Study abroad program “Russian language and political science”

This program is designed for political science, international relations, and security studies majors who are studying Russian as a foreign language.

The program includes intensive Russian language study, as well as elective courses in political science, European Union political system, history, and etc.
All non-language courses are provided in adjusted Russian.

The program gives 30 ECTS (15 US) credits.

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Program features

Study program

In addition to the Russian language courses, the program includes diverse course options in political science, European Union political system and law, history, etc. These courses will be taught in Russian. Professors will adjust the language to help students follow the explanations. English presentations and materials may be used.

There are three blocks of courses:

  1.  Compulsory Russian language courses, required by Daugavpils University, 15 ECTS total.
  2.  Compulsory elective courses. The program provides a list of recommended courses. Students have to select the required course credit worth 9 ECTS.
  3.  Elective courses. Students are eligible to pick courses from the full course catalog, 6 ECTS total.

Pre-semester intensive Russian

Students can attend an optional pre-semester intensive Russian course in order to brush-up their language skills before starting the academic program.

The pre-semester Russian course:

  • is two weeks long and ends right before the semester start.
  • includes 40 lessons or Russian in groups, as well as 10 individual sessions with native conversation tutors.
  • gives no Daugavpils University credits.

The cost of the pre-semester course is not included in the semester program fee.

Daugavpils University

Daugavpils University hosts Learn Russian in the EU undergraduate study abroad programs.

Term of study

Undergraduate students can enroll for one semester or two consecutive semesters (academic year).

Duration and instruction

A semester program duration is 16 weeks and it includes 320 instruction hours, provided in Russian.

Credit award

Per semester, Daugavpils University will award up to 30 ECTS, the equivalent of 15 US undergraduate credits.

No entry visa required

Citizens of the USA, European Union, Great Britain, and many other countries need no visa to enter Latvia.

Russian language level

Native Russian professors provide Russian language instruction at Intermediate and Advanced levels.

Conversation practice

Conversation practice with native Russian communication tutors is included, 28 hours per semester.

Russian host families

Homestay are available in vetted and trained Russian-speaking host families, breakfast and dinner included.

Language immersion

In Daugavpils, modern standard Russian is the primary language of daily communication.

Excursions and study trips

The program includes weekday excursions in Daugavpils and weekend trips around Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia

Student services

Two-way transfer, in-country orientation, transportation passes, as well as 24/7 support will be provided.

Safety and health

Daugavpils is very safe. We provide local insurance and help students deal with healthcare providers.

Available courses

Block A. Compulsory courses (15 ects)

Students after 3-5 semesters of university Russian or equivalent

Students after 3-5 semesters of university Russian or equivalent

ECTS

Conversational Russian and Communicative Linguistics

6

Culture and Information Communication

3

Practical Russian I

6

Students after 6 semesters of university Russian or equivalent

Students after 3-5 semesters of university Russian or equivalent

Modern Russian literary language: Morphology II

3

Russian conversational language and communicative linguistics

3

Practical Russian II

6

Block B. Compulsory elective courses (pick 9 ECTS)

European Studies in Trans-Border Perspective (part I)

3

Politics and Government in the Former USSR

3

Policy and state political relations in EU countries

6

Post-Soviet-Studies

3

History of the Baltic States (1918-1940)

3

Russian war in Ukraine and evolution of the EU and NATO foreign policy

3

Block C. Elective courses (pick 6 ECTS)

Students can select courses from the Course catalog

DATES AND DEADLINES

2024 FALL SEMESTER

Application deadline

July 31, 2024

Optional pre-semester Russian

August 19, 2024

Semester start date

September 2, 2024

Semester end date

December 20, 2024

2025 SPRING SEMESTER

Application deadline

December 1, 2024

Optional pre-semester Russian

January 20, 2025

Semester start date

February 3, 2025

Semester end date

May 23, 2025

what people say

Student Testimonials

see all

Learn Russian in the EU: Semester Abroad

You will hear from students, studying in different academic semester abroad programs at Daugavpils University. They have come from all over USA.

Wilton

Wilton, from Alaska, is on his second “Learn Russian in the EU” study abroad program in Daugavpils. Four years ago, he came for six weeks and now he is on a semester-long program. (more…)

Alaska

Connor

Connor, from Washington, not only enjoyed studying Russian in Daugavpils, but also appreciated the chance to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Seattle / Washington / USA

Frequently Asked
Questions

  • Is Daugavpils a Russian-speaking city?

    Daugavpils is a Russian-speaking city. More, it is the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.

    At least 80% of people speak Russian as their first or bilingual language. More than 95% of people speak Russian fluently.

    In Daugavpils, Russian is the primary language of everyday communication.

  • Do you provide credit transfer?

    Yes. Daugavpils University awards European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, the standard for most European countries. ECTS credits are widely accepted by institutions around the world.

    All international students enrolled in Russian-language study abroad programs at DU, regardless their academic level and picked DU courses, are administered through the ‘Eastern European Culture and Business Relations” study program. This originates in DU internal process management. Therefore, all courses listed in the transcripts, issued by DU to students at Russian-language study abroad programs, include a reference to the “Eastern European Culture and Business Relations’ program.

    Course codes at DU are assigned without any relation to the semester or year of study.

    Please find official information on the Latvian grading system here.

  • Who is eligible for undergraduate study abroad programs?

    Anyone over the age of 18 who is studying at a university may apply to an AY/Semester study abroad program with Learn Russian in the EU.

    We highly recommend considering study abroad after reaching some strong foundation in the Russian language, e.g. Novice High ACTFL proficiency level or A1.1-A2 on the European CEFR scale.

  • Are the courses taught in Russian?

    Russian is the primary language of instruction. All language, literature, and courses are taught in Russian.

    Courses in history, political science, and area studies will be also taught in Russian. Professors will adjust the language to help students follow the explanations. English presentations and materials may be used.

    Natural Sciences/STEM instructors are English- and Russian-speaking Daugavpils University professors. The language of instruction varies from English-only to English/Russian mix and up to Russian-only, depending on the instructor and the course.

  • How the classes are organized?

    Learn Russian in the EU forms study groups exclusively from international students. Thus, your classmates will be of a similar background and with similar training objectives.

    Elective courses may be delivered in groups or in one-on-one setting. These courses are usually taught in Russian, though teachers can add English explanations when required. Many professors speak English.

  • Do you provide host family accommodation?

    Yes. Staying with Russian-speaking host families is the most popular lodging option among our students.

    We have implemented a system of selecting, vetting, instructing, and monitoring host families. They are our partners and provide valuable help in acquiring the language, traditions, and culture.

  • How can I secure my place?

    First of all, we need an application submitted through our website. Upon receiving the application, we will e-mail the student an acceptance confirmation letter.

    Then, we will open a personal student account in our IT system and send detailed instructions.
    Please see more in the Preparations timeline.

  • How long is an academic hour?

    Daugavpils University uses 45-minute academic hour. The lessons are usually run in pairs, with a short break in the middle.

  • What is the academic calendar?

    Learn Russian in the EU Fall Semester study abroad programs hosted at Daugavpils University usually begin on September 1st and run for 16 weeks.

    Spring semester study abroad programs usually begin on February 1 and run for 16 weeks.

    There are no official breaks during a semester.

  • Are university courses available in the program?

    Yes. All undergraduate courses available through Learn Russian in the EU study abroad programs, are provided by Daugavpils University (DU). This guarantees their European and worldwide recognition. DU is a member of European University Association (EUA). DU diplomas are certified by the European Commission.

    Daugavpils University, established in 1921, is the foremost academic and research institution in Eastern Latvia. Its Department of Russian and Slavic Linguistics has a long tradition of research and instruction in the Russian language and literature. The department offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs in Russian philology, pedagogy, and intercultural communication.

  • Native Russian conversation tutors

    Native Russian conversation tutors are not teachers and, as a rule, their service is a part of a teacher-led language course. Conversation tutors specialize in running communication sessions on the teacher assigned topic or scenario, and can correct the student or give a hint, when required.

  • Cancellations

    In case after the first trial session a student decides to drop the course, we refund the initial payment.

    If a student misses a scheduled class, we make no refunds.

    If a student needs to interrupt the course, the request should be e-mailed to us in advance any lesson is missed. We can negotiate the dates for continuing the remaining part of the course, but make no refunds.

Entry requirements
and documents

 

Passport scan


Daugavpils University application


Current enrollment verification (a letter from the home university confirming good academic standing and the number of full semesters of university Russian will be completed by the start of the program with Learn Russian in the EU)


Host family placement form


Health Declaration


 

SEMESTER PROGRAM

Participation Confirmation Fee
100 €
Optional pre-semester course
Russian language lessons (40 ac.hours)
€ 380
Communiation tutoring (10 ac.hours)
€ 120
Host family lodging, half board (2 weeks)
€ 480
Pre-semester total:
980
SEMESTER PROGRAM
Tuition and fees for the program
€ 9220
Host family lodging, half board (16 weeks)
€ 3840
Books, copies, materials
€ 60
Local transportation
€ 180
Insurance
€ 200
SEMESTER PROGRAM TOTAL:
€ 13500
Apply now