Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) has been recognized as one of 16 higher education institutions in Latvia to receive the “Best Practice University” award from the Study in Latvia initiative. This certificate confirms that the university meets the criteria set by the Ministry of Education and Science, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of the Interior, ensuring responsible admission of international students and a high-quality study process. With this Agreement, the VUAS have undertaken to comply with the criteria and principles of the Agreement fostering good practice in attracting international students and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality study process. VUAS promises to observe good faith and ethical principles, providing only true information in marketing activities and advertising campaigns for international students.

On October 22, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) joined the international celebration of “Erasmus Days”, bringing students and staff together for an afternoon filled with creativity, teamwork, and cultural exchange. The event was organized by two students of VUAS with the help of international office and “COLOURS”, featuring engaging activities and friendly competition across a series of interactive stations. Each station offered a unique challenge inspired by the theme of cultural diversity, encouraging participants to test their knowledge, communication skills, and creativity while earning points for their teams. Guided by enthusiastic station leaders and coordinated by the two main event organizers, the atmosphere was both energetic and welcoming. Students from different study programs and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to connect, work together, and learn from one another in a relaxed and engaging environment. Throughout the event, participants enjoyed refreshments and snacks, as well as a live performance from the band “Sweet Sixteen.” The music, laughter, and friendly competition made for a memorable afternoon celebrating the spirit of “Erasmus +” openness, inclusion, and intercultural understanding. At the end of the activities, all teams received prizes in recognition of their efforts, with the winning team taking home exclusive VUAS merchandise. “Erasmus Days” once again highlighted the value of collaboration and student mobility, reminding everyone that learning extends far beyond the classroom, it thrives through shared experiences and cultural exchange and making new connections. Photos: Endijs Eihlers

After a fantastic first edition, our Language Café is back and better than ever! If you missed it the first time, this is your chance to join the friendliest crew of language lovers on the Ventspils University of Applied Sciences campus. Expect good vibes, new words, and plenty of laughter as we meet again at D0 (Lounge Room) on 29th October 2025 at 16:30. Whether you’re a returning participant or a first-timer, everyone is welcome! So dust off your sense of humour, clear your schedule, and widen your comfort zone. Bring a friend, roommate, coursemate, and of course, your favourite snack – and let’s make language learning fun again!

In September, Lilita Sproģe, Head of the Doctoral School at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, went on a business trip to Le Mans University in France to discuss opportunities for creating a joint internship project for doctoral students and developing cooperation in providing doctoral study courses, research, and student mobility. The meeting was organized by COLOURS project partners at the Le Mans University. The day's program included several meetings with representatives of Le Mans University, including Christine Gonzalez, Deputy Director of the EDGE Doctoral School and Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Management and Economics, Geoffroy Martin, Administrative Director of the Doctoral School, Selin Duhan, Head of the International Relations Office, Xavier Lachazette, Vice President of International Relations, and Miloš Borozan, former COLOURS WP3 Manager. During her visit, L. Sproģe familiarized herself with the language faculty and doctoral student workspaces, as well as the research infrastructure on the university campus. Le Mans University is closely integrated into the city structure and easily accessible by public transport from Paris and Le Mans itself. The talks covered key differences between Latvian and French doctoral school models and regulatory frameworks, credit point accounting principles, promotion procedures, and deadlines for completing doctoral theses. The meeting resulted in a strengthened mutual interest in further cooperation in the development of joint doctoral activities and research in the fields of linguistics and economics.

On September 30, 2025, the first Language Café organized by the COLOURS Project was held at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences. The event gathered international and local students in a relaxed and informal environment to practice languages (Mainly Latvian Language for now), exchange cultures, and foster connections across study programs. The event took place at student lounge, bringing together students from more than 6 different nationalities and speakers of a wide variety of languages, including English, Latvian, French, German, and Russian. The Language Cafe was designed to support student integration and intercultural communication, two key focus areas of COLOURS. During the event, participants engaged in small-group conversations guided by Lasma Asme, the EDI coordinator. The atmosphere was lively and inclusive, with background music by Liva Slesare, allowing students to gain confidence in speaking while enjoying snacks and refreshments prepared by the EDI coordinator. “The participation from both Latvian and international students exceeded our expectations,” commented Janvier Dylan, COLOURS representative and International student “It was inspiring to see how open and engaged everyone was, especially how many Latvian students were eager to communicate and connect across cultures. The energy and motivation to continue this kind of event were remarkable.” The event concluded with students dividing into small groups, where Latvian participants taught international students common words and phrases useful for everyday communication. This interactive exchange created a lively and friendly atmosphere that encouraged mutual learning. The session ended with an open discussion about future activities, during which students shared creative ideas for how upcoming café meetings could look. Many also expressed interest in volunteering and helping to organise the next events, highlighting their motivation to make the Language Cafe a regular and sustainable part of campus life the organisers noted that the success of the first Language Café demonstrates the importance of creating spaces that encourage communication, collaboration, and cultural exchange beyond the classroom. The next Language Café is planned for 29th October 2025, and all VeA students, international and local, are welcome to join.