Cornell junior Izzy Moore’s article, “Winter Break in Riga: Reflections on Personal Growth,” about their off-campus experience in Latvia, was featured on the study abroad host organization’s website.
Moore, an international relations and Russian studies double major at Cornell, spent four weeks in Riga experiencing an Orthodox Christmas, practicing Russian, and getting immersed in Russian and Latvian culture.
“Now, returning home after a semester in Riga, Latvia, I can confidently confirm that this experience changed my life,” Moore wrote in the article. “Thanks to the SRAS (School of Russian and Asian Studies) team and their programs, I will never be the same person I was before spending that snowy January in the beautiful capital city of Latvia.”
The junior from California wrote about the power and connection behind communication and meeting new people during their journey. They also write about how they were struck by the cultural differences in theatre when visiting a historic Chekhov Theater, built in 1883.
“Live theater has long been a cherished tradition to Eastern Europeans and it is deeply rooted in the culture, history, and social life of the region. For me personally, as a costume designer at my college’s theater department, I was struck by the cultural focus on costume design as a key storytelling element, rather than set design, which is more typical in American theater.”
They said the experience motivated them in both of their majors and helped them realize how intertwined location, language, culture, and the individual are.
“I experienced both heartwarming moments, along with lessons you can’t learn in a classroom,” Moore wrote. “Beyond all, I learned that dots on a map really are unique places filled with fascinating cultures and incredible individuals. I’ve also returned as one of those people who tell anyone who will listen how incredible study abroad is and what a life-changing experience it can be.”