LEARN RUSSIAN IN RUSSIA
All the following Russian Language courses are based on communicative approaches and combine learning common expressions used in everyday situations with thorough and systematic grammatical approach. This is of vital importance for learning a language like Russian, which has an inflectional system and a non-fixed word order – a language in which word endings or word’s place create the meaning.
Conversational topics are given with appropriate grammar structures, while the grammar part of the course proceeds gradually from simple “basic concepts” to more complex issues in a psychologically proven order (e.g. naming objects – describing locations – actions with objects – moving to and from, etc.).
LEVELS
A1 Elementary
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2 Pre-intermediate
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
B1 intermediate
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2 Upper-intermediate
Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
C1 Advanced
Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2 Proficiency
Has no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, delivered at fast native speed. Can appreciate films, plays, TV and the radio almost as fully as a native speaker, including humour, nuance, and implied meaning. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
All students receive a graded certificate (in Russian) at the end of their stay, indicating course type, course dates, numbers of lessons and level achieved. We take great importance that students attend classes punctually. We may refuse to issue a course certificate to students who persistently arrive late. Our teachers expect students to arrive for tuition rested and alert.
For students wishing to take an internationally recognized exam during their stay, we recommend to sign up for the TRKI (TORFL)in our section Russian Certificate. TRKI exams can be taken online or at St. Petersburg campus. The exam is closely aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The TRKI (TORFL) exam is available for A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 language levels.
Homestay (Host Family) Riga
Living with a host family ensures total immersion into Russian language and places you in a local context. Host families are handpicked to ensure that students will immediately feel right at home. Families come from different backgrounds but all are sociable, genuinely interested in meeting new people, patient and understanding when students are not yet confident when practicing their Russian language skills.
Students have their own bedroom with all necessary amenities and can choose between breakfast only and a half-board (breakfast and dinner) option. Any dietary requirements will be taken into consideration at the time of booking at no extra charge.
Executive host families are located closer to the campus and the rooms are generally more spacious. In our host families of both categories, bathrooms are either shared with the family or maybe en-suite at a surcharge.
Accommodation in host families is calculated from Sunday to Sunday and arrival day in Riga must be Sunday. For students arriving earlier than Sunday, additional fees will apply. Five or more additional days are equivalent to one week.
Riga Shared Flats (18+)
Students who prefer to stay on their own but in an apartment shared with other our students will love our shared flats.
In Riga the school offers several apartments located in a walkable distance from the campus and a slightly more premium en-suite option right in the school building!
The school provides single bedrooms (maximum 4 per apartment), a shared bathroom and a kitchen.
Standard check-in/check-out is around midday on Sundays. If you wish to arrive earlier or depart later, it is a matter of availability and extra charges will apply.
Irkutsk Homestays
What exactly is a host family? It is a local family, either traditional married couple with kids or a single parent or even a childless elderly couple, willing to welcome people from around the globe to their household. Host families are handpicked to ensure that students will immediately feel the famous siberian hospitality. Hosts are patient and understanding when students are not yet confident when practicing their Russian language skills.
Students have their own bedroom and share kitchen and bathroom with the hosts. One can choose between breakfast only and a half-board option (breakfast and dinner).
Irkutsk Shared Flats (18+)
If a student opts for an independent lifestyle in the company of his fellow classmates one should consider staying in a shared flat. These have separate fully equipped bedrooms with shared kitchen and bathroom. Bed linen, towels, and kitchen equipment are provided. These flats are equipped with a washing machine and Wi-Fi.
Maximum travel time to campus is 30 minutes.
Standard check-in/check-out is on Sunday. For students arriving earlier than Sunday, additional fees will apply.
