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:

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!

IAW2026 programme

IAW2026 photo gallery

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

PREVIOUS INTERNATIONAL ACADEMIC WEEKS

STAFF TRAINING WEEK (STW)

STAFF TRAINING WEEK (STW) 2025

EKA STW2025 International Staff Training Week, organized by the EKA University of Applied Sciences in cooperation with Alberta College, brought together 12 participants from different European Union countries, including the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Portugal. The event, supported by the EKA Scientific Institution, aimed to improve the writing and research skills of academic staff. The week took place from September 15 to 19, 2025.

STW2025 program

During the week, participants engaged in several valuable activities, including lectures and seminars, as well as the “Research Incubator” events organized by EKA and Alberta College. Participants of the week also participated in a networking event and enjoyed an active social life (a gala dinner, a sightseeing tour and a visit to the House of Blackheads). An international event, organized with the support of the European Digital Learning Network, also took place during the week: "Bridging Digital Gaps: Empowering Learners through Green and Digital Skills".

Among the most important lectures and other forms of training, the following can be mentioned: