dialogue that brought together students, academic staff, and international partners in Riga. The event took place from 20 to 24 April 2026.
This year, EKA proudly welcomed 55 participants from 14 countries, creating a vibrant and truly international environment for sharing knowledge, professional experience, and new ideas. Throughout the week, participants engaged in a diverse programme of lectures, workshops, academic discussions, and networking activities.
Throughout the week:
- 28 lectures and workshops were delivered by the participants, covering a wide range of topics such as intercultural communication, business statistics, human capital management, EU enlargement, artificial intelligence and communication, neuromarketing, project management, financial literacy, consumer protection, public speaking, financial modelling, innovation, branding, and financial technologies;
- EKA welcomed guest lecturers and experts from universities and institutions in Armenia, Colombia, Czech Republic, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, South Africa, Ukraine, USA, who shared their academic expertise and practical insights with EKA students and staff;
- the programme included both academic and professional development activities, such as workshops for academic staff, presentations of partner universities within the Erasmus+ KA171 project, and discussions on future cooperation opportunities;
- participants joined quick dating and slow dating networking sessions, which created valuable opportunities for professional dialogue, partnership building, and future mobility cooperation;
- guests also participated in the opening events of etECH2026, a Riga sightseeing tour, and informal networking activities that strengthened both academic and personal ties across borders.
IAW2026 was more than an academic event — it was a platform for connecting people, ideas, and institutions, and for strengthening international partnerships that will continue to grow beyond this week.
We thank all participants, guest lecturers, partners, moderators, and organisers who made this week such a meaningful and inspiring success.
See you next year!
Contact information:
EKA Erasmus+ coordinator Marina Tihomirova
erasmus@eka.edu.lv
IAW2026 coordinator, dr.oec. Jevgenija Dehtjare
jevgenija.dehtjare@eka.edu.lv
Vice Rector for Science and International Relations, Prof. Jelena Titko
jelena.titko@eka.edu.lv
STAFF TRAINING WEEK (STW)
ERASMUS+ STAFF TRAINING WEEK (STW) 2026
The EKA STW2026 International Staff Training Week, organized by the EKA University of Applied Sciences (EKA) in cooperation with Alberta College, brought together 20 participants from Lithuania, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia, Slovakia, Germany, and Latvia.
The Staff Training Week took place from 21 to 25 September 2026. The five-day programme combined research-oriented lectures and practical workshops with international networking and cultural activities.
During the week, participants took part in a variety of valuable activities, including lectures and seminars, as well as activities organized within the “Research Incubator” initiative by EKA University of Applied Sciences and Alberta College.
Participants also had opportunities for international networking and enjoyed an active social programme, including a Gala Dinner and a guided tour of Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture.
The programme also included practical sessions using iMotions eye-tracking technology, virtual reality-based research equipment, and CleverPoint Marine technology.
Among the key lectures and other training activities were:
- “Understanding Latvia: History, Culture, Music, and Identity” – Dr.philol. Aija Poikāne-Daumke
- “Fundamentals of Neuromarketing and Lab Practice” – Akdana Abuzhalitova, Almaty Management University, Kazakhstan
- “Must Know and Must Have for Researchers” – Dr.oec. Jelena Titko
- “Data Types” – Mg.psych. Anna Strazda
- “Introduction to Jamovi in Research” – Mg.psych. Anna Strazda
- Meeting with journal editors
- Tour of EKA ResearchLAB
STW2026 OUTCOMES
As a result of participation in STW2026:
- Participants gained basic knowledge of neuromarketing;
- Participants enhanced their understanding of the key principles and requirements of the research process;
- Participants learned to use new software and research tools, including Jamovi, iMotions, and CleverPoint Marine;
- Participants learned about the EKA ResearchLAB infrastructure and research opportunities;
- Participants gained insights into the academic journal publishing process and recommendations from journal editors for researchers;
- Participants enhanced their networking skills;
- Participants developed their intercultural competences.
We look forward to welcoming you to Riga for STW2027!
STW2026 Coordinator
Veronika Beluza
Strategic Cooperation Coordinator
veronika.beluza@augstskola.lv
EKA Erasmus Coordinator
Marina Tihomirova
erasmus@eka.edu.lv
STW ARCHIVE
