Study Abroad

Semester Study Abroad Program

Studying abroad offers students a transformative experience that extends far beyond academic learning. It provides an invaluable opportunity to immerse oneself in the Slavic and Eurasian culture, fostering personal growth and global awareness. Students are exposed to diverse perspectives and ways of thinking, which can enhance their problem-solving skills and adaptability. This experience not only broadens their academic and professional horizons but also builds their confidence and independence. Additionally, studying abroad allows students to develop a global network, improve language skills, and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Our students have an opportunity to experience the Slavic and Eurasian culture firsthand through both semester-long and summer programs. The most popular destinations are Kazakhstan, Georgia, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as Latvia and Estonia.

The Russian Language semester-long program is administered by Notre Dame Global in partnership with American Councils through their RLASP program.

Program Location: Almaty Kazakhstan

Summer Study Abroad Programs

American Councils

The American Councils' Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP) offers dynamic and immersive study abroad opportunities for learning Russian in culturally rich environments across several countries. RLASP is designed to provide intensive Russian language study combined with cultural immersion through various extracurricular activities like

Locations:

• Almaty, Kazakhstan: Hosted by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.
• Tallinn, Estonia: Conducted at Tallinn University.
• Tbilisi, Georgia: Collaborates with the American Language Center Tbilisi and Tbilisi State University (summer only).
• Yerevan, Armenia: Takes place at Yerevan State University.

RLASP offers a comprehensive environment for students and professionals looking to enhance their Russian language skills while experiencing the culture and history of each unique host country.

SRAS Programs

SRAS (School of Russian and Asian Studies) offers various summer Study Abroad opportunities for students interested in learning the Russian language. These programs are designed to immerse students in the language and culture, offering rich educational experiences. Here is a brief overview of the available programs:

Locations and Programs:

• Riga, Latvia: This program offers intensive Russian language study combined with cultural excursions and activities that help students immerse themselves in the local culture and practice the language in real-world settings.
• Yerevan, Armenia: In Yerevan, students will receive Russian language instruction while experiencing the rich history and vibrant culture of Armenia.
• Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan: This program provides exposure to Central Asian culture while focusing on developing Russian language skills.
• Tbilisi, Georgia: Students can learn Russian in the charming and historic city of Tbilisi, offering a unique cultural backdrop for language acquisition.

These programs offer a comprehensive approach to learning Russian, making them ideal for students seeking to enhance their language skills while experiencing different cultures. Interested students can visit the SRAS website for more information on how to apply.

Funding Opportunities

Opportunities at Notre Dame

Summer Language Abroad (SLA) Grants for undergraduate and graduate students majoring or minoring in the College of Arts and Letters who have had at least one year of instruction in a foreign language are offered through the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC). Study programs must be at least six weeks long; maximum award is $5,500.

Opportunities Nationwide

The Critical Language Scholarship Program provides full funding, including travel expenses, for U.S. citizens to participate in intensive summer language programs in Nizhny Novgorod or Vladimir, Russia, or Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Participants will be expected to apply their critical language skills in their professional careers.

Boren Scholarships for International Study, which provide a maximum of $8000 for the summer, are available only to science, engineering, and mathematics students. This award entails a service requirement; award recipients must spend at least one year working for a government organization related to national security within three years of graduation.

The Gilman International Scholarship Program supports a limited number of summer awards for students who are receiving a Federal Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of study abroad.

Opportunities for ROTC Students

The U.S. Military and study-abroad providers advise against ROTC students studying in Russia; however, there are excellent opportunities to participate in programs located in Russian-speaking areas of the Baltic States (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan). Of the organizations noted above, American Councils hosts a program in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and the School of Russian and Asian Studies and Arizona State University have centers in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

Of special note for ROTC students is Project GO (Global Officer). This Department of Defense initiative, which aims at improving the language skills, regional expertise, and intercultural communication skills of future military officers, offers scholarships to a variety of semester and summer study-abroad programs.

“I studied in Narva, Estonia through Project GO... after that summer, I was eager to learn as much as I could about Russian culture, history, and language. I went from only thinking about Russian when I was in class or doing homework to reading Russian literature and political science articles about Russia in my free time. Studying abroad truly helped me find the passion which is now driving my career.”