STRATEGY OF INTERNATIONALISATION

Internationalization is an integral part of EKA Development strategy. Internationalization and Strategic partnership are two of six priority directions for EKA activities. In turn, participation in Erasmus+ Programme is a crucially important prerequisite for successful implementation of EKA upcoming Internationalization and Modernization Strategy 2021-2023 (EKA-IMS2023). EKA goals that could be achieved through participation in Erasmus Programme are stated in EKA-IMS2023 and they are aligned with Programme’s goals. The goals are defined within priorities:

1. improvement of international experience of EKA students and staff

2. creation of international environment at EKA/ “Internationalization at home”

3. development of intercultural, social and civic competences of EKA students and staff

4. internationalization and modernization of curricula

5. EKA international profile and recognition

6. international cooperation in academic, research and creative activities.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS

Within Erasmus+ KA1 action the cooperation will be maintained with the HEIs from Programme and Partner countries. In the past, EKA has established a partnership with cooperation agreements with 67 higher educational institutions from 18 European countries, including EU15 countries, new member states, Macedonia and Turkey. Besides, EKA cooperates with HEIs from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, USA, South Africa.

The goal for the next period is to strengthen the cooperation with existing partners and to expand the network, paying attention to geographical expansion. Our priority regions now are Europe, Asia, Africa and North America. This choice is reasoned by the existing successful partnership in these regions. But it is still rather limited. We plan to work actively with Partner countries. Now we have KA107 project in progress with Kazan Technical University (Russia) and Cape Peninsula Technical University (South Africa). Our prospective partners for the nearest future are Sumy State University (Ukraine) and Walsh College (USA). Besides, EKA has very few or no partners from some European countries. For instance, in 2019 we started a collaboration with HEIs from Portugal (no agreements before).

PROJECT COOPERATION

EKA plans to establish new collaboration through participation in projects and conducting mutual research activities.

EKA is experienced in Strategic Partnerships (4 successfully implemented KA202 and KA203 projects in 2015-2020). Now, EKA is ready to submit own project proposals and perform also a coordinator’s role. Capacity-building projects is a new field for EKA (1st project started in 2019), but considering our intention is to expand the network outside Europe, it is a great opportunity to find new partners and establish a sustainable collaboration.

EKAs intention is to establish cooperation not only with HEIs, but also with professional organisations and networks. In 2019 EKA started active communication process with DLearn (European Digital Learning Network) and with their support new project proposals were submitted (within the programme “Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance” and “Strategic Partnerships”).

EXPECTED IMPACT FROM PARTICIPATION IN ERASMUS+ PROGRAMME

Participation in Erasmus programme will help to provide students and staff with the opportunity to master their skills demanded internationally, thus enhancing their competitiveness in Latvia and abroad, by promoting their participation in international mobility, as well as by maintaining a multicultural environment at EKA. Studying abroad and getting benefits from “Internationalization at home” is a pre-requisite to improve language skills and acquire new knowledge about European culture and its diversity (priorities of the European Education Area by 2025).

EKA participation in the Programme will contribute to modernizing of EKA through collecting new teaching experience and acquiring knowledge about innovative teaching methods from foreign partners. In the result, EKA can provide opportunities for students to acquire advanced transversal skills and key competencies to prepare them from highly competitive multicultural job environment.

Erasmus digitalization will encourage faster and qualitative digital transformation of EKA. Digitalization of Erasmus procedures and EKA provided flexible study forms will create an environment adapted for participants from disadvantaged groups (people with disabilities or from lower social-economic backgrounds), that is also a priority of the European Education Area by 2025.

Competition for Erasmus+ mobility between European countries in Autumn Semester 2020/21
(Deadline for application March 15, 2021!)

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONDITIONS

To study abroad with Erasmus+:

• You must be registered as a student in The EKA University of Applied Sciences(EKA). For students in the first cycle (Bachelor degree), you need to be at least in the second year of your studies;
• You must fulfil all academic and financial obligations with The EKA University of Applied Sciences;
• Your period of study abroad must be relevant for your degree-related learning and personal development needs, and be part of the study programme that you are following;
• Your home institution and the receiving institution must have an inter-institutional agreement between them for you to study there with Erasmus+ ;

DURATION

Your study period abroad can last from a minimum of 3 months (or 1 academic term or trimester) to a maximum of 1 study semester.

You can benefit of an exchange abroad with Erasmus+ multiple times, either as a student or as a trainee, but your total time abroad (study abroad periods included) may not exceed 12 months within one cycle of study.

Cycle" refers to the level of study as defined by the European Qualifications Framework (EQF):

• First cycle (Bachelor or equivalent) EQF – 5/6;
• Second cycle (Master or equivalent) EQF 7;
• Third cycle (Doctoral or equivalent) EQF 8;

It is possible to apply for Erasmus+ twice a year – in October for the spring semester and in March for autumn semester.

European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) is a standard for comparing the study attainment and performance of students of higher education across the European Union and other collaborating European countries. Transfer of Latvian credits into ECTS requires multiplication by a factor of 1.5. One Latvian credit point (or 1.5 ECTS) is defined as a one-week full-time study workload, i.e. 40 student work hours. An average workload of a full-time student is 40 credits (60 ECTS) per academic year – 20 credits (30 ECTS) per semester.

As an Erasmus+ student, you will be exempted from fees for tuition, registration, examinations, and charges for access to laboratories or libraries at the receiving institution, but during the stay abroad student has to make a regular payment for studies at EKA.

Please note term papers have to be turned in at EKA before or after the mobility without any tuition fee.

SELECTION CRITERIONS:

• Average grade for the previous study semester and study period;
• Foreign language skills (grades for English courses + interview); 
• Student motivation (letter of motivation + interview);
• Student activity in the University;

STAGES OF MOBILITY

BEFORE THE MOBILITY

Application:

• Fill in Application form for studies;
• Write your letter of motivation;
• Put your application form and letter of motivation into ERASMUS+ ‘’box’’ at SIC;

During the 1st phase of competition applicant’s conformity to criterions of competition and academic achievements will be evaluated. Applicants with highest average grades will be admitted for the 2nd phase. 
The 2nd phase of the competition is an interview in English.

After the interview (if you are accepted as an Erasmus+ programme participant):

• Checklist of before mobility for studies documents;
• Learning Agreement for Studies “Before the Mobility” part;

Before the beginning of the mobility you and EKA sign a Grant Agreement for Erasmus+ Studies.

Learning Agreement for Studies guidelines

DURING THE MOBILITY

In case if some of the selected courses (Learning Agreement “Before the Mobility” part Table A) have to be changed:

• Fill in Learning Agreement for Studies  “During the Mobility” part;

Please note the document has to be signed by the sending and the receiving institution no later than one month after the beginning of your mobility!

AFTER THE MOBILITY

Documents from the receiving institution (university abroad):

• Learning agreement for Studies “After the Mobility” part;
• Transcript of records with all subjects, received credit points and marks (courses have to be the same as written in you Learning Agreement before and during the mobility parts);
• Certificate of Attendance with the first and the last day of your mobility;

The dates have to be the same as is written in your Financial Agreement!

Documents to be filled by the participant:

• Mobility Tool online report (an invitation you will receive via email);
  Please contact your Erasmus+ coordinator in case of any doubts or questions, before submission you have to be sure your answers are correct!
• OLS (The Online Linguistic Support test) (an invitation you will receive via email);
• Your Erasmus+ story in Word format with photos;

Guidelines for the Erasmus+ study mobility success story

Find out more from your Erasmus+ coordinator erasmus@eka.edu.lv, +371 24429068.

Competition for Erasmus+ mobility between European countries in Autumn Semester 2020/21
(Deadline for application March 15, 2021!)

GENERAL INFORMATION

CONDITIONS

To study abroad with Erasmus+:

• You must be registered as a student in The EKA University of Applied Sciences (EKA);
• You must fulfill all academic and financial obligations with The EKA University of Applied Sciences;
• Your traineeship must be relevant for your degree-related learning and personal development needs and, wherever possible, be integrated in your study programme;
• You may carry out a traineeship at any organisation in an Erasmus+ Programme Country (with the exception of EU institutions, bodies and agencies);

DURATION

Your traineeship abroad can last from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 12 months.

You can benefit of an exchange abroad with Erasmus+ multiple times, either as a student or as a trainee, but your total time abroad (study abroad periods included) may not exceed 12 months within one cycle of study.

"Cycle" refers to the level of study as defined by the European Qualifications Framework (EQF):

• First cycle (Bachelor or equivalent) EQF 5/6
• Second cycle (Master or equivalent) EQF 7
• Third cycle (Doctoral or equivalent) EQF 8

You can also go for a traineeship abroad as a recent graduate. In this case, your traineeship must occur within one year of your graduation and you must apply while still being enrolled in your higher education institution.

It is possible to apply for Erasmus+ twice a year – in October for spring semester and in March for autumn semester.

SELECTION CRITERIONS:

• Average grade for the previous study semester and study period;
• Foreign language skills (grades for English courses + interview); 
• Student motivation (letter of motivation + interview);
• Student activity in the University;

STAGES OF MOBILITY

BEFORETHE MOBILITY

Application:

• Fill in Application form for traineeship;
• Write your letter of motivation;
• Put your application form and letter of motivation into ERASMUS+ ‘’box’’ at SIC;

During the 1st phase of competition applicant’s conformity to criterions of competition and academic achievements will be evaluated. Applicants with highest average grades will be admitted for the 2nd phase.

The 2nd phase of the competition is an interview in English.

After the interview (if you are accepted as an Erasmus+ programme participant):

• Checklist of before mobility for traineeship documents;
• Learning Agreement for Traineeship “Before the Mobility” part;
• Europass Mobility certificate;

Before the beginning of the mobility you and EKA sign a Grant Agreement for Erasmus+ Traineeships.

DURING THE MOBILITY

In a case of any changes:

• Fill in Learning Agreement for Traineeship “During the Mobility” part;

Please note the document has to be signed by the sending and the receiving institution no later than one month after the beginning of your mobility!

AFTER THE MOBILITY

Documents from the receiving organisation/enterprise:

• Learning agreement for Traineeship “After the Mobility” part;
• Trainee Reference;
• Europass Mobility certificate “After the Mobility” part;

The dates have to be the same as is written in your Financial Agreement!

Documents to be filled by the participant:

• Mobility Tool online report (an invitation you will receive via email);
  Please contact your Erasmus+ coordinator in case of any doubts or questions, before submission you have to be sure your answers are correct!
• OLS (The Online Linguistic Support test) (an invitation you will receive via email);
• Your Erasmus+ story in Word format with photos;

Guidelines for the Erasmus+ traineeship mobility success story

Guidlines on how to use the Learning Agreement for Traineeships

Find out more from your Erasmus+ coordinator erasmus@eka.edu.lv, +371 24429068

You are very welcome at the EKA University of Applied Sciences!

We do hope that the information provided here will help you find answers to your questions. If you need any further advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ERASMUS+ coordinator erasmus@eka.edu.lv.

We wish you a lot of new and enjoyable experience while studying at the EKA University of Applied Sciences!

APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

After you are nominated by your home university, incoming Erasmus+ students have to send the following documents to the EKA University of Applied Sciences(EKA) via email erasmus@eka.edu.lv:

• Application Form;
• Learning Agreement “Before the Mobility” part signed by you and your home university;
• Transcript of Records;
• Copy of passport (ID card);

Learning agreement guidelines

APPLICATION DEADLINES

For fall (autumn) semester - May 31
For spring semester – December 15

ACADEMIC CALENDAR

2020/2021 Academic Year Semester & Important dates

• Autumn semester 2020 dates: Tuesday 1 September - Sunday 31 January 2021 for all incoming students
• Christmas holidays 21.12.2020.– 03.01.2021.
• Exam dates: 04.01.2021.- 31.01.2021.
• Spring semester 2021 dates: Monday 1 February - Sunday 20 June 2021 for all incoming students.
• Easter holidays 02.04.2021.– 05.04.2021.
• Exam dates: 24.05.2021.- 20.06.2021.
• Latvia Public Holidays

COURSE CATALOGUE AND GRADING SYSTEM

Please find attached below EKA Course Catalogue with courses offered for international students in English.

Course catalogue Autumn 2021

Course catalogue Spring 2021

Course catalogue Autumn 2020

Course catalogue Spring 2020

EKA uses Latvian credit point system that is compatible to ECTS. Transfer of Latvian credits into ECTS requires multiplication by a factor of 1.5. One Latvian credit point (or 1.5 ECTS) is defined as a one-week full-time study workload, i.e. 40 student work hours. An average workload of a full-time student is 40 credits (60 ECTS) per academic year – 20 credits (30 ECTS) per semester.

Grading system in Latvian higher education institutions

The 10 point grading system is used for evaluating students’ learning achievements.

ACCOMMODATION

Information about accommodation in Riga is available here: www.augstskola.lv/?parent=93&lng=eng

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

ERASMUS exchange students are very welcome to join the activities organized by the University and its Students Council, as well as Latvian “Erasmus students Network” www.facebook.com/ESN.Riga; www.esn.lv;

Information on VISA and residence permits:

Information on VISA and residence permits is available at the home page of The Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs: http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/visas-and-invitations/ and http://www.pmlp.gov.lv/en/home/services/residence-permits/.

If you need any further information or assistance regarding insurance or housing issues, please contact EKA Erasmus coordinator via email erasmus@eka.edu.lv

Fact Sheet 

TEACHING

With Erasmus+, opportunities are available to spend time teaching at an education institution abroad.

These opportunities are available to both staff working in the education sector and to individuals in businesses invited to share their knowledge of a given sector, subject or issue to students.

Opportunities to teach abroad with Erasmus+ are available in education institutions operating at all levels.

TRAINING

With Erasmus+, training opportunities are available to staff working in education, both in teaching and non-teaching capacities.

Training periods abroad can consist of job shadowing, observation periods, professional development courses or specific competence-building events.

Erasmus+ supports training both at education institutions and at relevant organisations operating outside the sector.

DURATION

A teaching/training period between two Programme countries must last a minimum of 2 days and a maximum of 2 months. This excludes travelling time.

During your stay abroad, the teaching activity must comprise a minimum of 8 hours per week (or any shorter period of stay) of actual teaching time.

STAGES OF MOBILITY

BEFORE THE MOBILITY

To apply for Erasmus+ staff teaching/training mobility you have to fill in the Application form.
If you are going to Staff Teaching mobility check whether EKA and the receiving institution have signed an inter-institutional agreement!

Once you are accepted as a participant, you have to provide EKA a letter of acceptance from the receiving institution with the exact dates and the main goals of your mobility.

Before beginning your teaching/training period, you, EKA and the receiving institution sign a Mobility Agreement for Teaching or Training. This document sets out your learning goals, rights and responsibilities and also how the teaching/training period will be recognised.

Before the beginning of the mobility, you and EKA sign a Grant Agreement for Erasmus+ staff mobility for Teaching/Training.

AFTER THE MOBILITY

No later than one month after the end of the mobility Erasmus+ participant has to provide EKA following documents:

• Certificate of Attendance (with exact dates of the mobility);
• Travelling document (receipts of travel tickets, boarding passes, hotel invoices, etc.);
• Short story about Erasmus+ experience with photos;
• Submit Mobility Tool online report (an invitation will be sent via email).

You are very welcome at the EKA University of Applied Sciences(EKA)!

Once you are nominated by your home institution for Erasmus+ Staff Teaching or Training Mobility, check whether EKA has an inter-institutional agreement with your home institution and please send an email to erasmus@eka.edu.lv  with information about:

• The exact dates of your mobility;
• The purpose of visit (for teaching mobility list of subjects proposed for teaching);
• Brief description of your personality and professional skills;
• CV (highly recommended)

If you need any further advice or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact ERASMUS+ coordinator erasmus@eka.edu.lv.

You have an opportunity to combine your Erasmus+ Staff mobility with one of the following events organised by The EKA University of Applied Sciences:

• International Academic Week
• International Scientific Conference “Emerging Trends in Economics, Culture and Humanities (etECH)”
• Staff Training Week

For further information please contact

Dr.oec., Asoc.prof.
Jeļena Titko
Vice-Rector for Science
jelena.titko@eka.edu.lv

Erasmus+ stories 2019 (students)

Erasmus+ stories 2018 (staff)
Erasmus+ stories 2018 (students)

Erasmus+ stories 2017 (staff)
Erasmus+ stories 2017 (students)