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CIEE Russian Area Studies Program in St. Petersburg, Russia (Outgoing Program) Print  Save  Share
  • Locations: St. Petersburg, Russia
  • Program Terms: Academic Year, Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2026 10/01/2025 10/01/2025 TBA TBA
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Housing type: Home Stay, Hotel/Hostel Click here for a definition of this term Language Study: Russian
Program Provider: CIEE Year of Study: (2) Sophomore, (3) Junior, (4) Senior
Click here for a definition of this term Language Prerequisite: No Click here for a definition of this term GPA requirement: 2.5
Area of Study: Art, Art History, Film & Media Studies, History, Language & Culture - Other, Russian & East European Studies, Russian Language & Culture Click here for a definition of this term Language Immersion: Yes
Click here for a definition of this term Service-Learning: Yes
Program Description:

Russian Area Studies

ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA

Browse Program

Program Overview

Students with 0-4 semesters of Russian are invited to immerse themselves in Russian history, culture, politics, language study, and university life at CIEE St. Petersburg. Select coursework across a range of academic areas, in English, along with Russian language classes matched to your skill level. Integrate yourself into the local community through volunteer work.

All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

LIVE IN A 300-YEAR-OLD CITY

where traditional and modern forces converge.

ADVANCE YOUR RUSSIAN LANGUAGE SKILLS

and explore Russian culture with support from the longest-running U.S. study abroad-Russia program.

SEE A BALLET OR OPERA

in the city where Mikhail Baryshnikov began his celebrated dance career.

Read student stories

Excursions & Activities

  • Explore city highlights like the Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Russian Museum, Pushkin’s Apartment Museum, Baltika Brewery, and more.
  • Attend a concert, a hockey or soccer game, get a taste of Russian and Georgian cuisine with cooking classes.
  • Travel to Moscow for an overnight stay and take-in the grandeur of the ancient Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and unique historic metro stations.
  • Go on a second overnight trip to the Pskov region or Veliky Novgorod to see Russian life outside of St. Petersburg.
  • Take your pick of nonstop activities offered with Russian students - sports, cinema, board game, trivia ‘Pub Quiz’ and karaoke nights - you’ll never be bored!
  • Join our Russian Buddies - program volunteers for day-trips to Gatchina, Pushkin, and Pavlovsk, book club, and more.
  • Explore Russia on your own during Independent Russian Travel Week. Students have relaxed on the shores of the Black Sea, camped near Lake Baikal, visited the Olympic city of Sochi, and more. (Expenses not covered by program fee.)

Projects

  • Meet up with a sobesednik - a conversation partner and peer who will help you adjust to St. Petersburg, practice Russian, and discover local lifestyle.
  • Volunteer regularly, and you’ll get back as much as you gain! Help organize donated clothing at a shelter, pitch in at the Hermitage Museum’s archeological department, support the SKA hockey club, and more.
  • Volunteer during Alternative Break program and get a different slice of Russian culture. Students lend a hand with community service in smaller Russian towns, such as Arkhangelsk, Kirov, and Tula.
  • Help organize a cultural event while you explore Russian history. Past events include Stilyagi, a project starring the retro-hipster style of the 1960s Soviet Union; Russian Rock of the 1980s; and a Russian imperial Spring Ball. 

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Three-day orientation – an introduction to Russian culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.

Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.

Merit-Based Scholarships - $2,500/semester and $750/summer, awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.

Learn more

Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext travel insurance included

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

Contact Us



IMPORTANT NOTES:

Application Process
There is a dual application process for this program.  (1) Students must apply to for permission to study abroad on this program; you can do this by clicking the "Apply Now" button.  At the same time, (2) students apply directly to the program for admission.  The program application can be accessed on the program website.  Please pay close attention to both the IWU and program deadlines, as they may be different.

Tuition Cost
IWU has a home-school tuition policy, which means that students studying abroad will be billed the regular IWU tuition—unless the study abroad tuition is higher, in which case the student pays that higher cost.  Unless otherwise noted, IWU does not charge room and board for studying abroad; instead, students pay those costs to the program provider.