Pre-College Research Abroad Program

  Russia

• Moscow: 
Moscow (Moskva)
• All Other Areas: 
Pushchino

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks

Description: This unique program at the Puschino Science Center (of the Russian Academy of Science) is designed for motivated high-school and pre-college students interested in doing research in science, medicine, math, engineering, and technology. The curriculum entirely in the English language includes intense laboratory research, weekly seminars, preparation for the Intel Science Talent Search and other contests, workshops on journal publication, as well sightseeing trips.

College credits (9) are awarded for taking the following 2 classes:
1. Independent Study: Research with Faculty (6 credits) and
2. Scientific Writing (3 credits).
Knowledge of Russian is not necessary; the entire program is conducted in English.

This Pre-College Research Abroad Program is a joint effort between the Knowledge Exchange Institute and the Russian Academy of Science, to provide research and educational opportunities to motivated high school students and graduates at one of the largest research centers in Russia. The curriculum consists of laboratory research, weekly seminars, preparation for the Intel Science Talent Search, other contests and journal publication, as well as sightseeing and cultural excursions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novgorod and/or and Serpukhov.

The Pre-College Research Abroad Program is offered during the Summer term only. The program is open to high school students and pre-college students. Transcripts are issued by an accredited university in the USA (Clark Atlanta University).

Highlights: Research: The Puschino Science Center (Russian Academy of Science) is Russia's premier research facility - consisting of 9 institutes with hundreds of laboratories and departments. The Center provides research opportunities in biomedicine, molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, environmental science, agriculture, soil science, analytic chemistry, applied mathematics, physics, astronomy, radio-astronomy, biophysics, biochemistry, permafrost, and many more fields of science. The KEI program places a strong emphasis on preparing students for the Intel Science Talent Search and other science contests, and for journal publication.

Success: Over 30 percent of past KEI students have advanced to the semifinal round of the Intel Science Talent Search, 5 percent became finalists, and over 40 percent advanced to regional finals of the International Science and Engineering Fair and Siemens-Westinghouse competition and did equally well in other contests. Fifteen past KEI students have been published in science journals in the USA, Canada, and Europe.

Excursions: The KEI program includes sightseeing and cultural excursions in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Novgorod. These three cities hold special historical, cultural and architectural significance and share the honor of serving as Russia's capital at some point in its history.

Cost in US$: $5,560

Participants Travel to Russia Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

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

Knowledge Exchange Institute (KEI)'s Mission Statement: The Knowledge Exchange Institute offers unique study and intern abroad programs for college and graduate students. KEI programs are distinguished by a large selection of major-specific, language and regional studies courses; courses taught in English (all locations); professional internships; transcripts and credit from an accredited university; extensive cultural excursions; housing; pre-departure and on-site staff and support; and attentive service and small groups of students.

Year Founded: 1997