My visit to EKA UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENSES in Riga: Ada Martínez, ESADA
Ada Martínez, Head of Admissions at ESADA.
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility at EKA University of Applied Sciences (Riga, Latvia) in February 2025.
My Erasmus experience in Riga, together with my colleague Félix Guerrero, Erasmus coordinator at ESADA, was truly unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, we were amazed to see the city covered in snow, making Riga look like a Christmas postcard. Such a picturesque and welcoming place became the perfect setting for a unique experience.
Student life at EKA University was exceptional. The students seemed very comfortable, and the facilities were modern and well-equipped, with cozy classrooms, a bright library designed by the coordinator of the Interior Design programme at EKA, Ksenija Milča, and ideal learning spaces such as photography studios and state-of-the-art computers.
One of the activities I enjoyed the most during my stay was the presentation of ESADA, organized by EKA’s Erasmus coordinator, Marina Tihomirova. We had the opportunity to invite EKA students to join us for a mobility period, and the response was fantastic. In fact, two of their students have already shown interest in coming to ESADA next year.
It was a truly enriching experience, both academically and personally. We also had the chance to meet local and international students. I especially remember a first-year student who kindly gave us a tour of the school, she was incredibly warm and welcoming.
We also went on an excursion to Jūrmala with Irene Villalobos, a third-year Interior Design student from our school, along with other Erasmus students from various universities and countries. Jūrmala was a magical place: the beach was completely covered in snow, and the landscapes were breathtaking. It’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a good spa.
If I had to recommend places to visit in Riga, I would definitely suggest exploring the Old Town, which is small but easy to walk around. Also, the restaurant on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Latvija Conference & Spa Hotel, which offers spectacular views of the city, especially at sunset. For food, LIDO restaurants are a great low-cost option found throughout the city, perfect for students!
As for the weather, despite the cold, adapting was easy, as all indoor spaces are well-heated, and it wasn’t as uncomfortable as I expected. Language wasn’t an issue either, since English was our main means of communication throughout the stay.
My advice for other students considering Erasmus in Riga is: don’t hesitate, apply for an Erasmus+ mobility at EKA University. It’s an incredible experience. Just make sure to pack a warm coat, proper footwear, a hat, and a scarf… because with those, anything is possible! Without a doubt, you’ll take home amazing memories from a beautiful city.
