Study Abroad in St. Petersburg: Academics

Required Russian language courses cover phonetics, grammar and everyday language. All levels are accepted, including beginners, who are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Cyrillic alphabet before arrival. Classes are taught in small groups of 10 to 15 after a placement test, which is given the first day.

To achieve maximum benefit from instruction, teaching is in Russian. Language classes meet 14 academic hours a week, Monday to Friday mornings (an academic hour is 45 minutes of class). The Contemporary Life in Russia, History of Russian Art, and St. Petersburg’s Role in Russian History and Culture courses are optional. Students are required to take a 4-credit Russian language course and may also select one 2-credit course plus a 1-credit course in English for a maximum total of 7 credits.

No AIFS participant is permitted to take a course without receiving a letter grade. Pass/Fail grade options are not available.

Transcripts

St. Petersburg State Polytechnic University issues transcripts. Students should obtain prior approval from their home institution for transfer credit.