Job Discussion Forums

[lovelace]

Could anyone give me the lowdown on life in Riga and/or IH in the city?
I'm thinking cost of living, kind of students, kind of management, what there is to do in the city etc etc.

Any information appreciated.

[poro]

This might give you some info and a few links, lovelace:

http://www.baltictimes.com/

[DainaJ]

You might get some advice by posting on the forums on www.latviansonline.com

I am Latvian, but don't live there. The people on the travel board of the Latvians Online forum should be able to help.

[lovelace]

Thanks for your help.

[jonniboy]

Hi, taught in Riga last year and am going back later in the year. My students were almost all adults but were usually pretty attentive and dedicated. There are a lot less academies than in comparable Western European cities but there is a big market there and it's quite easy to get private students. Flats are pretty cheap and you should be able to get your own in or near the centre for 150 lats a month. (1 lat = 1 UK Pound/ 1.44 euros) The downside I found about Riga is that it's firmly on the stag party circuit which means lots of annoying drunken Brits/Irish in the old town at weekends. Be prepared for cold winters (-5 to -10) although the summers are very nice.

[Tina23]

Hi,
Have just started work at IH Riga, and so far things have been great. This is my first job after finishing the Trinity course, so obviously I won't have much to compare it with. But my first impressions are very positive. The school seems very well run, and doesn't seem to attract what I call "backpacker teachers". The flat I live in is basic, but it's got everything I need, and very good transport links to the city centre. I'm sharing with one other teacher.
The stag parties are annoying, but you can avoid them.
I think I was lucky with my first job, but obviously this is only a first impression after one week at the school. Ask me again in a couple of months!