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 Language and Culture program offers intermediate and advanced students of Russian language an opportunity for intensive language study in an immersion setting. The program combines intensive language courses with a cultural program of lectures and local excursions in and around St. Petersburg, 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 St. Petersburg State University students.

Academic Program
The program includes eight weeks of language study at St. Petersburg State University. The curriculum 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. Homework assignments 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 enhance academic success and overall experience.

Highlights:

• The longest-running study abroad program in Russia; held in beautiful St. Petersburg - 300 years of history in one city
  
• Intensive Russian language training for intermediate and advanced students
  
• Homestay with a Russian family for maximum cultural and linguistic immersion
  
• Sobesedniki: conversation partner program with Russian students
  
• Local cultural excursions and field trips; two overnight excursions, including a multi-day trip to Moscow to visit sites of cultural importance such as the Kremlin

The program includes a multi-day excursion 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, with preparation in class prior to departure and discussion of experiences and impressions upon return to St. Petersburg. Also included is a second overnight trip to Novgorod, one of Russia's ancient cities.

Immersion
Peer Language Partners
CIEE students are paired with local students for a variety of language and cultural exchange activities. This partner program provides CIEE participants additional language support, as well as gives them a firsthand look at the lifestyle of their Russian peers.

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.

Degree Level: Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$: Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing

Experience Required: yes