This program is designed for students with 4 semesters of college-level Russian who wish to improve their proficiency with the Russian language. This is an intensive program that focuses on all language skills.
What You'll Learn
The goal of the Language and Culture program is to offer intermediate and advanced students of Russian language intensive language study in an immersion setting. This is achieved by combining intensive language courses with a cultural program of lectures and local excursions in and around one of the world's most historically appealing cities. Students further immerse themselves in Russian cultural and social life by living with a Russian host family and participating in the conversation partner program with other university students.
Program Snapshot- The longest-running study abroad program in Russia
- Intensive Russian language training for intermediate and advanced students
- Beautiful St.Petersburg, three hundred years of history in one city
- Cultural program including local excursions and field trips
- Homestay with a Russian family
- Sobesedniki: conversation partner program with Russian students
- Overnight trip to Moscow to visit sites of cultural importance such as the Kremlin and Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
- Second overnight trip to another Russian city
SubjectsRussian Culture
Russian Language
Russian Studies
Eligibility- Overall GPA 2.75
- 4 semesters of college-level Russian or equivalent
Academic Program
The program includes eight weeks of language study at St. Petersburg State University. The curriculum for this program includes courses in grammar, phonetics, and conversation. In addition, students take classes in film and music, two important cultural components to understanding the Russian language. During the program, students visit places of historical and cultural significance in and around St. Petersburg.
Academic Culture
All classes are taught in Russian. Though homework assignments are given, they serve to reinforce what is discussed in class. Nearly all academic material is presented in class, and the 90-minute periods provide plenty of time for a range of learning activities.
Students are expected to be prepared for class. Much of the material is written by the teachers themselves, and exercises are often taken directly from the teachers' texts.
A more traditional attitude toward behavior in the classroom means no hats, no eating or drinking, and no feet on the furniture. CIEE teachers have years of experience with American students, but sometimes they may express their feelings more frankly than Americans expect. Taking advantage of outside activities (including a homestay) will certainly enhance academic success and the overall experience.
Where You'll Study - St. Petersburg State University
Founded in the 18th century, St. Petersburg State University is one of Russia's leading institutions of higher learning. The University's 16 departments provide instruction for more than 20,000 students. The campus has expanded from its original site on the Neva River, and now includes over 400 buildings around the city center and the suburb of Peterhoff. CIEE students receive instruction through the University's Center of Russian Language and Culture on the Smolny campus, in a quiet neighborhood approximately 20 minutes from central St. Petersburg.
Program Requirements
Students are required to take all language and content courses.
Credit
This program averages 24 hours per week of language instruction. Russian language instruction covers the following: grammar, phonetics, conversation, contemporary Russian press, Russian film, Russian music, and Russian culture.
Total recommended credit for the summer is 8 semester/12 quarter hours and the number of contact hours is 168.
Recommendations for contact hours take into consideration not only actual class time but also required excursions and trips.
Application Deadlines
Summer 2009: 3/15/2009
Duration
Summer 2009: 8 weeks: mid-June - mid-August
Orientation
The mandatory CIEE orientation begins with a two-day retreat outside of St. Petersburg. Resident staff introduce students to Russian culture, the academic program, and practical information about living in St. Petersburg. This off-site orientation is supported by Russian student assistants who help facilitate CIEE students' entry into a new culture. Orientation continues with various activities to acquaint students with their new city and is maintained on a group and individual basis throughout the program. The orientation period ends with a two-day field trip to another Russian city.
Housing and Meals
Housing and most meals are included in the program fee. Students live with a Russian family in a private apartment and have their own room. Two daily meals are included with the family during the week, and three on weekends. Students are responsible for weekday lunches.
Internet
Free wireless is available at the CIEE Study Center for students who bring wirelessenabled laptops. Additionally, there is a fee-for-service Internet classroom maintained by the Center for Russian Language and Culture. There are also many inexpensive Internet cafés throughout St. Petersburg.
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
The academic program is supplemented with excursions, study tours, and field trips.
Several required excursions are included in the cultural program, some organized by CIEE staff and others left for students to discover on their own. Organized excursions include a city bus tour, the Peter and Paul Fortress, and the palaces at Peterhof and Pavlovsk. Students also visit the following museums during the program: the Yusupov Palace, Pushkin's last apartment, the State Russian Museum, the Hermitage, and the Dostoevsky apartment museum. Weekends are free with the exception of overnight weekend trips and possible Saturday excursions.
Also included in the program is a trip to Moscow, capital of the Russian Federation. The field trip includes visits to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills, and an extensive tour of the Kremlin with additional free time for students to become acquainted with the city. The field trip is coordinated with the academic program, through preparation in class prior to departure and through discussion of experiences and impressions upon return to St. Petersburg. There is a second overnight trip to another Russian city included, such as Novgorod.
Target Language Meals
Students participating on this program have the opportunity to participate in daily meals with CIEE staff. Students attending these meals are required to speak only Russian.
Sobesedniki--Peer Language Partners
CIEE students are paired with local students for a variety of language and cultural exchange activities. These students help provide CIEE participants with additional language support and a firsthand look at the lifestyle of their Russian peers.
