Sean Rego ’26
Opinions Writer
I typically do not try to focus on my personal experiences within the opinion section of the Spire, but I do feel that sharing my good experience is a healthy way to start off the semester, as well as perhaps encouraging fellow students to peek into the fascinating Russian Studies Department, of which I am proud to be a part.
Like many fellow students, I expected to study abroad at some point or another, though when the time came to choose, I was quite nervous. Although I love to travel, the idea of leaving the country– even for just a summer program– had my head spinning. From taking classes in a foreign language to adjusting to an entirely different culture to simply making new friends, I was anxious. However, with a little nudging from my Russian professors, I found myself engaged with the Department’s new Latvian program.
In the aftermath of the Russo-Ukrainian War, which has eliminated any potential Russian programs within either nation, the Holy Cross Russian Studies Department found its next best option with “Learn Russian in the European Union,” which is set in the Republic of Latvia’s second biggest city, Daugavpils. At around 80 thousand residents, Daugavpils is by no means a European metropolis, however, it can boast of a rich cultural history and sizable Russian-speaking population, far greater than practically any other city in the sphere of NATO.
Reflecting on this information, I am grateful that I took this opportunity now offered to our university. The hospitality of my host family, Daugavpils University and the people of the city remains unmatched. My fears and worries about not fitting in or feeling welcomed were completely unfounded, and more so, the gaps in my conversational Russian proved to only be a learning experience. Too often it is this lattermost dilemma that deters us Americans from conversing with Europeans, but perhaps it is more of a stereotype (or limited to the elitist individuals of Western Europe).
I think the greatest aspect of “Learning Russian in the European Union” had to be its cultural immersion. From walking the beaches of Jūrmala to visiting ancient palaces of Courland to enjoying the Russian Banya, this studying abroad experience offered much for an eager student. Latvia is a country of contrasts, and I feel that there can be something for everyone in which to find interest.
Somewhat unexpectedly for me, the program offered me a powerful remembrance of my family’s heritage in the Baltics and Russia– to see the society that we so desperately and tragically fled in the Wild ‘90s. As I went about my studies, I was taken on a journey of the glories and horrors of Eastern Europe, which still impact their respective nations. War memorials dotted the city of Daugavpils, and the sites of remembrance were staggering. On numerous occasions, I found myself stumbling upon a moving landmark, dedicated to one of the many wars on Latvian land. To hear such testaments, to feel the magnitude of reality, and most touchingly of all, to see the fresh daily roses of anonymous citizens– all of it was quite moving. I dare say that I found it overwhelming, but for very good reasons. Although not all my colleagues in Latvia had the same Slavic heritage as myself, I am certain they too appreciate the gravity of history, and the liveliness it instills.
Studying Russian in Daugavpils may seem odd, and perhaps nerve-racking, but I would be remiss not to mention that my short time in that little corner of Latvia was powerful. For every educational moment, there was a fun moment but also a meaningful moment. The quaintness of the Baltics invites us to explore the vast story of the Slavic world. The Russian Department, in my opinion, has found a stellar program to adapt to our new age of warring states, one which is mercifully protected by the formidable strength of NATO. For me, Daugavpils was a wholesome and meaningful program, which shows the depth Slavic and Russian Studies, and certainly warrants consideration of any eligible Holy Cross student.
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