Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program

  Russia

• St. Petersburg: 
St. Petersburg
• Moscow: 
Moscow (Moskva)
• All Other Areas: 
Vladimir

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer 
Dates: Aug-Dec; Aug-June; Jan-June; June-Aug

Description: American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS invites applications for the Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program (RLASP) in Vladimir, Moscow, or St. Petersburg, Russia.

For over 30 years, American Councils has offered quality-assured, intensive language study programs in Russia for thousands of students and scholars. Participants of this program receive approximately twenty hours per week of in-class instruction in Russian grammar, phonetics, conversation, and cultural studies. Students greatly benefit from individual attention in our small classes of 2 to 6 students, and from interaction with host faculty who have extensive experience in second language acquisition. Additionally, qualified participants have the opportunity to take courses with Russians at the local host university in each city as part of our honors program. All participants receive undergraduate- or graduate-level academic credit through Bryn Mawr College.

American Councils emphasizes language immersion outside of the academic program as well. During the semester, students may take advantage of volunteer opportunities or internship placements at sites including local public schools, charity organizations, international businesses, and international NGOs. Cultural excursions, discussion groups, and other extracurricular activities in Russian are offered in each city. Students also meet at least two hours a week with peer tutors recruited from the host university. Finally, most students choose to live with Russian host-families where they can become fully immersed in the language, culture and cuisine of Russia.

American Councils is able to award substantial scholarships to qualified participants, thanks to significant grant support from the U.S.
Department of Education (Fulbright-Hays) and the U.S. Department of State (Title VIII). In addition, recipients of FLAS, Boren, Benjamin A.
Gilman and university fellowships frequently apply these funds to study on our programs.

The Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program is offered in the Summer, Fall, Spring and Academic-Year semesters. Applications are available on our website: www.acrussiaabroad.org.

Application Deadlines:
Summer Program: March 1
Fall/Academic Year: April 1
Spring Semester: October 1

Highlights: American Councils' semester, academic-year, and summer programs emphasize linguistic and cultural immersion into Russian society. The academic program stresses the development of practical speaking, listening, and reading skills, while providing participants with a structured opportunity to learn about contemporary Russian society and culture. All American Councils programs feature:

Instructional time divided among language training, lectures, and seminars on literature, Russian and Soviet culture, history, politics, and contemporary mass media; Classes conducted in Russian by full-time faculty members of the host institution who have extensive experience teaching foreign students; Opportunities to audit courses in field of specialization; Small-group language instruction (normally 2-5 students per group) tailored to proficiency; 20-25 classroom contact hours per week; and core language courses that include grammar and lexical study, contemporary language and linguistics, development of vocabulary and conversation skills, phonetics, and Russian literature.

Cost in US$: Inquire for more info.

Experience Required: yes

Applicants should have four semesters of university-level Russian instruction prior to attending this program.

Participants Travel to Russia in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-6

Scholarships are Available. Scholarships are available with assistance from private and federal grants, including the U.S. Department of Education (Fulbright-Hays) and U.S. Department of State (Title VIII).

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

American Councils for International Education: ACTR/ACCELS's Mission Statement: Founded in 1974 as an association for area and language professionals, American Councils has focused its expertise on academic exchange, professional training, distance learning, curriculum and test development, delivery of technical assistance, research, evaluation, and institution building. American Councils for International Education advances scholarly research and cross-border learning through the design and implementation of educational programs that are well grounded in key world languages, cultures and regions. We contribute to the creation of new knowledge, broader professional perspectives, and personal and intellectual growth through international training, academic exchange, collaboration in educational development, and public diplomacy. With a presence in the U.S., Russia and Eurasia for nearly four decades, in addition to representation in over thirty countries across Asia, the Middle East and Southeastern Europe, American Councils strives to expand dialog among students, scholars, educators and professionals for the advancement of learning and mutual respect in the diverse communities and societies in which we work.

Year Founded: 1976