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Summer Russian Language and Area Studies Program
Learn Russian in the EU offers an intensive summer Russian program in Daugavpils, Latvia. This program is based upon many years of our experience in providing highly successful summer programs for universities, federal service academies, Project GO, and other institutional customers from the USA and Europe.
The summer program will help student boost practical communication skills and confidence in using the language, extend active vocabulary, refine grammar, and explore Russian and Baltic culture, history, traditions, and lifestyle.
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STUDY PROGRAM
ACADEMIC PROGRAM
- Intensive 5-week language study.
- 110 instruction hours with Daugavpils University professors.
- 10 ECTS (5 US) credits in Russian language and area studies at Daugavpils University (contact us for the course descriptions).
- Conversation practice with native Russian communication tutors is included, 10 hours.
Special advantages
- Full Russian language immersion in Daugavpils, the Russian-language enclave in Latvia.
- Homestay in vetted and trained Russian-speaking host families, breakfast and dinner included.
- The area studies course provided in adjusted Russian and augmented with study trips.
- Expert guest speakers.
EXPLORE RUSSIAN AND BALTIC CULTURE AND HISTORY
Amazing region
- Daugavpils, once part of both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, has a remarkable historical legacy tied to Russian-European relations.
- Different communities – Russian, Latvian, Latgalian, Jewish, Polish, Belarusian, Roma – have been living in Daugavpils for centuries;
- Daugavpils military history includes Napoleon invasion, WW1, the Latvian War for Independence, WW2 and the Holocaust.
Local workday excursions and events
- Daugavpils multicultural history: ethnic and confessional diversity, Russian Old Believers ethnographic site, Mark Rothko Art Center;
- Military history: Dinaburg Fortress, military memorials of different wars and armies, and the Holocaust memorial;
- Russian traditional banya, culture classes (cooking, dance, and music), sports events.
Study trip around Latvia
- 2 nights in a hotel included;
- Riga: Medieval Old Town, Art Nouveau architecture, the Museum of Occupation, and Memorial of Zhanis Lipke, a rescuer of Jews in WW2, Salaspils Nazi camp memorial;
- Jurmala sea resort, Rundale Palace – a Baroque masterpiece built for the Dukes of Courland;
- Biržai historical brewery.
Study trip to Lithuania
- 2 nights in a hotel included;
- Vilnius: history tour, the Museum of KGB, the Alexander Pushkin Literary Museum in the poet son’s Gregory 19th century residence, and tasting Lithuanian cuisine;
- Trakai: Karaite culture and cuisine, medieval Trakai Island Castle – the residence of Grand Duke of Lithuania;
- Kaunas: cultural heritage and the 9th Fort Holocaust Memorial.
PROGRAM FEATURES
Daugavpils University
Daugavpils University hosts the Summer Russian Language and Area Studies Program.
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, 10 hours.
Russian host families
Homestay is provided 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.
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.
Daugavpils – the perfect location for Russian immersions
Daugavpils offers amazing Russian language immersion opportunities.
Daugavpils is a Russian language enclave. It is the second largest city in Latvia and the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.
In Daugavpils, modern standard Russian is the primary language of daily communication.
The city provides an environment and atmosphere that is comparable to Central Russia. Students studying in Daugavpils will develop a better understanding of Russian culture, history, traditions, mindset, and lifestyle.
With the population about 80 thousand, Daugavpils is a very convenient and safe place to live and study. The city enjoys excellent transport infrastructure, beautiful parks, and interesting cultural life.
All this distinguishes Daugavpils from any other Russian study abroad locations currently available.
DATES AND DEADLINES
Application deadline
May 1, 2023
Program fee payment
May 15, 2023
Recommended arrival in Latvia
July 9, 2023
The first day of classes
July 10, 2023
The last day of classes
August 11, 2023
Transfer to Riga for departure
August 12, 2023
Frequently Asked Questions
see all
- 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.
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
PROGRAM COSTS
Study program, credit transfer, excursions and trips
3990 €
Lodging in a host family, breakfast and dinner included
1200 €
Registration, transfer, insurance, local SIM, welcome kit
280 €
PROGRAM TOTAL
5470 €