Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Department of Russian Studies
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA | CANADA B3H 4R2 | +1 (902) 494-2211

Intensive Russian Program

Dal student Meagan Bernard at the Hermitage.

Spend the summer semester in St. Petersburg!

Note: The application deadline is January 14, 2013 for the 2013 summer programme.  This is a hard deadline--absolutely NO late applications will be accepted.

Watch a documentary film about the Intensive Russian Program abroad, "MAPLE LEAVES IN PETERSBURG"

A 'priceless' experience 

Imagine a program where you can put into practice the things you're learning about at school. Imagine a chance to travel, learn, have fun.

That’s the promise of the Department of Russian Studies’ Intensive Russian Program, the oldest program of its kind in North America. Dalhousie students undertake intensive study of the Russian language, both here and in Russia. The program takes one year: with one half spent at Dalhousie (or another Canadian university) and the second half at Saint Petersburg State University in majestic Saint Petersburg, Russia. The cost of the Programme for the 2012-13 summer semester is $4,500.00, which includes visa application fee, airport transfer, two months' tuition and accommodation with a host family, study materials, and liaison services in Russia. The fees are subject to change.

“The Intensive Russian Program at Dalhousie offers a truly memorable educational experience,” said student Jane Dauphinee. “As someone who struggles with languages, I decided to enroll in the program because I knew that it would be of significant benefit to my Russian language development to have immersion experience.

“The program was priceless. My Russian, which was very weak when I entered, has improved dramatically.”

The staircase of Vladimir Palace (Wikipedia)

'Venice of the North'

Saint Petersburg is a port city of over four million people located in northwestern Russia on the Baltic Sea. It was the capital of the Russian Empire for much of the 18th and 19th centuries (before the capital was moved to Moscow after the Russian Revolution), and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known for its stunning neoclassical architecture and natural beauty — it is situated on the delta of the River Neva — Saint Petersburg is home to many canals, parks, fortresses, churches and palaces, including the Winter Palace which now houses the Hermitage, one of the world's largest and richest collections of Western European art. Peter the Second’s home next to Menshikov Palace is now where the Saint Petersburg State University is located.

Established by decree of Peter the Great, the university has been known by several different names during its 300-year history — Petersburg University, Petrograd University, Leningrad State University and the University of St. Petersburg. Famous alumni include Vladimir Lenin, Vladimir Putin and Ayn Rand.

“I have learned a tremendous amount… about Russian culture, language, and most importantly, the people,” said student Deanna Allan. “Russia truly is a place the captures your imagination and continues to live inside your soul.”

Program requirements for Winter / Summer semesters

The program is offered at the advanced second-year or third-year level of language study for students who have successfully completed at least one year of Russian with a mark of B or better. Students must enroll in a third-year fall/winter preparatory session prior to going to Russia.

While at Dalhousie (from September to December), students are required to take:

  • RUSN 3002.03A: Advanced Russian;
  • RUSN 3029.03A: Conversation;
  • RUSN 3092.03A: Russian Society Today;
  • Two additional term A classes in Russian history (RUSN 2022.03A) or Russian literature.

Once at Saint Petersburg State University (from May to July), required classes are:

* 4000-level classes are offered to students in their fourth year of studying Russian grammar. The students should register for:

  • RUSN 4851.03 Sec. 90: Special Topic
  • RUSN 4960.03 Sec. 90: Special Topic

The coordinator of the program is Yuri Leving, with help from Miriam Breslow, Associate Coordinator, and participating faculty John A. Barnstead, Shannon Spasova and Denis Kozlov.

“The coordinators are wonderfully helpful and knowledgeable, and make the logistics extremely simple,” said student Liza Glinz. (Read what other students have to say about the program: Students' Comments [PDF]).

The Hermitage across the Neva in Saint Petersburg. (Wikipedia)

Application package

Check the poster for the Intensive Russian Programme summer semester 2013.

Ready to pack your bags? Here's what you'll need to apply.

More information