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St. Petersburg, Russia

Russian Area Studies

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Information for term Russian Area Studies

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

May 15, 2018
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: May 15, 2018
  • Dates: Aug 31 – Dec 16, 2018 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$18,850 See full breakdown

Application Deadline

November 15, 2018
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Tentative Dates: Feb 1 – May 18, 2019 (15 weeks*)
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$19,450 See full breakdown

Application Deadline

May 15, 2018
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: May 15, 2018
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$36,385 See full breakdown
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Location & Culture

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The Culture

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

  • Explore city highlights like the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Russian Museum, Pushkin’s Apartment Museum, Baltika Brewery, and more.
  • Attend a concert, a hockey or soccer game, get a taste of Russian and Georgian cuisine with cooking classes.
  • Travel to Moscow for an overnight stay and take-in the grandeur of the ancient Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and unique historic metro stations.
  • Go on a second overnight trip to the Pskov region or Veliky Novgorod to see Russian life outside of St. Petersburg.
  • Take your pick of nonstop activities offered with Russian students - sports, cinema, board game, trivia ‘Pub Quiz’ and karaoke nights - you’ll never be bored!
  • Join our Russian Buddies - program volunteers for day-trips to Gatchina, Pushkin, and Pavlovsk, book club, and more.
  • Explore Russia on your own during Independent Russian Travel Week. Students have relaxed on the shores of the Black Sea, camped near Lake Baikal, visited the Olympic city of Sochi, and more. (Expenses not covered by program fee.)

  • Lend your voice to the CIEE choir, or audition for the world-class St. Petersburg State University choir or orchestra.

PROJECTS

  • Meet up with a sobesednik - a conversation partner and peer who will help you adjust to St. Petersburg, practice Russian, and discover local lifestyle.
  • Volunteer regularly, and you’ll get back as much as you gain! Help organize donated clothing at a shelter, pitch in at the Hermitage Museum’s archeological department, support the SKA hockey club, and more.
  • Volunteer during Alternative Break program and get a different slice of Russian culture. Students lend a hand with community service in smaller Russian towns, such as Arkhangelsk, Kirov, and Tula.
  • Help organize a cultural event while you explore Russian history. Past events include Stilyagi, a project starring the retro-hipster style of the 1960s Soviet Union; Russian Rock of the 1980s; and a Russian imperial Spring Ball. 

Daily Life

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  • HOUSING

    Homestays. Live with a Russian-speaking family and immerse yourself in the local language and culture. Each student has his/her own room in the family’s private apartment. Hostels. A limited number of single rooms are available at a downtown hostel, 30 minutes by bus to the CIEE site, and 5 minutes on foot to Nevskiy Prospekt.

  • MEALS

    Homestays: Homestay families provide breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and three meals on weekends. Students must buy lunch on weekdays - the university cafeteria has reasonable prices. Hostels: Students are responsible for all meals.

  • Getting Around

    Students walk or use public transportation to get from their lodgings to class.

St. Petersburg, Russia

Where You'll Study

Start Using the Map

  • 1

    CIEE STUDY CENTER

    Conveniently located at St. Petersburg State University.

  • 2

    ST. PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY

    CIEE students use the Smolny campus on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.

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What you need to know

The program details

Established in 2000, this program is an outgrowth of our first Russian program, which began in cooperation with St. Petersburg State University in 1967. It’s designed for students who have taken no Russian language or up to four semesters, and includes Russian history, culture, politics, civilization, and cinema all taught in English, plus rigorous language coursework. A lecture series adds further cultural color, with topics ranging from Russian rock to Soviet space dogs.

Participants are placed in language class based on testing at the beginning of the program. Students who have completed at least one Russian class beyond intermediate should consider our Russian Language program.

St. Petersburg State University. Founded in the 18th century, the University is one of Russia’s leading institutions of higher education. The campus has expanded from its original site on the Neva River, and now 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. It’s in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.

All courses are taught by faculty from St. Petersburg State University.

Language assessment and support.

Students have an oral proficiency interview at the start and end of each semester and receive a score to help gauge progress.

As students gain proficiency, they are encouraged to use their skills in school, at home, and on the streets. Students are expected to speak Russian at the CIEE site.

The CIEE site staff offers tutoring by experienced instructors to help students review challenging grammar or classwork.

Academics

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Academics

  • CLASS FORMAT

    All electives are taught by qualified instructors with experience teaching American students in Russia and the U.S. Classes are 90 minutes long. Area studies classes may include visiting lecturers, topic-specific visits to museums, and other co-curricular activities. Participants take classes only with other CIEE study abroad students.

  • GRADING

    Professors use the U.S. grading scale of A-F. Grades are determined by results on short quizzes, written assignments, and exams. Participation is also often a large factor. Homework reinforces class content and discussion.

  • ACADEMIC CULTURE

    Russian teaching emphasizes in-class learning. Participation is important; attendance is mandatory.

Eligibility

  • OVERALL GPA

    Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.

  • PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

    0-4 semesters of college-level Russian (or equivalent) A valid U.S. passport at time of application. Russian immigration requires that passports are valid for 18 months beyond the program end date.

Curriculum

Program Credit

  • Total credit, semester: 17 semester/25.5 quarter hours
  • CIEE area studies courses: contact hours:  45; credit – 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours per course
  • CIEE language courses: contact hours: 65; credit – 4 semester/6 quarter hours per course, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Students take five courses per semester:  

  • 2 Russian language courses – grammar and conversation – at the elementary or intermediate level.
  • 3 area studies courses taught in English.

FALL 2018 COURSES

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Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

REQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES

SPRING 2018 COURSES

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Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.

REQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES

Scholarships

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Scholarships & Grants

Last year, we awarded more than 1,000 scholarships per term for a total of $5 million, helping more students get on planes and live their dreams in faraway places than any other organization.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.

See more scholarship info

Dates, Deadlines & Fees

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Dates, Deadlines & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

YOUR FEE INCLUDES:

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Three-day orientation – an introduction to Russian culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Field trips and cultural activities
  • Overnight excursions
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.

No Hidden Fees

Program

 Fall 2018 15 weeks Spring 2019 15 weeks Academic year 2018-2019

Application Due

 May 15, 2018 Nov 15, 2018 May 15, 2018

Start Date

 Aug 31, 2018 Feb 1, 2019* Aug 31, 2018

End Date

 Dec 16, 2018 May 18, 2019* TBD

Fees & Housing
$18,850
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Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $14,768 **

Housing = $3,350 ***

Insurance = $167

Visa Fees = $265

Total Fees = $18,850

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,650 †

International Airfare = $1,000 ††

Local Transportation = $250

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $2,200

Total Estimated Costs = $5,200

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $5 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, MSI grants, Gilman matching grants, and Pell matching grants.

See Scholarships

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 $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day and three on weekends for homestay students. No meals are included for students in the hostel.

† for students staying in the hostel; students in homestays should budget 750 for weekday lunches

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
$19,450
Click to Close

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $15,368 **

Housing = $3,350 ***

Insurance = $167

Visa Fees = $265

Total Fees = $19,450

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $1,650

International Airfare = $1,000

Local Transportation = $250

Books & Supplies = $100

Personal expenses = $2,200

Total Estimated Costs = $5,200

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $5 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, MSI grants, Gilman matching grants, and Pell matching grants.

See Scholarships

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 $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day and three on weekends for homestay students. No meals are included for students in the hostel.
$36,385
Click to Close

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300 *

Educational Costs = $28,953 **

Housing = $6,700 ***

Insurance = $167

Visa Fees = $265

Total Fees = $36,385

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $3,300 †

International Airfare = $1,000 ††

Local Transportation = $500

Books & Supplies = $200

Personal expenses = $4,400

Expenses during break = $1,500

Total Estimated Costs = $10,900

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $5 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, MSI grants, Gilman matching grants, and Pell matching grants.

See Scholarships

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 $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed.

* non-refundable

** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

*** Includes two meals per day and three on weekends for homestay students. No meals are included for students in the hostel.

† for students staying in the hostel; students in homestays should budget 750 for weekday lunches

†† round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

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Our Staff

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Our Staff

  • Anton Stepanov

    Program Officer

    Anton Stepanov graduated from the political science department of Saint Petersburg State University and joined the CIEE team in 2012.

  • Svetlana Mantsvetova

    Housing Coordinator

    Svetlana Mantsvetova has hosted CIEE students since 2008. Starting September 2013, she took on the role of CIEE’s housing coordinator.

  • Irina Makoveeva

    Center Director

    A native of Moscow, Irina Makoveeva received her master’s degree in Russian philology and comparative linguistics from the Moscow Lomonosov State University and her doctorate degree in Slavic and film studies from the University of Pittsburgh.

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