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Is this program right for you?

This program 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. 

Program Snapshot

  • 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

Subject Areas

  • Russian Culture
  • Russian Language
  • Russian Studies

About St. Petersburg

Envisioned by Peter the Great as his “Window to the West,” French and Italian architects created a testimony to opulence with golden palaces, pastel-colored mansions, and landscaped parks, gardens, and canals. Having endured bombardment, famine, the horrors of Stalinist repression, and the city’s near total devastation in World War II, the people now cope with a new political and economic reality. Known as Leningrad from 1924 to 1991, the city of nearly five million is easily navigated by bus, trolley, and an efficient metro system.

Where You'll Study

St. Petersburg State University

Founded in the 18th century, St. Petersburg State University is one of Russia’s leading institutions of higher learning. The University’s 16 departments provide instruction for more than 20,000 students. The campus has expanded from its original site on the Neva River, and now includes over 400 buildings around the city center and the suburb of Peterhoff. CIEE students study at the University''s Smolny campus, in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.

Thoughts From Abroad

St. Petersburg is a constantly unfolding adventure. St. Petersburg, or as the locals call it “Piter,” was planned down to the perfect symmetry of its Nevsky Prospect. It’s grandeur and majesty cannot be ignored: if you weren’t a photographer before spending a semester here, you’ll become one by the time it’s through. Get lost in the Hermitage for days. Skulk through Dostoevsky’s Haymarket neighborhood. Become the 21st Century Eugene Onegin at the Mariinskiy Theater. Have a conversation with a taxi cab driver that will change your life. In St. Petersburg, you are made to use your Russian on a daily basis—toasting your host grandfather’s participation in the Second World War, formulating your thoughts in a debate with students from the School of Political Science, or bargaining with Caucasian fur traders at the market. Petersburg is a daily challenge, but once the semester is over, you will look in amazement at the person you were before and in awe at the person you’ve become.

— Jarlath McGuckin, Student Services Manager

Staff Bios

A full-time CIEE Resident Director supervises and administers this program. The Resident Director also assists students with academic, administrative, and day-to-day matters.

Administrative Director Irina Borisovna Shuliakovskaya is a long time St. Petersburg resident. She received her Masters Degree in Political Economy from Leningrad State University in 1986 and has many years of experience working in international education. Irina has been associated with CIEE programs in some capacity since the early 1990s; from 2002 to 2008, she was the Co-Curricular Coordinator and became the Administrative Director in 2008. Her knowledge of St. Petersburg is encyclopedic, and she is happy to share this knowledge with all CIEE students.

Student Services Manager Jarlath McGuckin graduated from the University of Rochester in 2002 with a degree in Russian and Political Science. In 2009 he received an M. A. in Russian Studies from the European University at St. Petersburg. In the spring of 2003, he began working for CIEE in the external relations department. Jarlath moved to Russia in the summer of 2006 to take on the role of Resident Coordinator. He is fluent in Russian and was a former participant in both the CIEE St. Petersburg and Prague programs. In his free time, Jarlath can be found practicing the Brazilian martial art of capoeira or performing at clubs in St. Petersburg.

Recommended Credit

semester: 17 semester/25.5 quarter hours
academic year: 31 semester/46.5 quarter hours

Eligibility Requirements

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 4 semesters of college-level Russian or equivalent
  • Oral Proficiency Interview score of Intermediate Low or better recommended
  • Program participants must apply for their visa in the U.S. Students planning independent international travel prior to the program must contact CIEE before applying.

Program Dates

Academic Year 2009-108/26/2009 - 5/22/2010
Spring 20101/27/2010 - 5/22/2010
Fall 20108/25/2010 - 12/18/2010
Academic Year 2010-118/25/2010 - TBA

Important! Students should not purchase plane tickets based on these dates. Please check with your Enrollment Officer regarding travel plans.

Application Deadlines

Academic Year 2009-104/1/2009
Spring 201011/1/2009
Fall 20104/1/2010
Academic Year 2010-114/1/2010

Click here to check for deadline extensions.

Duration

Academic Year 2009-1032 weeks
late August - mid-May
Spring 201016 weeks
late January - mid-May
Fall 201016 weeks
late August - mid-December
Academic Year 2010-1132 weeks
late August - mid-May

CIEE Costs

CIEE program fees, inclusions, and estimated additional costs, are outlined below. Please note that CIEE reserves the right to adjust its fees in the event of significant change in exchange rates or other factors beyond its control. The actual cost of the programs may vary slightly for students from different institutions.

For comprehensive fee breakdowns and estimated additional costs, click the costs below:

  • Academic Year 2009-10 $21,400
    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.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$14,117
    Housing and Most Meals$7,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$209
    Total$21,400

    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.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,450
    Additional Meals$1,500
    Personal Expenses$2,900
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$500
    Total$6,550


  • Spring 2010 $12,100
    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.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Visa Fee$194
    Housing and Most Meals$3,500
    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$8,332
    Medical Insurance$74
    Total$12,100

    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.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,450
    Personal Expenses$1,600
    Books and Supplies$100
    Local Transportation$250
    Additional Meals$600
    Total$4,000


  • Fall 2010 $12,300
    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.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$8,532
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$194
    Housing and Most Meals$3,500
    Total$12,300

    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.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Personal Expenses$1,600
    Additional Meals$750
    Books and Supplies$100
    Local Transportation$250
    Total$4,350


  • Academic Year 2010-11 $23,400
    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.

    Program Fees

    This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time.

    Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $340 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed below.

    Educational Costs (direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students; including $300 non-refundable Participation Confirmation Fee)$16,132
    Housing and Most Meals$7,000
    Medical Insurance$74
    Visa Fee$194
    Total$23,400

    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.



    Estimated Additional Costs

    The estimated additional costs indicated below are intended to assist students and parents in budgeting for those additional living and discretionary expenses not included in the program fee. Actual expenses will vary according to student interests and spending habits.

    Transportation (round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure)$1,650
    Additional Meals$1,500
    Personal Expenses$3,200
    Books and Supplies$200
    Local Transportation$500
    Total$7,050


Scholarship Information

For a complete list of scholarships available, please vist our Scholarships section.