Study Abroad in St. Petersburg
College Study Abroad
Explore St. Petersburg, Russia
Once the capital of imperial Russia, St. Petersburg retains its status as the cultural capital, hosting the Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. The City of the Tsars is also one of the most accessible and westernized cities in Russia.
When you study abroad in St. Petersburg, you’ll be in a city that’s over 300 years old rich in culture, politics, and history. During any of our study abroad programs in St. Petersburg, students can enroll in Russian language courses, participate in cultural excursions around the city, and explore the UNESCO Heritage Site downtown.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions in St. Petersburg
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion. In St. Petersburg, past study tours and excursions have included:
- Exploring city highlights like the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Russian Museum, Pushkin’s Apartment Museum, and Baltika Brewery
- Going to the ballet or opera in the city where Mikhail Baryshnikov started his celebrated dance career
- Getaways to Moscow to witness the grandeur of the ancient Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and more
- Trips to the Pskov region or Veliky Novgorod to see Russian life outside of St. Petersburg
If you’re a student looking to improve your Russian language skills, explore St. Petersburg, and learn Russia’s history and culture, CIEE’s tours and excursions allow you to do just that! One of the best places to visit in Russia, St. Petersburg is a great destination for students looking to study abroad in a vibrant, cultural hub.
Where Students Study
CIEE St. Petersburg
CIEE St. Petersburg is conveniently located on the campus of St. Petersburg State University.
St. Petersburg State University
Founded in the 18th century, the university is one of Russia’s leading institutions of higher education. The campus includes more than 400 buildings around the city center and beyond. CIEE students attend class at the stunning Smolny campus, where the renowned school for noble ladies was founded in 1764.
Internships & Volunteering
Depending on their program of study and availability, students may be able to participate in an internship or volunteer. For students looking to intern in St. Petersburg, they may have the chance to work for a local organization across many disciplines, including business, marketing, and more.
For students interested in volunteering in St. Petersburg may be able to help organize donated clothing at a shelter, pitch in at the Hermitage Museum’s archeological department, or lend a hand with community service in smaller Russian towns, such as Arkhangelsk, Kirov, and Tula.
Study Abroad Programs in St. Petersburg
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Summer Russian Language
St. Petersburg, Russia
Take your Russian language skills to new heights in glorious St. Petersburg
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Russian Area Studies
St. Petersburg, Russia
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Summer Russian Area Studies
St. Petersburg, Russia
Improve your Russian language skills and immerse yourself in the rich history of St. Petersburg.
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Russian Language
St. Petersburg, Russia
Currency Spoken Language in Russia Available Transportation Famous Local Climate Places to Explore Airport Social Norms What to Pack
Ruble
Russian
Bus, metro, tram, taxi
Sergei Krikalev – famous astronaut and mechanical engineer
Very cold winters and pleasant summers with an average annual temperature of 45°F
The Mariinsky Theater – the top ballet theater in St. Petersburg
Pulkovo Airport (LED)
When entering a Russian home, it’s polite to take off your shoes
Layerable clothing, coat, comfortable shoes
Frequently Asked Questions
IS ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, A GOOD PLACE TO STUDY ABROAD
Click to OpenSt. Petersburg, Russia, is a good place to study abroad for students interested in Russian history, culture, and language. With over 5 million residents, St. Petersburg is regarded as the most westernized city of Russia that serves as a main cultural hub.
IS ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA, SAFE
Click to OpenSt. Petersburg, Russia, is generally very safe, but as with any large city, we advise students to travel in groups, stay aware of their surroundings, and keep their belongings close.
THINGS TO DO IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Click to OpenStudents looking to explore the rich history and brilliant architecture of St. Petersburg could visit any of the following destinations: The State Hermitage Museum, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, Peter and Paul Fortress, Catherine Palace, Grand Peterhof Palace, and Tsarskoye Selo State Museum Preserve.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO LIVE IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Click to OpenLiving in St. Petersburg, Russia, has a big city feel with many cultural and historic sites to visit. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg is a quieter city with a more laid-back atmosphere.
WHAT IS DIVERSITY IN ST. PETERSBURG LIKE
Click to OpenIn order to ensure our students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered while studying abroad, CIEE staff completes comprehensive diversity equity and inclusion (DEI) training. Staff provide students with advice, resources, and ongoing support both before and during their study abroad program in St. Petersburg.
For more detailed information on diversity in St. Petersburg, visit our Diversity in St. Petersburg page.
Study Abroad Scholarships & Grants
APPLY IN 1,2,3!
You may be wondering if there are any scholarships to study in St. Petersburg. CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in St. Petersburg to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
St. Petersburg Study Abroad Blog
