Study Abroad Programs in St. Petersburg, Russia

St. Petersburg is Russia’s version of a European Cultural City. Planned and built by Peter the Great after his trips to Europe, St. Petersburg was designed to be the grand gem of architecture, art, and culture for the largest kingdom in the world. Today, culture and art is everywhere, but St. Petersburg is also a center for commerce, finance, and politics. The majority of academic study abroad programs in St. Petersburg are focused on the Russian language and area studies, but students can find a range of opportunities in this Russian gem.

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4 St. Petersburg, Russia Study Abroad Programs

AIFS Abroad

9.08

Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

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 offer a broad range of unique programs in the Americas, South Africa, Europe, Australia, and Asia. And you don’t even have to be proficient in a foreign language to join because most AIFS campuses conduct courses in English or other foreign languages across all levels. AIFS offers all-inclusive program fees, making it simple for students to experience everything the world has to offer while living and studying abroad! Most of all, we guarantee their safety and welfare anywhere they are.

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CIEE College Study Abroad

8.71

CIEE Russian Area Studies in St. Petersburg, Russia

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. Integrate yourself into the local community through volunteer work. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

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International TEFL and TESOL

10

Accredited TEFL/TESOL Courses in Russia & Online - 4,600 RUB

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. Our 60-hour, 120-hour, 180-hour, and level 5 online TEFL and TESOL courses prepare you for teaching abroad in a classroom setup and teaching online from the comfort of your own home. Every module has text, videos, quizzes, and your own personal tutor to help you through the course and give you positive feedback. Throughout the course, get the opportunity to submit lesson plans to experienced TESOL teachers, gaining valuable feedback from experts who have been teaching abroad for years! Need help finding an English teaching job? We have contacts all over the world, so we can help you find a placement anywhere. You can get your 120-hour TEFL certificate online through ITT, at your own pace, in the comfort of your own home. Start your accredited TEFL/TESOL certification online now – your first step to being an English teacher. Where will you go from there? You decide!

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ProBa Language Centre

0

Academic Semester and Year in Russia

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 Petersburg. Our Semester/Year Language programs include the following: - Elementary Russian I and II - Russian for Beginners (no knowledge required) - Phonetics; Elements of grammar; reading of simple Russian prose; practice in speaking and audio-lingual work; elements of composition - Intermediate Russian I and II (elementary or intermediate knowledge required) - Russian for Intermediate students: The grammatical structure of today's standard Russian; intensive practice in reading, conversation, and composition; elements of lexicology, phraseology, and stylistics - Special program - Russian for Professionals (advanced and native speaker; proficiency required) - Theory and Practice of Translation; TORFL/TRKI certification

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A Guide to Studying Abroad in St. Petersburg

Subjects & Courses

In general, semester study abroad programs in St. Petersburg offer Russian History, Russian Arts and Civilization, Russian Literature, and Current Events. Focused classes, like Post Soviet Politics, Imperial Russian History, Russian Ballet, or the Rise and Fall of Communism, are also offered through specialized Russian studies programs.

Russian Language. While Russian language study abroad programs exist throughout Russia the majority of the programs are situated in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow might be considered slightly less charming and carrying a little more of the hardened personality of the Soviet days and culture, but St. Petersburg proudly clings to much of their pre-Soviet history and culture. In recent years Russian language has experienced some decline as a foreign language for U.S. students, and recent friction with Ukraine and impressions of Putin in the west haven’t helped. Still many students recognize the importance of studying the Russian language, for politics, business, and world affairs.

Fine Art. The arts have been a part of St. Petersburg since the fall of the Romanovs, and have managed to survive, and perhaps, flourish during the Soviet era. The Mariinsky Ballet Theater is St. Petersburg’s equivalent of the Bolshoi. Not to mention, the art of the Hermitage and the symphony can all be had at a reasonable price by students studying in St. Petersburg.

Institutions. There are a handful of study centers which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the international colleges at Smolny Monastery, where classes in a variety of topics are offered in English. Many international program providers have study centers based in St. Petersburg, and offer courses, like international business, art history, and political science, in English that are designed specifically for students studying abroad in St. Petersburg. There are also multiple Russian universities that offer numerous courses in St. Petersburg for international students, such as St. Petersburg State Polytechnical University.

Degree Program. The final option is to enroll in a full degree program in St. Petersburg, this however requires a proficiency in the Russian language most often. Higher education in Russia is demanding and direct enrollment requires not just language proficiency but also a proficiency in the technical language of the material covered, like chemistry or finance.

Latest Program Reviews

Amazing Experience In Paris

January 29, 2026by: Audrey Colen - United States

Program: Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

When 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 States

Program: Study Abroad and Discover the World with AIFS!

My 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!