Job Discussion Forums

[sara.ede]

Well I realize this isn't about ESL but I figured picking the brains of a bunch of people living in Russia can't hurt.

My cousin is studying Russian on the University level in the US and is looking to spend the summer in Russia taking Russian language courses. Can anyone suggest reputable schools? Particularly ones that aren't prohibitively expensive? Geographic area isn't that important to her, reputation and cost are more so.

Sara
THANK YOU!

[zaneth]

If your cousin is self motivated it should be possible for her to come here and study on her own, especially if she already has a basic grounding in the language. I'm not and I didn't, so I've had trouble. But any decent sized Russian town will have at least a few English teachers that would probably be willing to help her. Though many teachers I've met refuse to give me formal lessons, pleading ignorance of how to teach Russian to foreigners, they would at least be available to help her out, get settled, tell her what things mean when she can't find it in the dictionary, that sort of thing.

I'm not at all suggesting that immersion is the be all and end all of language learning. But it seems to me that any school is going to see students from abroad as an income opportunity, and you'll end up paying a bit more than is necessary in this economy.

The volunteering idea sounds good. It shouldn't be difficult for her to come here, not spend much money, and get lots of Russian input and practice.

In fact, it's possible that my university would be willing to invite her and rent an apartment to her if they have one free during the summer. I'm sure some of the teachers and English students are around for the summer. I would think something similar would be possible at just about any small university.

Good luck

[sara.ede]

Thanks for the input. SHe hasn't ever left the US before and so I think she really wants the comfort of having a 'program' in place. Also, isn't it hard to just GO to Russia. I thought you had to be invited.

Sara

[bobs12]

Invitations aren't a huge problem- it's worth having a go at Zaneth's idea, getting in touch with one or two universities or colleges in smaller towns.

However, for the safety of a 'program'... she'll pay handsomely for the privilege. Zaneth's a nice guy, I've met him- why not send her off to him for the summer

Invitations again- you can buy them, or have someone issue them. Mine costs $175 for a 12-month business invitation.

One way would be to go on a low-profile English teaching placement with the likes of the *hack* *cough* Benedict School. Sorry, that just kind of stuck in my throat there... I originally came on their Russian teaching programme (sent by my university) and I was not terribly impressed. Teachers were more interested in practising English than teaching Russian...

Probably best to avoid Moscow if it's her first time away from home. St. P. is more manageable... hey, is she pretty? Send her to me, never mind Zaneth

On a more serious note though, maybe it would be better to find someone here (a teacher, maybe, or another student) who's willing to help her settle in. Finding a Russian family who would take in a foreign girl wouldn't be too difficult.

I can even ask my upstairs neighbours- they have a daughter living in England, and a younger daughter who goes there to visit. She's keen to learn English, etc. etc. I'm sure somebody at work might be interested as well.

There are lots of private teachers who advertise in the local press as giving lessons to foreigners. Maybe a good set up would be to just come and 'live', rather than confining herself to a classroom.

If I went back to studying, I'd do it that way; make a list of problems/questions as I went along, and meet a teacher two or three times a week to get them answered and explained. Best way to learn over a short period I reckon, otherwise you're limited to learning at the rate the teacher dictates. God, I wish my students would do that.

In theory, if she didn't mind sharing a room with another girl (my gorgeous Slovenian flatmate) she could probably even stay here for a month or two.

There you go- lots of disjointed ideas for you

[sara.ede]

Not quite ready to pimp out my cousin, but its good to know the option is there...

Ask around for me if you would. I'll call her tonight and see what she thinks of these ideas. She's a more nervous about travel than I am so though I think these ideas sound fabulous I have the feeling she would rather spend the money (ahh student loans) than have a strong sense of uncertainty. We shall see...every once in a while she says she isn't going to go abroad. I can't think of anything more retarded than someone studying Russian NOT going to Russia. Okay, I can think of things that are more retarded, but its up there.

[bobs12]

Hee hee, why not? There's plenty of money to be made over here

A homestay would be ideal, the only thing is that you pay $$$'s when you do that through an organisation.

The State Uni has language courses for foreigners, if she wants the pre-programmed element. The only thing is that with safety comes lack of necessity, if you know what I mean. Staying in student halls, you spend more time talking English/Pidgin English with the international students that you're bunged in with.

I'll ask a few people and see whether I can get some concrete offers.

[Communist Smurf]

If, as you say, she is willing to pay the big bucks, here is the most reputable organization I am aware of.

www.americancouncils.org/

But my best advice would be for her to visit local *American* universities and ask about their summer programs abroad. These are usually very structured and while abroad she would be studying and living with American students. This, of course, is not the ideal environment for learning the language, but it sounds like it might be best for her.

CS

[steven_gerrard]

I did my Uni year abroad in St Petes and studied Russian at the Benedict School and thought it was great. Admittedly that wasn't recently (1997) but IO have only good things to say about it. Must have changed a lot.