The Russian Language Course is an initiative organised by Catherine’s College, at Tallinn University. The course programme consists of three parts – language classes, a cultural programme and an additional study tour to St Petersburg, Russia (optional).

It is a well-established fact that the best way to learn a foreign language is to visit a country where it is spoken. Estonia is on the threshold of the Russian Federation and the school takes advantage of this proximity. Estonia’s historical connection provides students with one of the best opportunities to learn Russian in the region.

Our close ties with our neighbour allows us to make full advantage of resources from Russia – the teachers in the course are all native speakers of Russian with degrees from universities in Moscow and St Petersburg, and they all use the most up-to-date teaching materials published in Russia. Furthermore, the course offers a real opportunity for genuine communication in Russian – while at the same time offering European standards of safety and service.

The Russian Language course also offers a unique opportunity to combine learning Russian in Tallinn with visiting one of the most beautiful Russian cities, its second capital, St Petersburg. During a study trip students will have an opportunity to see the country of the language they are learning, see one of the most beautiful Russian cities with their own eyes, to learn Russian traditions and to improve their Russian. The tour operator arranges a special tourist programme for our students in one of the greatest Russian cities.

This programme differs from other summer schools located in Russia or western countries, since it offers a unique bridge to the Russian language and culture. Please read more about Language Programme

Why study Russian in Estonia?

• The geographical location and a relatively small size are the major benefits of Estonia. They make our country especially attractive for visitors both from East and West.
• Almost one third of Estonia's population are native Russians. The majority of Russians live in the northern part of the country, where Tallinn is situated.
• The tradition of Russian Studies in Estonia dates back to the nineteenth century. Nowadays teachers and lecturers of the Summer School hold their degrees of Moscow and St Petersburg Universities. The connections with the universities and publishing houses in Russia provide us with the most up-to-date methods and materials for teaching Russian as a foreign language. We combine the traditional approache to teaching Russian with the latest trends in this area. This allows us to maintain high standards of teaching Russian at the forthcoming courses and to make the studies as fruitful as possible for every single participant.
• We offer you a unique opportunity of combining learning Russian in Tallinn with visiting one of the most beautiful Russian cities, it's second capital – St Petersburg – as a study tour at the end of the course. During that trip you will have an opportunity to see the country of the language you are learning, see one of the most beautiful Russian cities with your own eyes, to learn Russian traditions and of course to improve your Russian. The tour operator arranges a special tourist programme for our students in the greatest Russian city.

First lesson

First gathering will be at Tallinn University New Building, Uus-Sadama 5, on the 15th of July at 10:00 on the 3rd floor Atrium. Please follow the signs.
Intermediate and advanced students start with a language test. Beginners start with a language class.

Participants

The course is suitable for students of Russian at all the levels, including complete beginners. It is ideal for students of political science majoring in the countries of the former Soviet Union, since it offers one of the best possibilities to compare two former Soviet countries as well as learn Russian. It is also perfect for those whose work or business is connected with Russia and the Russian language, and for anyone interested in Russian language and culture and appreciates the combination of high teaching standards with a fascinating cultural programme.

The number of classes equals 60 hours (15 days of classes, 5 ECTS). Students are expected to attend 4 lessons a day. The basic communication language is English. After successful completion of the course our students get the certificate of the Summer School.

Course fee

420 EUR. For students 390 EUR.

Course fee is not including study trip to St. Petersburg

Contact

Information about course content: Dimitri Mironov | dimitri.mironov@tlu.ee

Registration, practicalities: Birgit Kirsimägi | birgitk@tlu.ee

Register

Read also about degree studies in English at Tallinn University!