Description

The Russian Language study abroad program in St. Petersburg, Russia is designed for students with two years of college-level Russian who wish to improve their proficiency with the Russian language. This is an intensive program that focuses on all language skills.

Academic Program
2012 marks the 45th year of the CIEE Study Center in St. Petersburg. CIEE began its close relationship with St. Petersburg State University when the Summer Russian Language Program began there in 1967. The CIEE semester Russian Language program (RLP) was established in 1970, and the Russian Area Studies program (RAS) in 2000.

The Russian Language program is offered in both the fall and spring semesters and includes 14 weeks of language study at St.Petersburg State University and field trips to other Russian cities. The curriculum for this program includes required courses in grammar, phonetics, and conversation, as well as elective courses in Russian literature, history, politics, and culture. Academic year students in the spring semester take advanced sections of grammar and conversation, advanced translation, and one elective course.

Academic Culture
Students attend classes five days a week with one afternoon reserved for cultural activities. Classes are 90 minutes in length. Grammar and conversation courses meet three times a week; phonetics and the elective courses meet twice each week.

All courses are taught in Russian. Students are grouped by language level based on the results of a placement test. Class size ranges from seven to ten students for core language courses, with larger groups of 7-15 for literature and area studies lectures. Students are expected to be prepared for class. Much of the material used in language classes is written by the teachers themselves, and exercises are often taken directly from their texts. In-class participation often accounts for a large percentage of students' grades as Russian teaching methodology emphasizes in-class learning.

Highlights

• Study Russian on an intensive language program on the longest running study abroad program in Russia in magnificent St. Petersburg where the entire downtown is a protected UNESCO heritage site
  
• Live with local Russian host families for maximum linguistic and cultural immersion
  
• Participate in optional volunteer projects organized through a well developed network of contacts that facilitate integration into Russian society
  
• Participate in a cultural program including local excursions, field trips, and exclusive tours and performances

The program offers three overnight field trips that take place each semester. Although excursion destinations vary, previous semesters have included overnight trips to Moscow, Novgorod, the Pskov region, and Tallinn, Estonia. These trips include excursions to places of educational, cultural, and historic significance, while still allowing some time for students to explore the sites on their own.

There is also an independent Russian Travel Week each semester. Students are encouraged to visit areas outside of St. Petersburg on their own. Students travel independently and the cost of this travel is not included in the program fee. In past semesters students have visited the lovely towns of old Russia in the Golden Ring surrounding Moscow, camped on Lake Baikal, explored Vladivostok, taken in the sites of the Tatar Republic, and relaxed on the shores of the Black Sea.

Volunteering
CIEE students may take advantage of a range of volunteer projects in St. Petersburg. CIEE students have the opportunity to conduct English conversation lessons with students from St. Petersburg State University and private language schools. Although volunteer opportunities change somewhat from semester to semester, it is generally possible for CIEE students to spend their free time assisting at the Hermitage, the International Red Cross, the Salvation Army, non-governmental organizations, and orphanages.

Immersion
Sobesedniki - Peer Language Partners
CIEE students who choose to take part in the Sobesedniki program are paired with local students for a variety of language and cultural exchange activities. These students help provide CIEE participants with additional language support and a firsthand look at the lifestyle of their Russian peers.

CIEE St. Petersburg Signature Cultural Events
Each semester, CIEE students organize a special event held at the end of the semester. This event is a chance for CIEE students to delve into a specific topic of Russian history and experience that epoch in a fun and entertaining way with other students from the School of Political Science or their Sobesedniki. In past semesters, students have organized a Spring Ball (the period of Catherine the Great) and a Stilyagi (Retro Hipsters style of the 1950s) party.

Film and Music
CIEE students can enjoy Russian cinema individually by checking out films from the Study Center DVD library or collectively in group screenings through the CIEE Film Club. In addition, they can participate in the CIEE Choir once a week. The CIEE Choir has become a tradition in recent years, and the group has been invited to perform on national radio in past semesters. Some students choose to audition for the St. Petersburg State University choir or orchestra, which perform world class musical concerts for the public, while other students prefer to privately study a musical instrument, such as the balalaika or accordion

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Subject Areas

• Culture
• Intensive Language
• Literature
• Russian & Slavic Studies

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Program Fees Include:

The CIEE program fee includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and most meals, orientation, field trips, local excursions, pre-departure advising, visa fees, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required

yes

• Overall GPA 2.75
• 4 semesters of college-level Russian or equivalent
• Oral Proficiency Interview rating of Intermediate Low or better recommended

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Scholarships are Available

We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Written Application
• Other

CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947