Focus on Russia

  Russia

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Dates: inquire for specific dates

Description: Ask someone about Russia, and many people will talk about a cold, snowy place. It's your time to change that way of thinking. Russia is a vast country; it covers one-eighth of the world's surface and extends across 11 time zones. Rich in natural beauty, the country changes from steppes to mountains, deserts to tundra, grassy meadows to mighty rivers. Its cities offer some of the finest museums on earth, as well as world-class ballet, opera, theatre, and music. Family life is very important in Russia, and your home will probably include extended family members who will be happy to support you. You will also find a whole new cuisine, with many dishes based around pork, noodles, chicken, potatoes, cabbage, rice, and soups such as borscht (beet soup) and shchi (cabbage soup). Study abroad in Russia and experience family, school, and community life in this exciting and intriguing country!

Highlights: The school year runs from September through May, with three short vacations between the terms. June is reserved for examinations. Required subjects include Russian literature, math, history, politics, psychology, foreign languages, sciences, art, music, and physical education. Schools sometimes offer extracurricular opportunities in dance, voice, music, or sports, and volunteers arrange cultural and social events. AFS Participants will attend an orientation and language camp. Students may also have the option to participate in one- or two-week exchanges to different regions of the country. AFS Russia gives a wonderful extra opportunity to see different regions from North to South through international camps for AFS Students and Russian teenagers.

Cost in US$: $8,900 - $9,900

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview Required
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

AFS Intercultural Programs's Mission Statement: AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. AFS Intercultural Programs is a leader in intercultural learning and offers international exchange programs in over 50 countries around the world through independent, not-for-profit AFS organizations, each with a network of volunteers, a professionally staffed office, and headed up by a volunteer board.

Year Founded: 1947