Overview
Click to OpenThis program has been suspended for fall 2021.
Explore our other active study abroad programs for fall 2021, or check out our travel assurances and updated health and safety guidelines.
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
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LIVE IN A 300-YEAR-OLD CITY
where traditional and modern forces converge.
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ADVANCE YOUR RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SKILLS
and explore Russian culture with support from the longest-running U.S. study abroad-Russia program.
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SEE A BALLET OR OPERA
in the city where Mikhail Baryshnikov began his celebrated dance career.
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million residents
5.2 -
bridges
400 -
sub-sites contribute to St. Petersburg’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
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Location & Culture
Click to OpenThe 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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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.
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MEALS
Homestays: Homestay families provide breakfast and dinner on weekdays, and three meals on weekends.
Hostels: Students are responsible for all meals.
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Getting Around
Students walk or use public transportation to get from their lodgings to class.
St. Petersburg, Russia Where You'll Study
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CIEE STUDY CENTER
Conveniently located at Higher School of Economics(HSE).
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HIGHER SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS (HSE)
CIEE students study in one of HSE’s buildings, located at 123 Griboyedov Canal Embankment in downtown St. Petersburg.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
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 (HSE) 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.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional 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.
Recommendations
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.
Program Requirements
- 2 Russian language courses: conversation and grammar
- 3 CIEE elective courses
Program Credit
Total credit: 17 U.S. semester/25.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours
- CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours
- Russian language courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 65 contact hours
Academic Culture
Russian teaching emphasizes in-class learning. Participation is important and attendance is mandatory.
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.
Language of Instruction
English and Russian
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
Course Notes
- Russian language placement will occur onsite.
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.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & 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 infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & 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.
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Anton Stepanov
Program Officer
Anton Stepanov graduated from the political science department of Saint Petersburg State University and joined the CIEE team in 2012.
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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.
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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
Apply
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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