SEPTEMBER 2015
SP
NR.3 (3)
FORMÄ€TS The monthly newsletter of Turiba University's Student Council
TER
NATIONAL
Congratulations on the new study year Correspondent: SIGNE SĒNE
Dear students, Summer is fading away and autumn is coming to take its place, which means that the new study year has arrived for Turiba University. The academic, as well as the technical staff, have worked very hard to start
Photo: Turiba University resources
opportunity to participate in the University's social and sports life, as well as being a part of Students’ Council. Participating in the events organised by Business Incubator and in other activities! I wish you a successful study
the new 2015/2016 study year as year, a lot of new, positive good as possible. Now the most experiences, new friends, lessons,
important thing is ahead us – to take and the most important – even more part regularly and do accurate work knowledge and skills which will be in lectures, other classes or activities useful for your further life. Never stop learning and gaining skills! and even during individual studies. Nevertheless, the life of a student is not only about the studies. I hope that you will use the
Aldis Baumanis, Dr. paed., assoc.prof, Rector and Chairman of the Board of the Turiba University
Stay healthy in Riga! Correspondent: LIENE CIRCENE Photo: from internet resources
Where to eat? No one can be healthy just by doing some sports activities. To sur-
Sports centres vive during the study course and the A GUIDE – WHERE TO EAT More about sports centres you sometimes bit harsher weather conHEALTHY AND ENJOY SPORTS ACTIVITIES WHILE LIVING IN RIGA. can find here – sporta-klubi.lv, but ditions in winter, you need to eat not there are some following tips we can only regularly, but healthy too. give you:
Not far from Turiba University, in
Fitness club “Atletika”.
“Riga Plaza” shopping centre on
This sports centre is located all Mūkusalas street 72B, there is peraround Riga, so you can choose the fect café for vegetarians – “Garuda”. one which the most suitable for you. “Raw Garden” can be found on Surely, a lot of students who “Brazīlija” beach sports centre have travelled to Riga for their study
Skolas street 12 and shopping centre
If you don`t want to give up on “Spice”. This restaurant offers tasty
year still have many things to learn beach volleyball during the dark au- and healthy meals for vegetarians, about the city and what it can give tumn evenings and cold winter days, vegans and rawtarians (raw food dito you. This is the reason, why „SP this sports centre is just for you! All et) as well as for people with lactose Formāts International” is offering you need is a group of friends, com- and gluten intolerance. some advice to every one of you fortable clothing and off you go! about the healthy lifestyle during Address: Jūrkalnes street 100
there is a restaurant “Burkāns”
your time in Riga. Remember – the “City fitness” fitness centre
where you can find delicious meals.
key to success and productive studying is to stay healthy!
“City fitness” is located all over That is the perfect place where to Riga, so again you can find the one spoil your taste buds and stay which is more suitable for you.
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On 11. Novembra krastmala
healthy at the same time!
International Turibians WHAT THEY THINK? Correspondent: RUSLAN ORAZLIEV
Turiba international
University
is
institution
Photo: personal archives from people in the survey
an Spain as a bartender, and when I
where return
back
to
Riga,
I
am
people from all points of the world immediately to France to study can be met. Every year, students there! from Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan,
Uzbekistan,
I am sure that I made the right
Ukraine choice, and I got more than I
and other countries, come in Turiba expected.
Karyna Voinich Belarus, 2nd study year Tourism and Hospitality
in order to get their bachelor's, master's or doctorate's degrees. We
Like everyone in the world, I
conducted a survey on what they
had to make a choice of who I want
think about Riga, Latvia and as well
to be. I decided to study at the Tour-
as Turiba University.
ism and Hospitality program, and my sister helped me a lot with choosing Nikoloz Turazashvili
the university. She graduated from
Georgia, 3rd study year Business Administration
Turiba and recommended it to me. I have never regretted my choice!
Turiba University gives you Kamran Baxshaliyev,
Turiba University has devel-
many opportunities and the main oped very interesting programs in
Azerbaijan 2nd study year Tourism and Hospitality
ones are such programs as Erasmus, English for international students Bilateral and Double Degree. You can with great teachers and favourable
I am so happy that I am find practice places all over Europe environment for studying. And I real-
studying in Latvia. I heard many via Erasmus+ or get some cultural ly love Turiba Hostel! There is multipositive comments about Riga and experience and knowledge of your cultural atmosphere where you can when I came, I realized that sure - priority subjects with Erasmus. that’s all true - Latvia’s capital is the
look for new friends from different
Turiba study process is well parts of the world. As well as there
cultural and dynamic life centre of organized. BATIS system is very help- are such bonuses as good Wi-Fi, TV, North Europe.
ful, but not all lecturers upload their computer and study rooms, which is
Turiba University has a friendly lectures immediately and it is the really important for studying. And collective, professional lecturers and only problem, which I have noticed the hostel is well located; road to the favourable
environments
for so far.
studying. University is located in a
city centre spends from 10 until 25 Turiba Hostel is not the best minutes.
superb place. There is a sports one I have ever seen, but it is cheap
By the way, the old town and
centre, some supermarkets and fast and located in a good place, which is Riga in general is a beautiful little city food restaurants located very close perfect for students. However, I do with amazing architecture, many resto it. Also the trip from the Turiba not like few things. Most of Indian taurants, cafes and well developed hostel to the city centre is only 20 students live on the 4th floor; tourism. Latvians live on the 5th floor and so
minutes by trolley-bus.
In conclusion, I do not regret
I want to mark the ability to on. All students came here for my choice of country, city and uniparticipate in many international getting cultural experience, but if you versity, and I will recommend Turiba programs
such
as
Erasmus.
It live in a room with people from the University to Minskers as my sister
allowed me to get acquainted closer same
country,
what
kind
of did it to me.
with the world. Now I am working in experience you can get? (Continued on page 4)
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(Continued from page 3 )
especially for me, is that Turiba employment. I am going to travel University takes part in international around the world and every time I
programs like Erasmus+ and AIESEC. will have to translate my diploma in It opens us new opportunities for state language of country I visit, and traveling around the world, getting as well as I should pass the new experiences around foreigners qualification test for the profession. and knowledge from the exchange Students
could
avoid
similar
universities. For instance, I have won problems, if Turiba’s diploma would Veronika Saparova Uzbekistan, Master Degree, Business Administration
the opportunity to be a part of the be both in Latvian and English double degree programme in France languages. The reason why I think so and it gives me very good knowledge is because Turiba accepts to have
I graduated Uzbek University in my specialization. What exactly I many international students and the of Foreign Languages and there are like about this programme is that studies are in English. Probably it
some things that can be compared when I graduate I will receive two could be better if the diploma was in with Turiba. Firstly, Turiba University diplomas. is more developed in IT system.
two languages as it is mentioned
There are many useful things above.
Therefore new information can be while
studying
in
Turiba,
but
As a conclusion I would like to
found easily using Wi-Fi in study pro- everything has some disadvantages. add that I am very happy to study in cess. Secondly the buildings are well- The thing that makes me upset is Turiba because it has given me a lot built and organized for the study at- that Turiba University’s diploma is in of opportunities to study, travel and mosphere.
Latvian language, and it means that I get new experience and knowledge.
The most important thing, will
have
some
problems
with
Opportunities for students at Turiba during their free time BE DYNAMIC AND PARTICIPATE! Correspondent: SIGNE SĒNE, KRISTA PAŽARAUSKA
Photo: from internet resources
To have a real student life university`s volleyball team. The
The students of Turiba are very
experience, not only you have to team accepts everyone, regardless active. The other sports team you live in a dormitory, but you have to the previous volleyball experience. can join is basketball club Turiba. This participate in various activities as All boys and girls are welcomed to club
participates
in
three
well. There are so many things you participate in the volleyball trainings tournaments – Latvian Basketball can do besides your studies. For ex- which take place in the gym of Turiba League Division 2 A Group (LBL2, ample, joining the Students` Council University. Stay healthy, improve www.basket.lv),
Latvian
Students
or just playing basketball. So why your physical performance and have Basketball League (SBL, www.sbl.lv), don`t you use your free time for fun! Charge for trainings – 14,23 € Double-amateur League Elite Group different activities and have fun monthly. with your friends?
(www.dal.c4.lv)
Find out more information by
Anyone who is interested in
writing to the project manager joining this club can contact the club
Volleyball
Mārtiņš volejbols@batsp.lv
Jeļisejevs, manager Jānis Vecrinks: mobile +371 29220913, e-mail: janisv@turiba.lv (Continued on page 5)
Are you interested in volleyball or want to start doing it? Then you have a great opportunity to join the
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Basketball
(Continued from page 4)
For
more
information
go
to
www.batsp.lv
Business Incubator
SP Formāts International SP Formats International is a new project of the Students’ Council to inform students about happenings
Students’ Council
in the university, to get to know Latvia and other international students
Students’ Council of Turiba as well. University (BAT SP) is the place
This is a place where a student can find everything what is needed
If you feel the talent of a writer to start one’s own business. The best
where the most active and energetic in yourself or just want to try your part about it is that you can use this students meet. The students have a hand in the work of a journalist, then space whenever you need it. If you chance to join to one of six you have the opportunity to engage prefer working at night, the business
departments – finance, marketing, in the publication design and crea- incubator is there for you to use it. outer
communication,
culture, tion! Apply and become a member of The monthly use price is very friendly
international cooperation, academic the SP Formats International creative too. Students and graduates of and sports department. The students team! Dare to reveal yourself! have various jobs; they work in crea-
For more information contact 4.25 EUR per month. Step inside the
tive groups, support each other and the
editor
find contacts which could help them International: in their future.
Turiba can use the premises only for
of
SP
Formats world of business and make your first
Signe
Sēne, business idea real!
sp-formats-int@batsp.lv
A look from the inside INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS LIFE Correspondent: NODIR KARIMOV Photo: from Karina`s Maruzhenko personal archive
Many have already had a chance to learn what the student life is like – you live in a dormitory, far from home and today we decided to find out what they can tell you about their university life, to find out more about "life away from home". We decided to ask the student of International Tourism Karina Maruzhenko. So, tell me about yourself! My name is Karina, I’m from Ukraine and I am 17 years old. I just became a second year student of Turiba University. In my free time I prefer reading interesting articles about phycology, sport and travelling. I`m also interested in cooking. Why did you choose Turiba University? While being in 11th class at school, I started to think about the choices of my future profession. At that time I adored to watch one program about evaluating the quality of restaurants and hotels in Ukraine, so I thought that
it is a very interesting area to work in, and I would like to be a part of it. In my childhood I visited Latvia for a couple of times, so I started to do a research for universities here and I found Turiba. Besides this, I knew that studying in a European country could give me more opportunities. What can you tell about it? The first time when I came to the Turiba University, I was impressed by the modern and bright design. Attending lessons, I liked the ability for the lecturers to carry out lesson in an interesting way and, of course, our way of homework presentations. A presentation is a good way to show our point of view colourfully and make it not boring to the others. Another good thing I like about the university is the amount of international students and the amusing events. No one can ever be bored here. What can you tell about Latvians? From the first moment of living in
Latvia I actualy didn’t have a great opportunity to get acquainted with Latvian people fully, but after some time I found a job where it became an everyday occurrence. Maybe as like other people who are living in Baltic countries, Latvians are reserved, but with the Latvians I met were very nice to me and ready to help whenever I needed it or asked for help. What could be your advice for the future students? My biggest advice is not to lose passion towards the study process. During the student years, it is easy to spend time only partying, but it is better to spend this precious time reasonably by studying which can help you in your future, setting goals and implementing them in your life. As Turiba offers great opportunities such as Erasmus exchange program, double degree or bilateral program it is worth to use something from them.
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Cultural differences? Or, are we really that different? Correspondent: KARIMOV NODIR Photo: from internet resources
Differences between people culture where hand gestures are ro- there are no cultural differences. within any given nation or culture bust, you may wish to moderate Sure, there are differences in apare much greater than differences them to conform to local practices. proach as to what is considered pobetween groups. Education, social At the same time, they can be ex- lite and appropriate behavior both standings,
religion,
personalities, tremely direct speakers and focused on and off the job. In some cultures
belief structures, past experiences, on their tasks. Soft voices are ex- "yes" means, "I hear you" more than the way affection is shown at home, pected. If you have a booming voice, "I agree." Length of pleasantries and and a bunch of other factors affect you may wish to moderate it when greetings before getting down to human behavior and culture in each conducting business with Latvians.
business; level of tolerance for being
country. Here are a few differences Latvians can be direct communica- around someone speaking a foreign about this particular one – Latvia.
tors, although they often temper language; politeness measured in
In 2014, I had my first oppor- their words to protect the feelings of terms of gallantry or etiquette (e.g., tunity to visit Latvia as a student. I the other person. As a group, they standing up for a woman who apwas here to start my bachelor degree are slow to pay compliments and proaches a table, yielding a seat on in Turiba University. "Latvians are may become suspicious of compli- the bus to an older person, etc.); and very polite people," I had been tu- ments offered too often and without manner of expected dress are all extored before my arrival. Once I was sufficient reason.
here, one of my friends explained that Latvians are a singing nation.
amples of possible cultural differ-
Latvia is a low context commu- ences and traditions. nication culture. They do not require
But when I came to Latvia, for a great deal of background infora long time I was guilty of broad gen- mation and may become irritated if eralizations about people from Lat- you attempt to explain too much. via. Latvians are polite and courte- When asking questions, strive to be ous. They can be extremely reserved. specific and ensure that the quesThey do not smile willingly, especially tions are relevant to the subject at at strangers, and are not comfortable hand. Do not ask questions for the at making a small talk. They often sake of just asking them. appear to have little difficulty ac- In the end, stereotyping can have
cepting what would be considered intense negative effects, especially
These differences between cultures and peoples are real and can add richness (and humor) to the fabric of life. My belief is that people everywhere have much in common, such as a need for affiliation and love, participation, and contribution. When the exterior is peeled off, there are not so many differences after all.
awkward silences in other cultures. when educators or managers make This behavior can make them seem fewer attempts to involve those of austere, but once a relationship has other cultures because they have developed though, some of the awk- been taught not to expect participaward silences could disappear. Per- tion! Or do not realize there may be sonal matters are rarely touched up- something wrong when a student or on in business.
employee of a different ethnicity
Latvians are not especially makes little eye contact with them. emotive speakers. If you are from a But my opinion, then, is not like
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(Information from http:// www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/ global-etiquette/latvia.html)
ERASMUS LIFEHACKS Correspondent: RUSLAN ORAZLIEV
Photo: from internet resources
Rule № 7. BlaBla Car. Have you ever heard about BlaBla Car app? Look it up. Public transport is not as cheap
Correspondent: KARIMOV NODIR Photo: from internet resources
abroad as in Riga. Rule № 8. Do not be afraid. Do not be afraid of anything. Try to start new relationships with everyone, go to the clubs, events and so on. But never alone!
Turiba’s
Students’
Council cause be sure, that you will always
held an event for exchanging Eras- find something to bring back.
Rule № 9. Travel. Travel not only in
mus experience between the people
the country you are going to visit, but
who have been abroad and the ones Rule № 4. Insurance. Do not think around it too. It is cheaper to go from who are going to. SP Formats Inter- that if you have never been in Latvian Netherlands to Belgium, than from national was on this event and not- hospital, that you do not need in in- Riga. ed some Erasmus life hacks, which surance. Do it as fast as you can. Life could be very useful during Erasmus is an unpredictable thing and comtime.
mon cold can cost you just about several hundred euro abroad.
Rule № 1. Gifts. Do not forget to
take souvenirs for you future friends! Rule № 5. Erasmus groups. Join all It can be bracelets with national flag Facebook thematic groups you can of country you came or badges with look for. There are lots of amazing national symbolic. Your new friends Erasmus groups, where you can get Rule № 10. Enjoy. Enjoy every time, will be pleased with such gifts.
valuable information about inter- everywhere with everyone. Erasmus esting events or sales. It is the best time is one of the best experiences in information source for you.
your life, and that is why you need to throw out bad thoughts from your
Rule № 6. Money. By the way, life in mind and enjoy! such countries as Germany and France is very expensive. But do not be afraid. Just try to look for sales Rule № 2. RigasBalsams. Did you and second-hand shops. And do not know that Rīgas Balsams is the best forget to take client cards. If it is for alcohol drink ever? No? Just take one free of course. bottle with you and give the taste of it to your Erasmus friends. Rule № 3. Free place in bag. Did you fill your bag completely? Nice! And now find a place for presents. Be-
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Photo review
Editor: Signe Sēne Correspondents: Liene Cir cene, Kr ista Pažar auska, Signe Sēne, Ruslan Or azliev, Nodir Kar imov Reviser: Annemar ija Gr asmane Desktopper: Sandijs Br īze 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. Publisher: Student Council of Tur iba Univer sity, C218, Gr audu str eet 68, Riga, phone: +371 67607750
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