Student Opportunities
Studying another language and culture is an exercise in connection — a means of building bonds with others around the world and across campus. Students of Slavic and Eurasian at Notre Dame can engage in a variety of opportunities designed to enhance their language abilities and make meaningful connections here and beyond.
Form working on a book project with a faculty member to pursuing a yearlong independent senior thesis project, research opportunities abound. Our annual awards highlight outstanding seniors who have made significant contributions to the department or engage in exceptional scholarly
work.
Looking to enhance your resume? Consider being a peer tutor through the CSLC or pursuing an internship teaching English in Russia or another Eastern European country through external resources such as Crossroads Eurasia or the Ukrainian Catholic University. Once you’ve secured an internship or volunteer opportunity abroad, you can apply for the European Internship & Service Grant through the Nanovic Institute for European Studies.
There are also many opportunities for you to contribute to Russian studies here at home. SRAS offers many internships and other activities for university students during the academic year, while the Russian American Foundation offers cultural ambassadorships and other leadership and networking opportunities.
“Studying in the Russian program instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for the cultural traditions around the world. I learned how to explore culture, power, and history in everyday life, while sharpening skills in critical inquiry, problem solving, and public communication...Perhaps more impactful than the language skills in my career has been the analytical and evaluative skills I learned from the opportunities I had to discuss various political, social, philosophical, theological, and artistic aspects of Russian culture.”
Internships
The Meruelo Family Center for Career Development offers grants to students engaged in internships, research projects, or other experiences during the summer to cover the cost of housing, food, and transportation. Students with unpaid internships can receive up to $3,500, and paid interns are eligible for up to $1,000.
Summer Funding
Students who study one of the languages offered in our department are eligible for a Summer Language Abroad (SLA) grant administered through the Center for the Study of Languages and Cultures (CSLC). Students at the Beginning and Intermediate levels receive priority.
Students who are interested in intensive Russian language study, but who cannot go abroad for one reason or another (for instance, because they are ROTC) can receive support for Intensive Summer programs in the US, such as those offered at Middlebury or Arizona. For more information, please contact Russian DUS Prof. Tetyana Shlikhar.
Russian Club
Membership in the Russian Club is open to undergraduate and graduate students alike who are interested in all things Slavic and Eurasian — including traveling and studying abroad in Russian-speaking countries, and enjoying good Eastern European and Eurasian food and drink.
The Russian Club, along with the Notre Dame Department of German, Slavic, and Eurasian Studies, sponsors a number of social and cultural events throughout the academic year. Visit the Events page for information on upcoming events, like Slavic Tea Parties that have become a good tradition for students of Slavic and Eurasian to get together, sing songs, speak Russian, learn about the region,and find new friends. We also regularly organize trips to Chicago to see a ballet or opera, visit a museum, or just enjoy traditional food at a restaurant in the Ukrainian Village. Make sure you check our events calendar regularly.
Globally Engaged Citizens Program
Notre Dame’s Globally Engaged Citizens program rewards the learning and experiences you are already engaging in — and will stand out on your resume and show employers and graduate schools that you’re prepared to be a global citizen.
Students in any college or school can earn the certificate by taking two classes and participating in cultural activities on and off campus. You may already be well on your way to meeting the requirements.
Earn your Globally Engaged Citizens Program