Study Abroad in St. Petersburg: Housing and Meals

AIFS students have two housing options: they may live in a residence hall for foreign students or with a Russian host family. All students must live in the residence hall for the first 5 days of the program for orientation and the start of classes. Students may then stay in the residence hall for the rest of the program or move to the home of a Russian family for the remaining 4 weeks of the program. Students must request to live in a homestay at the time of application.

Residence for foreign students

Students live in 2-room suites, two students per room, with a kitchenette (stove, microwave and refrigerator), toilet and bathtub/shower. Students receive breakfast in the residence cafeteria and are given a small monetary allowance to supplement lunch and dinner.

Russian homestay

Students live with a local Russian family after the first 5 days of the program. Homestay students receive breakfast in the homestay and an allowance to supplement lunch and dinner. There is no extra charge for choosing to live in a homestay.

Living in a Russian homestay is a fantastic way to become integrated into the culture of the country and learn Russian. However it is necessary for students to be open minded and flexible in order to get the most out of their experience. Students are usually placed with a single woman, often a widow without family at home or a divorced mother with one or more children. Students may be placed on their own or in a twin room with another AIFS student. Private homes do not have Internet access. Homestays are limited and subject to availability. Due to the strict Russian visa regulations regarding accommodations for foreigners, homestay students are not allowed to move back to the residence hall.

AIFS always arranges the best accommodation available for students. Changes in housing will be considered only in the event of health and safety issues.