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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

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Sep 6 – Dec 21, 2019 (15 weeks)
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$19,450 See full breakdown

Application Deadline

November 1, 2019
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Tentative Dates: Jan 31 – May 16, 2020 (15 weeks)*
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$19,850 See full breakdown

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA
$36,955 See full breakdown
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Overview

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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. 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.

Follow our Travels:

Unique Experiences

  • LIVE IN A 300-YEAR-OLD CITY

    where traditional and modern forces converge.

  • ADVANCE YOUR RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SKILLS

    and explore Russian culture with support from the longest-running U.S. study abroad-Russia program.

  • SEE A BALLET OR OPERA

    in the city where Mikhail Baryshnikov began his celebrated dance career.

  • million residents

    5.2

  • bridges

    400

  • sub-sites contribute to St. Petersburg’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site

    36

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.)

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. 

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

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 or metro to the CIEE site, and 5 minutes on foot to Nevskiy Prospekt.

  • MEALS

    Homestays: Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and three meals on weekends.

    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

  • 1

    CIEE STUDY CENTER

    Conveniently located at Higher School of Economics(HSE).

  • 2

    HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS (HSE)

    CIEE students study in one of HSE’s buildings, located at 123 Griboyedov Canal Embankment in downtown St. Petersburg.

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Program Details

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What you need to know

The program details

No Russian language experience is required for this culturally immersive program in St. Petersburg. Students are placed in language courses that match their skill level and select additional coursework in Russian history, culture, politics, civilization, and cinema at CIEE St. Petersburg.
 
CIEE St. Petersburg is conveniently located on the campus of Higher School of Economics in the vicinity of the Mariinsky Theater and the gorgeous St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral, within walking distance to several metro and bus stops. Ranked as one of Russia’s top universities, HSE is a research-based institution and a leader in Russian education system. CIEE staff offers tutoring with experienced instructors to help students review challenging grammar or classwork. All courses are taught by faculty from HSE.

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 and 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 the time of application. Russian immigration requires that passports are valid for 18 months beyond the program end date.

    Current Russian passport holders and U.S. passport holders adopted from, or born in, Russia are required to travel on Russian passports. If this applies to you, please contact your nearest Russian consulate to clarify your citizenship status and then contact CIEE with questions.

Curriculum

Program Credit

  • Total credit, semester: 17 semester/25.5 quarter hours
  • CIEE area studies courses credit: 3 semester/4.5 quarter hours – 45 contact hours
  • CIEE language courses credit: 4 semester/6 quarter hours – 65 contact hours 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

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.

FALL 2019 COURSES

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REQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES

SPRING 2019 COURSES

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REQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES

Spring 2020 Courses

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REQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES

CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES

Scholarships

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Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

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

  • Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • 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
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

No Hidden Fees

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Fall 2019 15 weeks Sep 6, 2019 Dec 21, 2019
$19,450
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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 = $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 $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global 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
Academic year 2019-2020 15 weeks Sep 6, 2019 TBD
$36,955
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 = $29,523 **

Housing = $6,700 ***

Insurance = $167

Visa Fees = $265

Total Fees = $36,955

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 $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global 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 per semester for weekday lunches

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

††† academic year students who wish to stay onsite are responsible for arranging their housing and meals during the semester break
Spring 2020 15 weeks Nov 1, 2019 Jan 31, 2020* May 16, 2020*
$19,850
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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 = $15,768 **

Housing = $3,350 ***

Insurance = $167

Visa Fees = $265

Total Fees = $19,850

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 $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global 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.

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.

Looking for funding?

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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

    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.

Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply
  • 2

    CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE 
    Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

  • 3

    Contact Us

    Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program. 

    Contact Ricky

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