From Japan to Latvia - Momoka’s daily life in Ventspils

March 9, 2023

This year as a Latvian culture enthusiast Momoka from Japan has had the opportunity to fully emerge in Latvian culture. She dances in a folk dance group and she sings in an ensemble and a choir. It can be challenging to move abroad and start a life in a new country, however Momoka has kept herself busy and also has had time to explore the city while studying in the master's study programme “Strategic Intercultural Communication” and today she shares her story with us.


Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Momoka Kashida and I come from the west side of Japan. I got my bachelors degree in the Yokohama National University almost 3 years ago already. After graduation I decided to pursue my studies in a university in Germany, but I ended up not graduating, because during that year I decided to go to a university in Latvia and that is when I found VUAS.


How did you decide to come to Ventspils?

I applied a bit late only in August, that was the time when they were accepting additional applications. I had to choose between Ventspils University of Applied Sciences and University of Latvia. Ventspils offered a calm lifestyle and I felt that the capital might be a bit too crowded for me, that is why the choice was VUAS. 


Were there any expectations that you had before coming to Latvia?

This is my first time living in Latvia, however I had already known about it since 2017 and also it is my 9th time visiting this country. Interesting fact is that in Japan there are some people that really enjoy Latvian culture. If I compare the weather from my hometown and here it is a bit warmer back home, but there difference is not as noticeable and I also prefer cooler weather that is why I enjoy the snow a lot. It also does not snow that much in my hometown, maybe only once a year.


What have you enjoyed the most here in Ventspils?

At the moment I am very culturally active - I sing in a choir, I dance in a latvian folk dance group and also I participate in an ensemble. Almost every day I have something to do and I really enjoy it. Of course I also enjoy going to the beach. I would say that that is my favorite place here. It is great that there are so many nice places to go for walks. I also enjoy the Ventspils old town, the vintage architecture near the Venta or the “Jūras vārti” is really great. I actually once danced with my folk dance group in a concert at “Jūras vārti”.


How do you feel here at VUAS?

I have studied in two universities already, but here in VUAS I can feel that students, professors and administration all together are a lot closer. It is easier to get to know each other and to make friends with other international students and coursemates. The environment gives me the chance to learn the subjects better and more in depth. It is a lot easier to ask questions and also express opinions during classes. 

The size of the university is definitely a huge plus. The professors are friendly and really motivated to give their classes. The administration is also very welcoming and it is always easy to reach out and ask questions. Since I am a foreigner I have a lot of questions regarding, well, everything. That is why the support is really important.


Share on other platforms

Other news

Welcome to the Language Café: Science in Plain Language

By Rota Rulle • November 19, 2025
Ventspils University of Applied Sciences warmly invites doctoral students to take part in our upcoming Language Café – "Science in Plain Language", an event designed to help researchers express complex ideas in clear, accessible, and engaging ways. The event will take place online on Zoom platform, on November 28, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM CET (11:00 AM-1:00 PM Riga time). Work language: English Communicating science effectively is an essential skill in today’s diverse academic and professional environment. During this interactive session, linguist and plain-language expert, VUAS lecturer and guest researcher Aiga Veckalne will introduce the principles of plain language and share practical techniques for presenting research so that it can be understood by wider audiences. After the introduction, participants will be divided into mixed-cultural discussion groups to explore their own research topics and practice communicating them in clear, concise language. The session will conclude with short group presentations summarising the key insights. Doctoral students are encouraged to bring along their morning coffee, relax, and enjoy a welcoming and supportive atmosphere where learning is shared and curiosity is celebrated. We look forward to seeing you at the Language Café and to engaging in meaningful, inspiring conversations about science, clarity, and communication. To register, please fill out the survey here: https://forms.gle/XM9XVLjscCfKBfyD7 Zoom link will be sent to your email after registration.

Probe Developed by Electronics Engineering Students Carries a Kombucha Can to an Altitude of 30 km

By Rota Rulle • November 8, 2025
Electronics engineering students from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences (VUAS) developed a probe that carried a can of “Rudy’s Kombucha” into near space, reaching an impressive altitude of 28,690 meters – nearly 30 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. While trying to locate the probe afterward, the students encountered major GPS signal disturbances across the Kurzeme region, so they called on radio amateurs for assistance. Working together, they successfully located the probe near Dobele. The space mission probe was equipped with a GoPro camera that captured both the launch and the breathtaking flight. After the controlled explosion of the probe’s balloon at nearly 30 kilometers altitude, a parachute opened, ensuring the can’s safe return to Earth. The probe was launched from Ventspils airfield and, after flying approximately 140 kilometers, landed near Dobele. Jānis Šate, Director of the Electronics Engineering study program at Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, explained: “The company knew that our students develop probes, and they had the idea to attach a beverage can and launch it into space. Technically, it’s more accurate to say it was launched into the stratosphere. We discussed it in August, and within a few months, the electronics engineering students built the probe. It’s a group project in the third year of studies, and this collaboration added extra value. The most challenging part of launching the probe is creating the electronic system attached to the parachute and helium balloon. The balloon rises to about 30 kilometers, where air pressure drops, the balloon bursts, and the probe descends to Earth. Launching it is easy – the hard part is tracking and recovering it afterward. A GPS navigation system is required to continuously transmit the probe’s location. The students’ task was to design an electronic system that can operate in the stratosphere, where temperatures drop to –40°C.” “We coordinated the launch with the Civil Aviation Agency since air traffic is affected, and we also arranged it with Ventspils Airport. Eventually, the probe was found near Dobele, though there were unexpected complications – due to the global situation, GPS communications are regularly disrupted from Königsberg (Kaliningrad, Russia). Unfortunately, we launched on one of those days when signal interference over Kurzeme and the Baltic Sea was particularly strong. That meant that when the probe ascended above ten kilometers, our system showed it was no longer over Kuldīga, but over Kaliningrad. From there, spoofed GPS signals were being transmitted to mislead moving objects.

COLOURS Partners Explore Mental Health and Inclusion at Paderborn, Germany

By Rota Rulle • November 4, 2025
In October, VUAS COLOURS WP5, headed by Lasma Asme, joined other representatives from COLOURS partner universities gathered at Garage33, Paderborn University, Germany, for a dynamic CoLab dedicated to Mental Health, Body Image, and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). The three-day event, which is part of the COLOURS CoSpace initiative, brought together students, researchers, and staff from across Europe to exchange perspectives and co-create innovative approaches under the smart specialisation area of Health and Well-being. Participants from a very diverse background, under the moderation of Dr Christine Hante-Koch and Dr Alena Diedrich, discussed how issues like body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, anxiety, and depression are closely connected and how promoting a positive body image can make a real difference for people’s health. Using design thinking processes, the group also worked on the importance of creating fair and inclusive support systems that meet the needs of different communities, including women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people facing disabilities, financial struggles, or migration challenges. The participants were divided into 4 groups and had cases ranging from how to deal with women who survived breast cancer, to isolated international students living in other countries, and how to make gamers more active while utilizing their special skills and enlarging their comfort zone. At the end of the event, each group pitched their ideas, solutions, and next steps. These solutions were evaluated and challenged by a panel of experts from multiple disciplines, with the example of Martin Persson, Professor of Health Sciences at Kristianstad University. The CoLab encouraged teamwork, creativity, and cultural exchange. The ideas developed in Paderborn will help shape future COLOURS activities and strengthen collaboration between partner universities committed to building healthier and more inclusive learning environments and society at large.

VUAS receives the “Best Practice University” certificate for high standards in the quality of international studies

By Rota Rulle • October 29, 2025
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.

Erasmus Days at VUAS: A Celebration of International Collaboration

By Rota Rulle • October 28, 2025
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

Language Café Returns for Round Two

By Rota Rulle • October 24, 2025
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!
Other news