Study Abroad Programs in Russia

Students exploring locations for study abroad in Russia will have plenty of options to choose from.

The Queen of the Baltic Sea, St. Petersburg was the imperial capital for two centuries, and it remains Russia’s cultural capital today. Opera and ballet reign supreme in the city’s theaters, while museums and galleries are decorated with everything from contemporary artworks to paintings of religious icons.

Moscow has this certain grandeur about it that is easily recognizable. The city is home to dazzling structures, such as the Kremlin and the colorful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral. You won’t be able to stop and gawp at Lenin’s mausoleum and the symbolic Red Square either. Amongst the politics and weighty history of the capital there is a blossoming performing arts scene, a surprisingly diverse nightlife, and an abundance of green spaces.

Vladivostok is a city overlooking Golden Horn Bay, not far from China and North Korea. The mountains and bay lend beauty to otherwise grey town, which is still characterized by grim Soviet buildings. This is the perfect location to study in Russia for international students that are looking to venture beyond Russia’s bigger, more mainstream cities.

Whether you enjoy culture, sports, history, or the great outdoors, Russia study abroad provides a little bit of everything. And the same goes for study abroad programs in Russia. There are courses to suit every major and interest.

One of the most popular fields for study abroad programs in Russia is, dun-dun-dah, Russian and Eastern European Studies! This will help students get a good grip on the history and culture of Russia and a whole new lens through which to observe the country. It will bring your studies to life and enrich your experience all together.

Political science is also often a great interest of international students who study in Russia, as is international policy and diplomacy and ethnic relations. You will be able to gain hands-on experience through these academic programs that are unrivaled by experiences in other countries.

Studying the Russian language in Russia is another great choice for international students. Though many people find Russian harsh and are intimidated by the Cyrillic Alphabet, it is certainly a manageable language to learn for adventurous students. Nearly all of Russia’s 142 million plus population speaks Russian, however, there are over 100 languages spoken throughout the country.

How much will it cost to study abroad in Russia? The Russian currency is the ruble, and the exchange rate is generally favorable for foreign students. General living costs, such as food, entertainment, and transport, are affordable compared to Western Europe or North America. Study abroad program fees will often take care of students’ major expenses, including accommodation, course fees, and often even excursions and other cultural activities. But it is always best to do your research and ask your program provider about what is included in your program fees.

Since financing study abroad in Russia can be difficult for cash-strapped students, it’s a good idea to create a FundMyTravel campaign to share with your friends, family, and extended network. The money you raise will directly support your meaningful travel experience. You can also check out GoAbroad’s Scholarship Directory for more money-saving options. There are a surprising number of scholarships and grants available for students who want to study in Russia—which means there is money laying around waiting for your study abroad in Russia experience.

Most study abroad programs in Russia offer students the choice between living with a host family or living in a dorm. The decision to live in a dorm versus a family is entirely up to you, but living with a family strongly encouraged as it allows for more exposure to Russian culture and history. On the other hand, living in a dorm can allow more personal freedom and space, because Russian host families incorporate students as a member of the family. Whichever housing you choose, you will acquire more language skills and cultural experiences than you ever could at home while studying in Russia.

Once you arrive for Russia study abroad, you will also be required to register for a visa within three days of arriving in your host city. Usually, your university or study abroad program will do this for you or at the very least guide you through the process. Check out the GoAbroad Embassy Directory for more information. Additionally, it is important to carry your passport and registration papers at all times. Police are known for stopping people at random and asking for their documents.

Studying abroad in Russia means the chance to experience an incredibly student friendly country. Opportunities to study in Russia for international students offer a number of advantages, including discounts on public transport, at museums, concert halls, libraries, and numerous other entertainment venues. Student life is also alive and well, and there is never a shortage of things to do after class. Russian students are active participants in sports contests, festivals, volunteer associations, and other recreational and creative outlets. Diving into these extracurricular activities is a great way to immerse yourself in campus life while studying in Russia, and subsequently make Russian friends and become familiar with the rhythms of Russian life. 

Russia is generally a safe place to study abroad, but having street smarts is always helpful. Try not to speak very loudly in public, especially if you are speaking English, it may draw unwanted attention from pickpockets. Additionally, St. Petersburg is well-known for more than its grandeur and cultural riche; there are also neo-Nazi elements that you need to be aware of, especially if you do not look like a white European. Amnesty International declared racism in Russia to be hugely problematic, and Anti Semitism and xenophobia are still part of the mentality of many Russians.

As Russia has become an increasingly popular study abroad destination, more and more courses have become available in English (and the Latin alphabet). This, along with Russia’s multinational structure, makes it easy for international students to adapt to studying in Russia. Russia has the most educated population in the world, with more than half of Russians holding a higher qualification. This is more than many developed countries, such as Japan, the U.S., and Canada. When you combine this with a fascinating cultural heritage and jaw-droppingly beautiful cities, there is really no reason not to rush off to study abroad in Russia right now!