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Summer Russian Area Studies, St. Petersburg State Univ.

Program Overview

Dive into Russian history and culture in St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful historic cities. The six-week program includes courses taught in English, the option to study Russian, and cultural activities including visits to museums and historical sites. You will take classes with other U.S. students at St. Petersburg State University’s Smolny campus, in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.
 
Students attend classes with international students.

Language of Instruction

English; Russian
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Elective courses are taught in English.


Language Study

Russian
Russian language study is recommended but not required during the summer program.​


Duration

Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars. ​
 
If you are interested in participating in the fall or year Russian Area Studies or Russian Language Program after the summer program, notify UCEAP as soon as possible. Due to Russian visa restrictions, it is not possible to extend your UCEAP participation to a fall or year program in Russia after you are already abroad.  
 
Summer :  
mid-June to late July ​

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Due to the Russian visa application process, do not plan any international travel prior to the start of the program. ​

Housing

You will live with a Russian family in a private apartment and have your own room. Homestays are the best way to meet Russians, learn about their culture and daily life, and practice speaking Russian.​



Extracurricular Activities

Taking part in student activities is a great way to meet Russian students. Signs announcing student activities are posted throughout university buildings and the Resident Staff can assist you in contacting a particular club, group, or organization.
 
Activities available to students in St. Petersburg include:
·         Cooking classes
·         Matryoshka doll painting class
·         Discussion groups
·         Conversation Partner Program Sobesedniki
·         Choir (CIEE and University)
·         Folk dancing
·         University orchestra
·         Sports (pickup soccer games, hockey, lacrosse)
 
There are also many volunteer opportunities available in St. Petersburg. In addition to teaching English, past students have volunteered with the following organizations:
·         Hermitage
·         International Red Cross
·         Salvation Army
·         Soldiers' Mothers NGO
·         Memorial NGO


On-site Support

UCEAP students are supported by UC’s network of study abroad offices at every UC campus and partnerships with UCEAP host universities throughout the world. CIEE resident staff abroad help students integrate into the culture and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.
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See the CIEE Program Handbook (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).​

St. Petersburg State Univ

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. You will study at the University's Smolny campus, in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg.
 
This program is affiliated with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
 
 
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Student Reviews

Course Opportunities

You will enroll in two courses: either one Russian language course and one area studies course or two area studies courses.  The area studies courses are taught in English and focus on Russian history, culture, and civilization.
 
Use the following resources to learn about courses on UCEAP:
 
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This program is affiliated with the Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) and St. Petersburg State University. Program participants take courses offered through CIEE and taught by St. Petersburg State University faculty. ​

Units

You are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad; 9 UC quarter units (6 semester units).
 


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

​Internships, research, and independent study are typically not available for this program.
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Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart below represent an estimate of: 1) the UCEAP fees for the current year, and 2) the additional amount needed to cover your living expenses in this location. Estimates for personal travel, entertainment and Non-Resident (out of state) Fees are not included.
 
Keep in mind that on UCEAP you take your financial aid with you. The amount of your financial aid package will take into account the total estimated costs of this experience. One advantage of selecting UCEAP for study abroad is that we facilitate the process by working with your UC Financial Aid Office (FAO), informing them of your UCEAP participation and providing them with your UCEAP budget. Just like your UC Campus billing office, we receive your financial aid and scholarships from your FAO, apply it to cover the UCEAP program fees, and disburse any remaining aid on a set schedule.
 

Estimated EAP Costs *

OptionWeeksUnits (Qtr)Units (Sem)UCEAP Fees 1Additional Costs 2
(Estimated)
 
Summer696$3,050$5,550
 
* Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non-Resident Fees on UCEAP.

1 UCEAP Fees: This represents an estimate of UCEAP fees for the current year. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. This figure includes UC tuition and fees for undergraduate, in-state residents. For a detailed breakdown of what’s included in this estimate, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay non-resident fees on UCEAP.

2 Additional Costs: Average living expenses include but are not limited to room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and other incidentals and do not include recreational travel or entertainment. The total cost will vary depending on your personal expenses, exchange rate fluctuation, and the program you attend. For a detailed breakdown of the estimate, visit the “Cost” tab of the appropriate program.

All fees are subject to change without notice.

These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Actual amounts will vary due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program.  Estimates do not include Non Resident Fees. If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay Non Resident Fees on UCEAP.
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses (student visa, health clearance etc.)
  • Round-trip airfare
  • UC fees
  • Tuition at host institution
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation
  • Room and board
  • Program excursions and activities
  • Books and other incidental expenses
  • Local transportation
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
Pell Grant recipients may be eligible for a Gilman Scholarship! The Gilman program gives additional funding for students who will study in Russia. You can find application information on the Gilman Scholarship website. 
 
The Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) offers scholarships to eligible students on CIEE-affiliated programs in Russia. You can find application information on the CIEE website.
​While on UCEAP, you are covered by UC’s accident and medical insurance, including non-medical benefits, and 24/7 travel assistance anywhere in the world.​

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Eligibility

Class Level:

Sophomore, Junior, Senior

Language Prerequisites:

Russian
- The University-level language requirement is: minimum 0 quarters / 0 semesters and maximum 5 quarters / 3 semesters.
* 1 quarter / semester is strongly recommended.

GPA:

2.75 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

All applicants must also have:

  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program.
  • Social, interpersonal, and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; willingness to adapt successfully to different living and academic environments; appropriate behavior in a variety of situations.
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations.
  • Completed all campus- and program-specific requirements.

Application Information and Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

These are minimum requirements. After selection by your UC Campus EAP Office, final admission is determined by CIEE.