Study Abroad Resources

As you plan to travel and study abroad in Russia, consider these resources during your preparation. Benefits of Studying Abroad 700 Reasons to Study a Foreign Language Center for Global Education: Why Study Abroad? Travel Resources Absentee Voting Currency Converter Passport Services and Information Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (visa applications available here) Time Zones … Read more

A Week With a Russian Babushka

Of course they warned us. Before departing from Washington, D.C. we were told all about the frank and honest nature of the Russian people, the worlds of difference between our modes of self-expression, forms of etiquette, and so on. The honesty received from our Resident Directors and other American Councils staff during orientation was much … Read more

AMERICAN COUNCILS FUNDING

The prospect of studying abroad, exploring new cultures, and gaining new insights into the world is very exciting. The reality of paying for this invaluable experience, however, can seem quite daunting. Fortunately, numerous resources are available to help offset the cost of study abroad, including private, federal, university and American Councils scholarships. The Outbound Scholarship … Read more

Finding My Way Home

“Excuse me, would you be able to tell me where the Baikonur metro station is?” So go my usual interactions with the people of Almaty as an American who finds herself getting lost almost everyday on the way back to her host family’s apartment. The passerby in question usually gives me a strange look, most … Read more

SEEING THE WARMER SIDE OF RUSSIA

Like many students who decide to study Russian, I fell in love with the country’s literature before I began studying the language. The prospect of developing the skills to read that literature in its original format can be a great motivator. However, the pantheon of great Russian writers can also have a chilling effect for … Read more

AN ALTERNATIVE WINTER BREAK

During winter break I elected not to travel home, and instead spent some time in Ukraine. A couple of days after classes ended, I flew to Kiev, where I met my father. We spent a week together touring the city’s cathedrals, Great Patriotic War monuments and museums, and of course stopping by Maidan to get … Read more

About AC Russia Abroad

Since 1976, our company has operated comprehensive language and cultural immersion programs overseas for thousands of students and scholars. Our participants recognize and trust our: Superior academic programs serving approximately 6,000 U.S. undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty since 1976; Classes at leading host-country universities, taught by university faculty specializing in the instruction of non-native speakers; Highly … Read more

Shuba Hunting

Written by an Advanced Russian Language & Area Studies Program student In Russian, the word “шуба” [shoo-ba], plural: шуби [shoo-bee] has two meanings. 1. A fur coat 2. A salad that consists of alternating layers of mayonnaise, beats, and salted herring fish. The full name of the salad is translated as “Herring under a fur … Read more