Study Abroad Programs in Russia

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5 Study Abroad Programs in Russia
CIEE College Study Abroad
4.43
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Students with 0-4 semesters of Russian are invited to immerse themselves in Russian history, culture, politics, language study, and university life at CIEE St. Petersburg. Select coursework across a range of academic areas, in English, along with Russian language classes matched to your skill level.
AIFS Abroad
4.44
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Traveling and seeing the world doesn’t necessarily mean taking a break from your studies. Study abroad with AIFS and broaden your academic knowledge while learning about foreign cultures! Serving more than 1.5 million students since 1964, AIFS is a recognized provider of study abroad programs. We o
International TEFL and TESOL
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Teach abroad in Russia and do more than work. Immerse yourself in rich history and cultural heritage too! Use the coupon code GoAbroad15 upon checkout to receive 15% off any course. Take advantage of our Super Sale! Choose from accredited online TEFL courses, with prices starting from 4,600 RUB. Ou
ProBa Language Centre
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Participate in this Academic Program in Russia for 6 months to 3 years, with a Student Work permit. To truly grasp Russian, learn it in the country where it is spoken. Spend a year and achieve a high level of proficiency, or study long term for up to three years at ProBa Language Centre in St Peter
The National Registration Center for Study Abroad
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Study Russian at the NRCSA Center in Moscow. Founded in 1992, the institute is a private organization that specializes in teaching Russian to foreigners. It got the recognition as a private language training institute by the local St Petersburg government in 1995. The NRCSA Center in Moscow prov
How to Study Abroad in Russia
Locations
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.
Popular Subjects
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.
Scholarships & Costs
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.
Accommodation & Visas
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.
Travel Tips
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!
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Latest Program Reviews
Amazing Experience In Paris
January 29, 2026by: Audrey Colen - United StatesWhen I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!
Spring Semester in Granada, Spain!
October 11, 2024by: Lauren Dahl - United StatesMy semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!


Berlin in the 2023 fall semester
December 21, 2023by: Eleanor Rauschenberg - United StatesBerlin is a really wonderful and historic city to live in. My German is basically nonexistent and I still felt like I was able to get around fine. The AIFs staff are very supportive, and the organized actives were well structured and thought out. If you weren’t interested in some or all of the activities, you didn’t have to participate and there was plenty of time to do your own thing around Berlin or travel throughout Europe. I didn’t particularly enjoy my academic experience at Humboldt, there were a few good classes but also a few really awful ones. So, if I could do it again I would probably do the AIFS program with Freie Universität academic program.
NOCCCD Study Abroad in Rome
December 14, 2023by: Ed Giardina - United StatesMy colleague and I have had the pleasure of accompanying 21 amazing humans on a 3 month journey that will most certainly change them for the rest of their lives. Thank you to AIFS for sharing Rome with us and attending to every detail that made this an experience that will live with us eternally. The AIFS Rome center staff were excellent in providing impactful excursions, extra-curricular courses, and ensuring that all of us were well informed and provided for in every part of our journey.

Pros and cons
August 04, 2023by: Molly WilkinsonI had a lovely time here, although it was not without flaws. The amenities were not great especially considering how much we paid to be here. The company guilt tripped and body shamed us. But I made innumerable new friends and had experiences that I will cherish forever.
Study abroad!
August 04, 2023by: NancyVery nice experience, learned a lot. People I’ve met here are now friends I will still be in contact with. The internship was where I learned new skills and networked with people within the fashion industry and got inspired by being here abroad
Wild trip to Austria
June 14, 2023by: Caleb Ruegsegger - United StatesI definitely had a really exciting and wonderful trip. There were a few aspects like traveling and staying at more cities besides just Salzburg would have been a lot more fun. But the tours and field trips were absolutely incredible and the people who showed us around were amazing! Loved to see the history and beauty all over
Best abroad experience
June 10, 2023by: Brandon Esposito - United StatesFrom arrival to departure, AIFS made my study abroad experience a 11/10. Great staff through and through allowed for a complete cultural assimilation in the time I spent there. It was the experience of a lifetime that I would recommend to everyone.
Wonderful, educational, supportive semester with AIFS
May 11, 2021by: Sadie MacKinnon - United StatesAIFS was definitely the right choice for me and I think it will be for anyone else seriously considering study abroad. From the moment I signed up for emails (before applying) to now (over a year out from leaving Germany), I have felt so supported and have had a lovely experience. The included trips and activities were definitely my favorite parts (the street art tour and cooking class especially!) and I’m still in contact with our Resident Director, Nele :)

I would definitely recommend CIEE…
December 05, 2019by: Michael H.Program: CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia
I would definitely recommend CIEE Study Abroad to friends, I think it's a great program and I've had plenty of fun. The CIEE staff have been great. There have been so many fun and interesting events to sign up for a new experiences to take part in.
I would recommend CIEE because…
December 04, 2019by: Alyona L. - United StatesProgram: CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia
I would recommend CIEE because the staff were amazing , the host family was nice, the teachers were understanding, the events were very educational, and the environment was pleasant. I would maybe hesitate to recommend it completely because I do not feel/understand the high price of studying aboard for one semester. I was lucky because of Financial Aid but for others I do not know if it is worth it to go when the price is so high. However, I am not an economist and in reality I know very little when it comes to these aspects, I just thought I'd give my opinion.
Once in a lifetime experience…
December 03, 2019by: Alexander G. - United StatesProgram: CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia
Once in a lifetime experience to live abroad. Lots of scholarships available to make the trip affordable. Incredible staff (Katya Kavchenko and Ira Vasilyevna specifically were incredible). Host of activities and cultural events. I stayed busy with my classes, touring the city and living. Absolutely one of the most memorable experiences of my college career.
Once in a lifetime
April 01, 2019by: Maite A. - United StatesProgram: CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia
Once in a lifetime experience to live abroad. Lots of scholarships available to make the trip affordable. Incredible staff (Katya Kavchenko and Ira Vasilyevna specifically were incredible). Host of activities and cultural events. I stayed busy with my classes, touring the city and living. Absolutely one of the most memorable experiences of my college career.
Amazing staff
April 01, 2019by: Regan H. - United StatesProgram: CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia
I would recommend CIEE because the staff were amazing , the host family was nice, the teachers were understanding, the events were very educational, and the environment was pleasant. I would maybe hesitate to recommend it completely because I do not feel/understand the high price of studying aboard for one semester. I was lucky because of Financial Aid but for others I do not know if it is worth it to go when the price is so high. However, I am not an economist and in reality I know very little when it comes to these aspects, I just thought I'd give my opinion.
A great time
April 20, 2018by: Anonymous - United StatesEveryone needs to go abroad. It is awesome experiencing so many cultures. Professors while abroad are very helpful and care about their students. I really enjoyed getting to know my professors and learning not only class content but also from their real life experiences. Traveling on the weekends was obviously my favorite part of this experience. I was able to visit a bunch of different countries. Wish I could stay longer.
First time in Europe was a success!
April 19, 2018by: Kathryn - United StatesBy getting outside of my comfort zone as much as possible, I was able to experience parts of the world while figuring out new things about myself! Staying in a home stay is completely worth it because you get to practice your Spanish and meet incredibly interesting locals!
Life-changing
April 19, 2018by: pinkpanther22 - United StatesLiving in Spain was such a great experience! From the food to culture and things to do, Spain has it all. I´m definitely going to miss my time here and all the great people I met. Studying abroad helped me grow so much as a person, and I won´t ever forget this experience.
Travel abroad
April 17, 2018by: barna - United StatesI made the most of my time here by travelling every weekend except for one. | recommend that everyone does that and explore their home city during the week. The professors were great and a lot better than in the US.
Self -reflection
April 17, 2018by: Isabel Navarro-Laurent - United StatesThis experience allowed me to reflect on the type of person I am, what I like and what I do not like, and really step out of my comfort zone. Studying abroad has allowed me to develop critical values that are important for everyday life. I have always believed that one of the best ways to erase ignorance is by traveling and my experience here has proved that.
Aidan´s trip
April 19, 2017by: Aidan - United StatesI had a great time with AIFS. I was able to travel all over Europe and meet many new friends. I would not really change anything other than I wish it could be longer. I liked how easy it was to get in contact with the AIFS office to solve any problems I might have had. Classes here were not as hard as back home but I found myself learning more and enjoying the work I was doing.
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Since I am Russian, I have always wanted to visit my homeland and experience the culture firsthand, but I wanted to visit a place that was more “authe...
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