DECEMBER 2015
SP
NR. 6 (6)
FORMÄ€TS The monthly newsletter of Turiba University's Student Council
TER
NATIONAL
December, December... Editor: SIGNE SENE
Hello, dear readers! It is the last month of this year. Ahead of us there are only a couple of exams, the session, Christmas and that`s it. Then we will say goodbye to year 2015 and with new ideas and motivational promises, we will welcome the new 2016. Let`s use this month to do something great – remember about our loved ones!
Photo: from SIGNE SENE personal archive
save some time by not visiting my parents and friends, they will understand. I have so many things to do, so many things to see! Family will wait.” But it can`t wait and it shouldn`t.
and friends, and making them feel even more special.
So, what about you? How are you going to make your December special? My advice – do something really good and don`t wait anything I know that as soon as the exams are back. And you will have a good feelover, I’m taking a break from every- ing about doing something great. thing and going home. Forgetting Happy holidays and good luck in the about the rest of the world, spending exams! Although December is one of the as much time as I can with my family Signe darkest months of the year because there is almost no sunlight, it is also one of the brightest months of the year. One of the biggest festivities – Christmas – is coming and that somehow helps people to be and feel better. Try to smile more and focus on the good. Maybe it is because in childhood you are told that you have to be good, because Santa Claus and his helpers see everything and they will know that you are doing something bad, and now you still have this small instinct – to be good, someone is watching. Or maybe it is because in Christianity it`s the birth of Jesus Christ. I don`t know. I only know that for me this month will be all about my family and friends. Of course we can`t forget about other responsibilities, but in December give yourself mostly to the ones you love and who love you back. No matter what religion or culture or country you represent, give yourself to others! They deserve it! This is the time of the year to remember about the most important thing in the world – family. We are always running, working, partying, having the time of our lives and thinking: “I will
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Be active and you will reach your dreams! I N T E RV I E W W I T H P R O F E S S O R A L B E RT O S A D U Correspondents: LIENE CIRCENE, SIGNE SENE
It`s already a tradition for us to interview international students, but in Turiba University we have international professors as well. That is why SP Formāts International decided to interview professor Alberto Sadu and find out, his way to Turiba. What took you to Latvia and Turiba? It was in 1992 when I visited Latvia after being invited by one of the doctors, who I met in Sweden at one of the conferences, who told me that Latvia is across the Baltic Sea and it is nice. So, after this visit, I found that I could continue my studies in Latvia as they offer medical studies in English, so I took the decision to stay after meeting a very nice lady, doctor, who is now my wife. With time, I started to study and gave private lessons in English. One of my students, learning in one of the secondary schools in Riga, told me that at their school a vacancy for an English teacher is showing up soon. I visited the director who immediately welcomed me to start teaching at the beginning of the next School year. While teaching there, I got acquainted with all the staff, who respected me very much. One of the colleagues at that time told me that her sister is working at Turiba and they are looking for a good English teacher. As always, I paid the dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages a visit and he at once offered me to start teaching
Photos: from TURIBA archive
difference? The students of Turiba are more aim oriented – in general – easy going, open minded, creative, polite and loyal to their education curriculum.
How do you evaluate the whole Latvian education system in general? Do you, as a lecturer, have any advice on how to develop it? In general, the system is not very tight, saturated and strict. Of course, I do have a lot of advices to modify it, amend it and develop it to students of high level English much higher standards than many knowledge groups. Of course I ac- other European developed countries cepted the offer, and here I am. systems.
How long did it take for you to You are very active outside the lecadapt to Latvian environment and tures too. Two years ago you even people? won the first place in the dancing To tell the truth, it took me about a contest „Dancing with the lecturer” year to adapt to the people, their together with Eleonora Matule. way of thinking, mentality, traditions How do you like to spend your free and daily behaviour and customs. time? But it took longer time to adapt to Yes you are right, we won thanks to the meals served or prepared in Lat- her J. Football and swimming are my vian kitchens. cup of tea. I like travelling, attending What was the most surprising thing, musical activities, whether concerts, parties or with students at discowhen you arrived here? theques. Seeing too many drunkards swinging What would you like to wish the on the streets. students of Turiba in this study Here, in Turiba, you teach English year? for special purposes, Professional Terminology. What, in your opinion, Be Healthy, active and hard-working is the difference between Turiba to achieve success in order to reach students and the students some- the high peaks of their own dream where else? Is there actually a careers.
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Surviving tips during the exams and session Correspondent: NADIR KARIMOV
Photos: from INTERNET RESOURCES
Mostly students like to enjoy themselves during the study year, but what to do after that fun - in that wonderful time when the exams start? SP Formāts International decided to find out how to beat the exam stress and make sure you will get the best possible results. Tip one: Verify the details Turiba University arranges its finals differently. This means that your final exam for some subjects may be scheduled at your usual class time — or it may be scheduled on a different day and hour. Be absolutely sure that you know when (and where) your finals will be held. Struggling to find this information on the day of an exam will only serve to increase your nervousness.
or two, and then switch. You do not have to split your time equally. If you have a Management exam soon, review for it during more than one block of time (and never in back-toback blocks). You will find that your retention increases, and the repetition that comes from revisiting mateTip two: Experiment with different rials more frequently, will help the information “settle” in your memory. methods of studying You can also take short breaks each If you have more than one exam, you hour to refresh your mind. might have planned to study for each one individually, probably in Tip three: Enjoy the silence
ing the final exam weeks. In fact, your friends and classmates can provide a valuable resource for keeping you motivated and allowing you to talk through the topics you are struggling with. Since studying with other people is obviously much more fun too, you should seek out for a study partner, members of your social activity group, or group of colleagues from your classes to prepare for finals together.
chronological order. So, plan to work If you aren’t attending a study seson an individual subject for an hour sion, find a quiet place where you can stay focused and uninterrupted — the library, an empty classroom, etc. Your dorm room may seem like the most obvious place, but have a plan B ready for when the distractions hit (and they will).
Although social media websites can be an excellent source for networking and staying in touch with friends, they can also be a huge distraction that wastes valuable time in your day. If you are busy checking your Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Instagram account, you will not be giving your undivided attention to the study materials and you will not retain the information. Therefore, make sure that you lock your phone away in a safe place where you will not be tempted and refrained from checking it until you have finished your study sessions.
Tip four: group
Find a study partner/
While abstaining from attending a long list of parties and end-of-theyear events, which is highly beneficial, it is important to not cut yourself off from the rest of campus dur-
Tip five: Sign out of social media
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A magical night – Christmas ball Information: from BATSP.LV
Photos: from TURIBA archive
The most anticipated and spectacular event of the year – Christmas ball is coming and this year it will be on 11th December from 20.00 (8PM) to 4.00 (4AM) held at the Riga Latvian Society house (Rīgas Latviešu Biedrības nams – Merķeļa street 13).
Gentlemen – dark suits or tuxedos, Student councils office administraLadies – full length gowns or knee- tor). length cocktail dresses – no shorter Ticket withdrawal times Monday – that that! Thursday from 12:00 (12PM) to You can get your free of charge invi- 18:00 (6PM)! tation for the Christmas ball at the Hurry up to finish your last exams Student council office – @C218, by and tests, so you can elegantly conshowing your ISIC card or a state- clude this year at the Christmas ball. The event will be opened with the ment from SIC (Study information The event is supported by: Silmachy FINALE of the contest “King and center). Remedies, Escape.lv, BUG wooden Queen of Turiba ‘15″, during which For the ball to be even more fun and bow-ties, Adi Hai knitwear, Coffee In, everyone will be able to get acenjoyable, bring along your friends. Fantasy Park, SIA Jena Motors, Lickquainted with the tasks, that the fiA ticket for a friend costs – 5 EUR. starter, dance studio Padejosim, Menalists had to do, see the final run – You can also reserve a table (for vi Gym, Pineapple Studios. unique dance performances, hear more information, talk to the BAT the judges scores, as well as give your vote to the “Audience favorite” nomination. Groups “Tonick” and “Without Borders” will be taking care of the musical aspect of the ball. To make this event even more memorable, you will have the chance to make your own gingerbread cookie at the gingerbread cookie workshop. Also a photo-corner will be working, where you will be able to capture the emotions and happiness with your friends or course-mates. During the event the competitions “The Most magnificent dorm room” winners will be announced. Also, don’t miss your chance to participate in different competitions, where you could win valuable prizes. And, of course, the new BAT cheerleader team will entertain us with their first performance in their new lineup. NB! We urge all of the events guests to follow the Dress-code: BLACK TIE, to create a very special festive atmosphere.
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The event “Latvia” Correspondents: ALIAXANDRA BELAYA, ANNA SEMENUYK
Latvia is a great country with fascinating history and unique traditions that interests plenty of people from all over the world. Turiba International Community is not an exception, so that is why Turiba University’s Students’ Council (BAT SP) organized a special Latvian event that was held on The 13th of November in “Četri Balti Krekli”. SP Formāts International had a great opportunity to look at this event from two angles: from usual participant’s From the point of view as an organsight and “under-cover” – as the izer, the event started earlier and organizer. consisted of 3 creative parts: 1st was cookery and decorations, 2nd was Every participant was excited with "division of labor" and 3rd – enterthe atmosphere, which was created tainment. in a traditional way; folk dancers and singers created a special pro- The cookery part was short, but gram to entertain the guests. Small effective: organizers chose all the shows, some competitions, activities taste characteristics of the Latvian for team building, memorable gifts cuisine - savory garlic croutons, and delicious cuisine were good homemade honey, unusual varieties components of the evening. Organ- of cheese, sweet jam and fried izers had prepared such meals as bread, cranberry candies and spicy pickled cabbage, cranberry candy, pickled cabbage. These dishes were the traditional Latvian drink called beautifully served and decorated. As kvass, honey, bread, meat, and pea- for the decorations, the group pudding that gave us an understand- helped BAT SP to draw posters, to ing for cultural background of the hang traditional lanterns and make country. an ornamental flag.
Photos: ALIAXANDRA BELAYA
The second part of organizing started, when guests came: people were divided into small groups and started their work. One group was responsible for the photos of guests near the Latvian flag and on the dance floor, another - for wardrobe staff, helping people to hang their clothes, showing were they can go and what kind of offers were there, putting ribbons with the national ornament on to guests’ hands. The 3rd group was responsible for the bar, providing drinks, another one worked on the dance floor, playing games with guests and playing some music. Such experience was useful, because all the involved people learnt how to work as a team, as well as became acquainted with Latvian culture and got new contacts and friends from different countries. There were full-time and Erasmus students, lecturers and other guests, spending time together, opening new corners of the Latvian Culture, sharing emotions. The day ended with an amazing walk through Old Riga, where Riga night lights and atmosphere inspired everyone. SP Formāts International interviewed several participants of the event and listened to their opinion about the celebration. Erasmus students were excited with the decorations, which were selected according to the theme of the day. Another point that they liked was friendly «home» atmosphere and deeper «diving» into the Latvian culture, its history and traditions.
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Frosty afternoon before the session Correspondent: DARIA DONTSOVA
It is only the beginning of December now, but everyone is already feeling the atmosphere of the upcoming holidays. They are not here yet, but SP Formāts International and all the students of Turiba don’t want to let the fall change our Christmas mood! That’s why Turiba University’s Students’ Council (BAT SP) organized a trip to the VOLVO ice rink on the 15th of November and gave us the opportunity to enjoy the perks of winter a little bit beforehand. We met near the Turiba fountain and went to our destination by bus. It was quite a while to get there, but, believe me, it was certainly worth it. As soon as we reached it, we felt how enormous the place is. There are three ice rinks, but only one was
Photos: DARIA DONTSOVA
games on the rink, had some coffee or hot chocolate and had a lot of fun! It was rather cold on the ice, but we were so active and enthusiastic, that we didn’t even feel it at all. The only problem was that it was a little crowded, because of the weekend and not only our students were there, unlike it was planned. So, even though we had a good time, it would have been better it more peoable for public skating at that mople had showed up. ment. So we immediately rented ice Polina Prado, the organizer of the skates and rushed to the ice! event, commented on that: At first, it was planned to rent the whole rink for 50 people, but, unfor- “We definitely will do something like tunately, less students showed up, that again next semester. We just so it was decided that everyone need to choose different day of the week and start all the preparations would pay separately. earlier than we did this semester.” The ice itself was really good! We made plenty of photos, played
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Merry Christmas – Priecīgus Ziemassvētkus! Correspondent: EVGENY GOLDOBIN
Photos: from INTERNET RESOURCES
Christmas – one of the most important Christian holidays. Christians celebrate this holiday to honor the birth of Jesus Christ. This is a national holiday in more than 100 countries worldwide. Catholic Christmas celebrations are celebrated for eight days – from December 24 to January 1 – forming the Octave of Christmas. Before Christmas, many Christians use the time of the Advent to prepare themselves and get ready to celebrate the joy of Christmas. Advent - the waiting time prior to Christmas, during which Christians prepare for the holiday. It’s normally a period of four Sundays and weeks before Christmas. In many Eastern Catholics Churches and Orthodox ones, Advent lasts for 40 days.
Claus (also known as Ziemassvētku vecītis or directly translating - Christmas old man) brings their presents. Sometimes, to get a present, you have to recite a short poem, sing a song, play a musical instrument or do a dance while standing next to Christmas in Latvia the Christmas tree. You have to earn For Latvians, Christmas is the time your present. when families come together. December 24th is a peaceful Christmas Eve when families might go to church and have a Christmas meal together. For many families Christmas Eve is not only the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also a celebration of the Winter Solstice, the time when days become longer and the nights become shorter again. Also on morning of the 24th or 25th December are days when some families might go to church. On Christmas, presents are usually put under the Christmas tree and are opened during the Evening of Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day. Children in Latvia believe that Santa
to eat any type meat on Christmas Eve, but Latvians are real meat lovers). Also, we like gluhwein - hot German wine. Where to celebrate Christmas? In Riga, long before the holidays, there are decorations and a few large Christmas trees. On the streets there are trees, decorations and light colored garlands, which are swinging from the facades of houses. In the Old Town Christmas markets are open throughout the December – it’s a great place where you can buy Latvian Christmas souvenirs and gifts. Old Town is a perfect place to celebrate Christmas and feel the spirit of this time of the year. Interesting fact
The world's first Christmas tree was set in Riga – the main market square in 1510. Homeland of the Christmas tree is considered to be Strasbourg – Traditional food during Christmas is but in Riga the holiday fir was set 95 gingerbread (piparkūkas), grey peas years earlier! with bacon, bacon rolls, and pork (by Christian traditions it’s not allowed
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Studying abroad gives huge life experience I N T E RV I E W W I T H A S T U D E N T Correspondent: SIGNE SENE
SP Formāts International interviews one of the students every month. For some it could get quite boring after the first two or three interviews, but not for us! There are so many personalities and stories hidden in our university, that it is a joy to find out something new every month. This time SP Formāts International talked with Nargis A. Mammadli to find out her story and way to Turiba. There are a lot of countries and universities around the world, why Turiba and Latvia? Latvia is quite a safe country, and Turiba offers a program in the field that I was interested in for a very reasonable price.
Photos: from NARGIS A. MAMMADLI`S personal archive
you are in contact with the locals; at least that is what I think. Now, that I have met a lot of Latvians, I know the culture better, of course, and now I understand that I knew almost nothing about Latvia or Latvians before moving here. Did you have a culture shock, when you arrived? If yes, how did you get over it? I come from a totally different background, and of course, I had, and honestly, still have some issues with the locals. Latvians are quite reserved, while people in my country are very open and outgoing. I try to understand the mind set and outlook of these people; respect it and not to intrude into their privacy.
Was it hard to leave your home and It has been more than three months come to a different country? since you started studying here. What still fascinates or amazes you It was a big challenge for me, but I’m during your study process and time glad I made this decision, because in Riga? here I’m having a huge life experience. What amazes me the most is how people can still manage to smile How much did you know about this without seeing sun and clear sky for country before you arrived here? months, and with temperature beI had been to Latvia as a tourist for a low minus for almost 9 months! J few times before I came here to What could be your biggest benefit study. However, only after coming to during your first semester here, in Turiba, I understood how little I Turiba? knew about it. You can only have a correct opinion about a country if Apart from my studies, life in Turiba Editor: Signe Sēne Correspondents: Signe Sēne, Nadir Karimov,Evgeny Goldobin, Daria Dontsova, Aliaxandra Belaya, Anna Semenuyk, Liene Circene Reviser: Annemar ija Gr asmane Desktopper: Kr istīne Šņepste Design: Sandijs Br īze In the case of publication permission from Student Council of Turiba University is required. In case of citation reference of „SP Formāts International” is required.
taught me -and everyone else, I guess, - a lot of things; it made us mature, made us more responsible, made us accept the simple fact that every single person in this world is different and we have to learn to live with all kinds of people, we learnt to manage our money, we learnt how to cook, learnt how to take care of ourselves, and learnt what medicine is used for what. J Have you had some free time to travel around the Latvia? I travelled a bit, and I enjoyed what I saw. I plan to visit more cities during my stay here. Christmas and holidays are coming closer by every day. What are your plans for the holidays? Buy some “Laima” chocolates for my family, friends, and relatives, and go back home to spend holidays in my hometown . Any advice or wish to all students? Have a blessed Christmas!
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