SDSI master's program graduates 33 students in Kuldīga

The second graduation of the Service Design Strategies and Innovation (SDSI) master's program, run by the Art Academy of Latvia, was held in Kuldīga. This year, 33 certificates were awarded: 32 to current-year students and one to a student who was on academic leave last year. Over two years, the program took students through three cities: Kuldīga, Rovaniemi (Finland), and Tallinn. For many, Kuldīga became a place where new friendships and personal discoveries began.

Program director Ilze Kundziņa noted that each cohort is unique. This year's graduates were generally older with established careers, while the next cohort is younger and more empathetic. The program treats the study process as a service, with students as users, so feedback is crucial. The current Erasmus Mundus funding will end after two years, and the next intake will be under a different status without the previous scholarship model. Kundziņa acknowledged that this might change the number and profile of students but sees it as an opportunity for those deterred by the high competition – around 1,000 applicants for 35 spots. The program plans to add a partner university and submit a new Erasmus Mundus application after the new year.

Graduate Pooja Singh from India emphasized personal growth, especially in dealing with diversity, and the support from teachers. She described Kuldīga as a very personal place where she formed friendships with locals and classmates. Graduate Nikolajs Rošers from Germany called the program a fantastic and unique experience, highlighting the chance to live in different places, travel the Baltics, and participate in international events – Indian, Chinese, Colombian celebrations, Jāņi in Latvia, and Vappu spring festival in Finland.