Information for term Russian Area Studies
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenWith the ghosts of giants like Peter the Great, George Balanchine, and Fyodor Dostoyevsky everywhere, St. Petersburg is flush with cultural riches. Make Russia’s cultural capital your home, absorb what it means to be Russian today, and gain a solid understanding of the city’s complicated past. Come with little or no Russian language, and return with new skills, fresh perspective, and memories to last a lifetime.
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 OpenProgram Posts
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.)
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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.
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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.
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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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1
CIEE STUDY CENTER
Conveniently located at St. Petersburg State University.
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ST. PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY
CIEE students use the Smolny campus on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.
Like what you're seeing so far?
request more informationWhat you need to know
The program detailsEstablished 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.
CIEE staff offers tutoring by experienced instructors to help students review challenging grammar or classwork.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.
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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: 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 2018 COURSES
Click to OpenREQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES
- RUSI 1003 RASP: Elementary Russian Conversation I
- RUSI 1004 RASP: Elementary Russian Conversation II
- RUSI 1005 RASP: Elementary Russian Grammar I
- RUSI 1006 RASP: Elementary Russian Grammar II
- RUSI 2003 RASP: Intermediate Russian Conversation I
- RUSI 2004 RASP: Intermediate Russian Conversation II
- RUSI 2005 RASP: Intermediate Russian Grammar I
- RUSI 2006 RASP: Intermediate Russian Grammar II
CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES
- COMM 3301 RASP: Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- POLI 3003 RASP: Contemporary Russian Politics and Governance
- RAST 3001 RASP: Russian Civilization: Popular Stereotypes and Social Behavior
- RAST 3002 RASP: Ethnic Studies National and Ethnic Issues in Modern Russia
- LITT 3001 RASP / RAST 3004 RASP: Russian Fairy Tales
- HIST 3001 RASP: Russian History: Rise and Progress, Tragedies and Revolutions
- INDR 3901 RASP: Directed Independent Research
SPRING 2019 COURSES
Click to OpenREQUIRED CIEE LANGUAGE COURSES
- RUSI 1003 RASP: Elementary Russian Conversation I
- RUSI 1004 RASP: Elementary Russian Conversation II
- RUSI 1005 RASP: Elementary Russian Grammar I
- RUSI 1006 RASP: Elementary Russian Grammar II
- RUSI 2003 RASP: Intermediate Russian Conversation I
- RUSI 2004 RASP: Intermediate Russian Conversation II
- RUSI 2005 RASP: Intermediate Russian Grammar I
- RUSI 2006 RASP: Intermediate Russian Grammar II
CIEE AREA STUDIES COURSES
- COMM 3301 RASP: Intercultural Communication & Leadership
- GEND 3001 RASP: Gender and Sexuality in Russia
- HIST 3004 RASP: Russian History II: the Soviet Union and Contemporary Russia
- POLI 3003 RASP: Contemporary Russian Politics and Governance
- RAST 3001 RASP: Russian Civilization: Popular Stereotypes and Social Behavior
- AHIS 3001 RASP: The Arts of St. Petersburg
- CINE 3001 RASP / RAST 3003 RASP: A Century of Russian Cinema
- INDR 3901 RASP: Directed Independent Research
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & 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
- 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, Deadlines & Fees
Click to OpenDates, 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
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24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2018 15 weeks | Aug 31, 2018 | Dec 16, 2018 |
$18,850
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Program FeesCIEE 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 = $18,850Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $5,200Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 |
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| Academic year 2018-2019 37 weeks | Aug 31, 2018 | May 18, 2019 |
$36,385
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $36,385Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $10,900Financial AidCIEE 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. 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 |
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| Spring 2019 15 weeks | Nov 1, 2018 | Feb 1, 2019 | May 18, 2019 |
$19,450
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE 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 = $19,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. Meals not included in program fee = $1,600 International Airfare = $1,200 Local Transportation = $250 Books & Supplies = $100 Personal expenses = $2,200 Total Estimated Costs = $5,350Financial AidCIEE 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. 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. |
| Fall 2019 15 weeks | May 1, 2019 | Sep 6, 2019* | Dec 21, 2019* |
*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?
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 an Advisor
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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