My Experience at the Riga Technical University Event: Influence Talks

Nov 27 / Dace Pūre

Being invited to speak at a Riga Technical University CeMeWe event was a true honor. I was approached by a representative from CeMeWe Rīga, who invited me to participate as a Latvian language expert who teaches Latvian language to foreigners, and share my insights on how Latvian language learning supports the integration process for newcomers in Latvia.

It was a privilege to join a meaningful discussion together with PR specialist and content creator Gokul Manju, as well as Regina Veckalne, professor of economics and psychologist.

The goal of the Riga Technical University (RTU) CeMeWe event was to explore what it means to build a life in Latvia from different perspectives: Overcoming self-doubt, finding community, and gaining confidence in one’s career.

I shared my thoughts about learning a language and integration process. One of the things that I mentioned, was that moving to another country is incredibly stressful, but knowing at least the basics of the language everyone around you speaks helps you feel more at peace.

I shared a story that one of my students moved to Latvia a couple of years before Covid. She is now fluent, but she wasn’t back then. When Covid hit, she said that she was able to read the news in Latvian. Even though she wasn’t fluent, she was able to get the gist of it, and it helped her feel more at ease. Of course, there were news in English, but knowing Latvian, being able to read what is happening in the country in Latvian, helped her feel less stressed.

But at first you don’t need to reach the level to be able to read the news, knowing the basics in Latvian is also a big step forward. From my experience, Latvians love when you at least try to speak Latvian, we truly appreciate the effort you are making to learn our relatively small language. Besides that, knowing the language opens so many doors. Not only professionally, but also in everyday life. For example, you don’t need to be shy when you order a coffee.

Content creator, PR specialist Gokul Manju (who is also my student in the Beginner's course) agreed with me saying that Latvians are more welcoming and open up faster when you at least try to speak their language. Knowing the language is essential to form the sense of belonging.

Being thousands of kilometers away from home, your family can be lonely. I haven't lived abroad, however I know what it feels like to be lonely. I shared my experience of working as a solo entrepreneur from home. One day I saw that there are events for solo entrepreneurs in Liepāja (where I live), and decided to join them. It was life-changing. I was able to communicate with other like-minded people who share the same struggles as I do.

So attending events, for example, for foreigners, would definitely make you feel less isolated, people there get each other because they are in similar situations, and people who share similar struggles, life paths can help each other, or maybe even become friends.

Another thing I talked about, was work-life balance, personal growth, and motherhood. I shared that I think I wouldn’t be here if I weren't a mom. I have had some really tough times in my life when we were counting the last euros, and it made me zoom out and think of ways how I can do things differently. I remember how during my maternity leave I would struggle a lot financially, I would listen to podcasts about mindest, business, I would try to think of ways how I can support my family.

When I get asked how I can do it all, I always answer that I don't. My house can be a mess when I have a lot going on, I am trying to show myself some grace. Don't be so hard on yourself.

This is the takeaway from my interview with my VIP student Robin — and I shared this idea at the event as well. When you exercise, it’s not easy, but you still keep going because you know that eventually you will see results and feel proud of yourself. The same mindset applies to so many areas of life.

Another important point is changing your perspective. I loved the example Robin mentioned about the 30 minutes she spends in her car while waiting for her kids. I shared this example, too. There are two ways to look at that time. The first one: “I only have 30 minutes, so I’ll just scroll on my phone.” The second one: “I have 30 minutes! What can I learn during that time?”

And even if it’s just 10 minutes a day — that’s 300 minutes a month. Consistency always gets you there.

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