NSLI-Y Latvia 2022 – Week 3
Hello, dear friends! Week three of the NSLI-Y program in Latvia offered students an opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including Latvian and Russian cuisine, the Russian film industry, and the structure of the Latvian Parliament. Here are some highlights from the week:
On Monday, students learned about local cuisine and discussed the dishes served most often by their host families. This summer, many of the students have been picking up cooking skills at home. Here is Helen making scallion pancakes with her host mother, Ludmila:
On Wednesday morning, students used the wildly popular Russian film “Stilyagi”, set in 1950’s Moscow, as the basis for a discussion of Russian culture under Stalin:
A visit to the Latvian parliament on Wednesday afternoon offered a unique opportunity for students to learn about the structure of the Latvian government. The students enjoyed a guided tour of the facilities and learned about the historical significance of the rooms they viewed as part of the tour. A highlight of the visit was a conversation with a current member of the Latvian Parliament, who answered students’ questions about the Parliament, electoral process, and current events.
Students waiting to enter the Saeima, or parliament of the Republic of Latvia.
Andrea, Beckett, Logan and Gavin learn more about the temporary exhibition of photographs located near the entrance to the parliament.
One of the meeting rooms of the parliament.
A knowledgeable guide shared details about the history of the parliament.
Logan, Katie and Andrea in the parliament library.
On Thursday, students enjoyed activities with their peer language partners.
Zoey fills in the blanks as she learns a new song in Russian.
Regina, Neva, Shelby and Beckett practice discussing the weather in Russian.
Andrea and Katie learn a Russian song from their language partners.
Andrew and David practice new words in Russian with a group of language partners.
Jillian and Ally learn a new song with their language partners.
Lauren and Helen pick up new vocabulary words in Russian while playing Scrabble with their peer language partners.
We are already halfway through the program and look forward to sharing more highlights with you next week!