Htqe.2026.11

https://doi.org/10.22364/htqe.2026.11 | 180-195 | PDF

International Students’ Integration at University in the Context of Montessori Pedagogy

Antra Roskoša¹, Diāna Rūpniece¹

¹ Riga Technical University, Faculty of Computer Science, Information Technology and Energy, Institute of Digital Humanities, Latvia

Abstract
Multiculturalism is one of the most characteristic features of contemporary education, and Latvia can be mentioned among the countries implementing multicultural education. International students are an everyday phenomenon at Riga Technical University (RTU) as well. Therefore, integration of international students in the study environment of RTU, providing an opportunity to acquire the basics of the Latvian language and helping them to get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Latvia, is of utmost importance. The research mainly focuses on RTU’s multicultural education system, analysing its advantages and drawbacks. The research also reflects students’ views on basic principles of the renowned Italian pedagogue Maria Montessori, who focused her pedagogy on the diversity in education, including the young adult age. The main aim of this research was to identify students’ perspectives on their studies at the multicultural environment of RTU, as well as to clarify students’ opinions on the basic principles of Montessori pedagogy and their possible implementation at the university to promote the integration of international students. 137 RTU students from 20 different countries participated in this research. Content analysis was chosen as a research method to reveal students’ ideas, collect and select their opinions on the topic. The results of the research suggest that implementing multicultural education at the university has positive aspects, though it also presents challenges. The principles of Montessori pedagogy could potentially be applied in multicultural education; however, it is recommended to conduct more detailed research to clarify their practical use in higher education.

Keywords: culture, integration, Montessori pedagogy, multicultural education, multiculturalism

Dr. Sc. admin. Antra Roskoša and Mg. philol. Diana Rūpniece are the members of RTU teaching staff. The interests of their research focus on teacher professionalism, education management, multicultural class management, intercultural communication, as well as the aspects of technical translation.

In: Human, Technologies and Quality of Education, 2026. Proceedings of Scientific Papers = Cilvēks, tehnoloģijas un izglītības kvalitāte, 2026. Rakstu krājums.  Ed. L. Daniela. Riga: University of Latvia, 2026. 236 p.
ISBN 978-9934-36-685-7 
https://doi.org/10.22364/htqe.2026