NOVEMBER 2015
SP
NR. 5 (5)
FORMÄ€TS The monthly newsletter of Turiba University's Student Council
TER
NATIONAL
Red, white and red Editor: SIGNE SENE
Photo: from SIGNE SENE personal archive
Hello, dear readers! November is an important month for every student because the exam session is coming closer by each day. However, you may see more and more people wearing red, white and red ribbon to their coats and that is because November is historically an important month for Latvians. For Latvians November is the most patriotic month of the year. “If you like Latvia, Latvia likes you,” is the motto for most of the Latvians. Many international and Erasmus students go abroad to study not only because of the opportunities that the universities can give, but also because of the interest in different cultures and countries. November is the best time when to find out more about Latvian traditions because very soon we will have two of those days, when every Latvian is happy to share his patriotism and love for the country with everyone who comes along. You might ask: “Why suddenly so patriotic and concentrated on the Latvian values? Do I need to know this?” My answer would be: “Yes, you do.” There is a saying: “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” So, it would be just logic if you knew something more about the country you live in and appreciate its values. At least learn the most important things about Latvia – the President, the Independence Day.
two days – November 11th and 18th – and go outside. Join the crowd, feel the atmosphere, sing along! These dates are really special for us (you can find out why, inside this issue) Therefore, I would like to suggest and we will be more than happy to you to put down your study exercis- share them with everyone who es and forget about the exams for wants to join our celebration. So,
come on then! We will be waiting you at the 11. Novembra krastmala. Come and celebrate with us our country`s birthday! Best wishes, Signe
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Celebrate “Latvia”! Correspondent: SIGNE SENE
As you might already know, November is special month for Latvians. So, the Students’ Council is inviting everyone to mark the 13th November at their calendars, notes or wherever you write down the things that you should do, and join the event “Latvia”.
Photos: from STUDENTS` COUNCIL`S ARCHIVE
active but also tasty part of Latvia.
If you want to apply for the event write to this e-mail: internationThe event will take place at Novemal@batsp.lv. Send your name, surber 13, at the musical club „Četri name and contact information. balti krekli”. The celebration will start at 18:00 (6pm), but remember Don`t hesitate and send in your apthat Latvians like to start our events plication for the event right now! on time, so please don`t be late! Students` Council would love to see What counts to be late? 15 minutes you there! This year Students` Council has de- max. cided to keep on the tradition to celebrate Latvia’s event during the so called “Latvia week” and that is why they have created an event especially for our international students, so that they can get to know Latvia even better – at the event “Latvia”. Just like the previous years – you will have the opportunity to witness Latvian folk dances, musical performances, games and activities Latvian style with prizes and, of course, the traditional food and snack tasting. So you can feel not only the musical,
The best of the best in English Correspondent: SIGNE SENE
Photos: KRISTA PAZARAUSKA
For the 4th time the Students’ Council of Turiba University in cooperation with the Department of Languages organized the “Learn English” tournament. So, now we have the winners list and we would like to share it with you – our readers. During the tournament, the students of Turiba, had a chance to test their English skills and, in case of winning, get some precious prizes - a tablet PC from 707.lv, gift cards from the restaurant “Klīversala” and tickets for plays of the Improvisation Theatre.
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The first round was held online – Turiba’s information system BATIS, where students needed to do an online test where their English grammar was checked. This part of the competition was created with
help of Department of Languages. Thirty best participants got to the second part of tournament and their next task was to prepare a public speech (3 minutes) about one of five topics that were given before. The winner was named by the jury that consisted of the representatives of
the Department of Languages and Gustavs Ozoliņš from the Students’ Council. The winner of the tournament was Daria Donstova, who gave a public speech about rights and privacy, Kārlis Apalups got the second place and Nauris Zdanovskis – the third place. The Students’ Council thanks all participants for taking part at the tournament! A big “thank you” also goes to our supporters- 707.lv, Klīversala and Riga’s Improvisational Theatre. Congratulations to all the participants from the SP Formats International as well, but especially to Daria Dontsova – the first place winner and SP Formats International correspondent!
November - precious month for Latvians Correspondent: NODIR KARIMOV
In November, SP Formats International suggests to plunge into the atmosphere of annual public holidays in Latvia. The most crucial events in the history of Latvia will take place in this autumn month. November 11, Lacplesis Day – Latvia honors it`s freedom fighters, and on November 18 we celebrate Independence Day.
Lacplesis Day On November 11 every year, Latvia lights up numerous candles to commemorate the Latvian army’s victory over the West Russian Volunteer Army led by General Pavel BermontAvalov on November 11, 1919. On this day Latvia honors Latvian Freedom Fighters. If we dig deeper into history, we find that the period
Photos: from INTERNET RESOURCES
complicated periods in Latvia’s history. Only in 1919 it became clear that Latvia is truly independent when the Russian Army was driven from Riga, during the Latvian Fights for Freedom. This day usually starts with commemorative service; various events are held all over Latvia. Schedule for Riga: laying of flowers at Riga Brethren Cemetery, followed by a military parade in Old Riga, in front of the Monument of Freedom. Then you can see special concerts and torch processions in various locations. However, the most spectacular sight is watching locals placing candles by the river Daugava front. between the Proclamation of the This is where you have to be on the Independent Republic of Latvia on evening of November 11. November 1918 and 11 November 1919 was one of the most (Continued on page 5)
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Independence Day
celebration in Riga ends with magnificent fireworks over the River November 18 marks Independence Daugava. Day in Latvia – even though there were no borders set, a group of dedi- Other events on this day include varcated nationalists proclaimed an in- ious concerts free of charge in. All dependent Latvian state on this date you can do is to decide where to go in 1918. and starting from November 11 to go and take your free invitation. More In Riga the celebrations begin with a information on concerts will follow parade and placing flowers at the later during this month. Freedom Monument near Old Riga. A parade of the National Armed Also later on the evening, at 19:30 Forces will take place in the after- there will be a concert next to the noon near the 11.Novembra krasma- Freedom Monument and after that la bus station. In the evening there at 20:00 there will be speech of Latare torchlight processions, and the vian president Raimonds Vējonis.
At 21:00 everyone is invited to sing the Latvian hymn together with the crowd at the 11. Novembra krastmala and see magnificent fireworks over the river Daugava.
A freshman’s experience Correspondent: NIGINA KHALMUKHAMEDOVA
Turiba University is one of the best known universities for its ethnical diversity. Every year there are students from different cultures and nationalities, and this year is not an exception. That is why “SP Formāts International” decided to ask one of the new students to share the thoughts and first impressions of Turiba University. Nigina Khalmukhamedova helped “SP Formāts International” by telling her story. Even though I am a freshman here, I have found out that I’m not alone here and there are a lot of students just like me, who have arrived to Latvia from other countries. That makes the studying process much more interesting. Besides, because of this common situation that we share, we can easily make friends and exchange our knowledge within each other. Personally, for me it is very important not to stay at the same place the whole time, but to fulfill
my life with changes, new experienc- treated and are given a great supes and emotions. port here. Moreover, Student’s Council opens big horizons for stuI know for sure, that during our dents of any courses and faculties, whole lives we go “upstairs” by the especially for the new-comers. The “stairway of our fate”. As we are rissocial life of Turiba is interesting and ing up, it often turns out that we find full of events, so nobody stays pasourselves in a new atmosphere, sive or ignorant. That’s why I’m so where everything is new and unexhappy to be a part of big Turiba Uniplored for us. The Introduction days versity’s family and make my own in Turiba reminded me the first visit contribution to it. to the kindergarten. I thought of it so because I experienced the same In conclusion, I want to say that Turiemotions and feelings in Turiba that I ba University has its own set of tradihad once had in my childhood. First- tions, such as introducing the rules ly, it feels like you are like an alien in of the university to younger students this place with full of unknown peo- by the elder ones, going to excurple. Of course, everyone is different sions outside the city and so on. here and they have their own way of However, Turiba is still open and alperception and adaption to new cir- ways ready for new and creative idecumstances. As for me, it was not as. Due to these exclusive features of hard to accommodate to the life of the school, the warm atmosphere Turiba University students. appears between students and it helps us to get used to the new lifeI want to share my observation that style and to enter the next step of all freshmen, whether they are Latviour lives. an or International, are friendly
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Movie tips for a lazy evening Correspondent: NAJMI KAMALOV
Sometimes each of us have such evenings, or maybe even days, when we just don`t want to do anything or go anywhere, just stay in and sleep or just rest all day long. In such day, it would be very good and pleasant to see a movie, which is interesting and nice to watch. So, “SP Formats International” will give you some tips about movies like that. Up in the Air (2009)
The film is directed by Jason Reitman and George Clooney plays the main role. Loneliness is the main theme which the director explores. The main character, Ryan Bingham, has deliberately fenced himself from the people. He has no friends, no family, only fleeting acquaintances and it is comfortable, and that is how it seems to him at least. In my opinion,
Photos: from INTERNET RESOURCES
the filmmakers try to show us that everyone can make a choice to be alone or not, but there is no guarantee that he will not have regrets, wakig up one day and not think that he would like to have a family, children, and that he is tired of being alone. The most important thing is to not get such awareness too late. Excellent acting and the story will make you wonder. Her (2013)
Futuristic romance with Joaquin Phoenix in the title role. In a world, where lives Theodore (Phoenix), is founded a solution for single people, artificial intelligence – the OS. The main purpose of the operating system is to adjust it to the owner and to play a role for him which usually is played by people. By creating this seemingly perfect world, the creator of one revels that Theodore is very happy too, because he finally has
found the source which fully understands him. However, after some time the idyll gets collapsed, artificial intelligence has outgrown human and it needs new horizons. We came to a simple formula at the end of film – “A human needs a human." Midnight in Paris (2011)
Just a few words about the last film in the list. The film directed by Woody Allen is full of beautiful views, interesting dialogues and unusual characters. The story is about a romantic writer, who is convinced that he had to live in 1920s. He comes to Paris with his girlfriend for the holidays and gets back to the past. Then after he meets Hemingway, Picasso, and Gertrude Stein, he realizes that he belongs to this time and wants to stay here forever.
International Gastronomy Month Correspondent: DARIA DONTSOVA
Everyone loves free food! So why can’t we enjoy both - eating and learning something new about different cultures at the same time? This question lead the Culture & Sport Department and the Interna-
Photos: KRISTA PAŽARAUSKA
tional Cooperation Department of the Students` Council to organize this event. The International Gastronomy Month wasn’t just about “gastronomy”, it was about uniting cultures and learning each other’s
traditions and customs. There were four events, and in each one we found out something new about different culture. (Continued on page 7)
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Uzbek music and girls were making clapping and cheering. traditional hair-styles to everyone Firstly came French. Their event who wished. happened on the 29th of September. Due to quite warm weather they put tables outside university, and treated us with French bread, some salad and potato dish. Everything tasted great and everyone seemed to be enjoying the beginning of the International Gastronomy Month. Later, on the 8th of October we tasted some Indian cuisine. They set tables on the 3rd floor of C building, near Conference Hall. Every guest was treated with some chicken curry (quite spicy), rice, special starters and dessert. Moreover, unlike French, Indian students made a performance, which included traditional dances, costumes and even henna paintings for every visitor. It was wonderful because everyone could feel Indian culture and enjoy friendly atmosphere.
And the last but not the least – Georgian food! The event was held again on the 2nd floor of C building on the 21st of October. The menu consisted of khachapuri, osti and special dish with eggplants. Then a girl sang a beautiful Georgian song, and that was so inspiring and touching that everyone suddenly became silent. After a song there were some dances, and everyone seemed to be enjoying the event as people were
Even though International Gastronomy Month is already finished, everyone is still discussing it. Also, we need to say thanks to the organizers: Ruslan Orazliev, Krista Pažarauska and Reinis Mellis. Because of their hard work now every Turiba student knows a little bit more about four new cultures. Food is one of the best ways to learn new culture and you should use this technique more often – go and grab a pair of sushi right now!
Next was Uzbek food. Their event took place on the 2nd floor of the C building on the 12th of October. Some special salad, plov and samsa were served to students. Everything was so different from what we are used to, so everyone was curious and interested. There was also some
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University Dance Challenge I N T E RV I E W W I T H T H E “ U N I V E R S I T Y DANCE CHALLENGE” ORGANIZER A L I A X A N D R A B E L AYA Correspondent: DARIA DONTSOVA
Photos: DARIA DONTSOVA
Have you heard of “University Dance Challenge”? This name has been everywhere in Turiba for a couple of weeks already together with the question “Do you want to dance?” Curious, isn’t it? SP Formats International was eager to know more about this “challenge” so we talked directly to the organizer of the event, Aliaxandra Belaya. Let’s see what we managed to found out from her. What’s all the hustle about? What is University Dance Challenge? Well, it is some sort of dance promotion for our students and students of other universities too. It is a teamworking project because students can learn not only how to dance, but also how to work as a team. They are meeting new friends, sharing ideas and making a good dance video together. Besides, if we mention an official description of UDC, we can say that this is a dance video that will be the message for different universities inviting them to dance too. How did you come up with the idea of organizing such event? I am a professional dancer, so I need to move everyday – to dance, to listen to music. I know that a lot of people really want to dance, but they don’t because they are shy or don’t know where to start. Many people here love music, and Turiba
gives possibilities to everyone to im- free in the international society. And press themselves. So I decided to it did! take such opportunity and make my Is the project in progress already? own project. Yes, we’ve started from 3rd of OctoBut you were not looking only for ber. For now they almost learned the professional dancers, were you? moves, so we are getting closer to Sure not. Of course, we knew they filming it! would come too, but everyone could What about publishing the video? take part in UDC. Dance is not only How will other universities know about choreography; mostly it is about it? about feeling the music. Everyone can feel it, and we can only help The video will be made until the end them to turn this feeling into proper of November, but will published only in January, because of the Christmas dance. Holidays. It will certainly be on What was the main aim of your proYouTube, and we will also send it ject? directly to other Latvian Universities The UDC helped us to unite all the and even abroad. We will make UDC students from Turiba family. I want- international! ed them to come, because I thought Well, we can only wish good luck to that this challenge would help us to Aliaxadra and all the participants get closer to each other and to feel with their wonderful project.
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To Latvia with warm clothes and an umbrella I N T E RV I E W W I T H A S T U D E N T Correspondent: EVGENY GOLDOBIN
Photos: from SADIK ENES OKUR`S private archive
Sadik Enes Okur is a second year student of Turiba University. He came here from Turkey to study Management of International Communication. So, I have prepared some questions find out about his impressions of studying and living in Riga.
How did you decide to come to study in Riga? Moreover, why did you choose Turiba University? After school, I always wanted to continue my education in any European country. I had many options where I can continue my education. After school, I lived for six months with my relatives in Vilnius and all this time I was looking for an university in Baltic States. However, the best option for me was Turiba University. I liked the price and the quality of teaching in our university. What was your first impression of Riga and Latvia?
For example, your drivers generally drive cars more carefully and follow the rules. For me, it was hard to understand Latvian culture and their way of life. In general, I have only good impressions about Latvia.
member of the Students’ Council, where I also met a lot of interesting people. What about some personal advice to those who want to go to study in Latvia?
Have you faced any difficulties while So the most important - you must studying / living in Latvia? take warm clothes, plenty of warm Yeah, I had some difficulties. The clothes and an umbrella! And don’t biggest problem was think that Latvians are constantly communication. Unfortunately, I angry and gloomy, in fact, they are don’t know Latvian or Russian very friendly and cheerful. language. Because of this, it was difficult for me to find new friends and communicate with other people.
Weather! I was shocked. Even in Vilnius, it was warmer than here. I was really disappointed by the weather; I've never been so cold. I was born in Alanya - a city in southern Turkey, But now, have you found any where it's always warm and sunny. friends? Also - the culture. Latvians have a Yes, I have a lot of friends in my unicompletely different mentality and versity. And this year I became a culture. Latvians are more cultured. Editor: Signe Sēne Correspondents: Signe Sēne, Nodir Karimov,Najmi Kamalov, Evgeny Goldobin, Daria Dontsova, Nigina Khalmukhamedova 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.
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