LBTU Hosted German Ambassador to Latvia Gudrun Masloch
In May, the leadership of the Latvian University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) hosted a meeting with the German Ambassador to Latvia Dr. Gudrun Masloch. The event also included her advisors and German students currently studying at LBTU. The meeting aimed to strengthen academic and scientific cooperation as well as discuss study and research partnerships with German institutions.
During the meeting, the ambassador was welcomed by LBTU rector Irina Arhipova, vice-rector for Studies Ilze Beitāne and vice-rector for Research Gatis Vītols. The vice-rectors introduced the university’s research directions, highlighting research projects with active participation from German partners. They also emphasized LBTU’s international cooperation with several German universities.
Special attention was given to LBTU’s participation in the international alliance ChallengeEU, with Offenburg University in Germany being one of its leading coordinators. This alliance promotes sustainable education, research, and societal development across Europe, providing students with broader opportunities for international mobility and cooperation.
The visit also included vice-dean Lelde Tītmane of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, together with five German students currently enrolled in LBTU’s “Veterinary Medicine” study program. The students shared their experiences regarding studying in Latvia, highlighting both advantages and challenges. The ambassador expressed interest in the students’ future plans after graduation, as well as their employment opportunities in Germany or other European Union countries.
The ambassador was pleasantly surprised by the number of German students in the LBTU veterinary medicine program — currently, more than 50 students are enrolled. It was especially emphasized that LBTU’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine is accredited by the European Association of Establishments for Veterinary Education (EAEVE), which grants graduates the right to practice not only in Germany but throughout the European Union. This provides significant advantages, including broader internship opportunities and more competitive positions in the job market.
The meeting also discussed potential cooperation with the German Embassy to strengthen communication with German students in Latvia and to inform them about opportunities offered by the embassy. At the same time, discussions began on developing scholarships and study opportunities, expanding available resources and support tools for student mobility and academic growth.
During the meeting, Dr. Gudrun Masloch particularly highlighted the importance of the Baltic-German University Office and encouraged LBTU representatives and students to actively participate in the office’s activities, which promote research, academic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the Baltic states and Germany.