CIEE Study Center at St. Petersburg State University: Summer

  Russia

• St. Petersburg: 
St. Petersburg

Term: Summer 
Dates: 8 weeks: mid-June-mid-August

Description: The goal of the 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 by participating in the conversation partner program with other university students.

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 used 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 your academic success and overall experience.

Highlights:

• Cultural program including local excursions and field trips
  
• The longest-running study abroad program in Russia
  
• Beautiful St.Petersburg, three hundred years of history in one city
  
• Optional volunteer projects
  
• Homestay with a Russian family

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 on their own. 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, usually Novgorod.

Immersion
Target Language Meals
Students participating on this program have the opportunity to participate in daily meals with CIEE staff and Russian students. Students attending these meals are required to speak only Russian.

Cost in US$: See below for CIEE Fees

The CIEE fee for 2007 includes an optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, tuition, housing and two meals per day, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, visa fees, most course materials, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Experience Required: yes

* Overall GPA 2.75
* 4 semesters of college-level Russian or equivalent

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel to Russia Independently

Scholarships are Available. - We have several scholarships that students can apply for. Contact CIEE for details.

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Other
• Transcript
• Written Application

CIEE's Mission Statement: Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world." Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever. As we look ahead, we reaffirm our commitment to the principles and values that guide this mission statement.

Year Founded: 1947