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CSA is an educational exchange org. and a member of:

Greater Seattle
Chamber of Commerce
NAFSA
Association of
International Educators
Member of Netcheck
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WA State License
#602-292-407
Seattle License # 188122
Russian in St. Petersburg
Russian Language Studies - 2008
$1295 - 2 weeks / $1895 - 4 weeks


The Program

Program is in St. Petersburg, one of the best places to study Russian. Everybody speaks "pure" Russian in St. Petersburg which is standard throughout the country. Situated in a classic style building, the program provides all the facilities required to study Russian - 10 modern classrooms, including audio, video, and computerized language laboratory.

Courses are provided in 6-levels, from Beginners through Advanced. Prime objective is to teach students how to communicate in Russian. Maximum class size is 12 students. Program is available from January to November. All instructors are native Speakers and all hold a university degree either in Russian as a Foreign Language or Linguistics.

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The Location

St. Petersburg is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Founded by "Peter the Great" in 1703 proclaiming it to be the "Window to the West", it is the most European city within Russia. It was here that Dostoevsky wrote his classic novels, and where Lenin started his political march to revolution. St. Petersburg's museums, such as the Hermitage - one of the greatest art collections in the world, theaters, and other tourist attractions are all within easy reach. Today, Russia is going through another historical change, and there is no better place in Russia to experience this transition, study Russian and the culture, than in St. Petersburg.

CSA arranges to have a staff person from the school meet you upon arrival into the Pulkovo airport (St. Petersburg) and escort you directly to your housing assignment. Also,if you arrive by train CSA will arrange to have a staff person meet you upon arrival.

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Courses

Russian Language - all levels: beginning, intermediate, advanced and superior. Four hours of class per day, M-F. All students are given a placement test and placed in the appropriate level. All the instructors are experienced, skilled professionals with college degrees in teaching Russian. Class size is 8-12 students maximum. Programs from January to November.

In St. Petersburg, everybody speaks "pure" Russian, which is standard throughout the country.

Elementary Level: This is a beginning level course in Russian grammar, conversation, writing, and phonetics. Meets for 20 hours per week.

Intermediate Level: This course is for those students who have mastered basic grammar, vocabulary, composition, and phonetic ability. The course enhances students ability in these areas, as well as pronunciation and written expression. Meets for 20 hours per week.

Advanced Level: This course emphasizes drills in grammar, vocabulary, extensive written compositions, including the use of commercial (business) colloquial forms, and perfecting spoken (conversation) ability. Meets for 20 hours.

Superior Advanced Level: This course emphasizes perfecting all aspects already acquired, and further developing the ability to converse and write in a more sophisticated level. Meets for 20 hours per week.

Cultural Courses: Russian Culture, Literature and History courses are available for those students who are at least in the intermediate level of Russian.

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Academic Credit

Students earn 3-4 credits per month. Thus, about 1 credit per week. 4 hours of class are taught daily, 20 hours per week.

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Financial Aid

Yes, you can use your financial aid on this program. Please have your Financial Aid office fax us a "Consortium Agreement" to complete and sign. CSA Fax # 253-850-0454. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school's financial aid on this program.
A faxed copy is acceptable: CSA Fax #253-850-0454.
The earlier the better, since it takes time to process. Overall, CSA does not offer any financial aid, we can only assist you in obtaining and using your aid from your home school on these programs

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Activities

Excursions are available. Schedule available upon arrival. Optional, and cost extra for transportation and entrance fees (museums). Small fee. Usually, 2 excursions a week are organized including theatre visits (opera, Drama, ballet), trips to the Hermitage, shopping tours, and excursions to the countryside and other cities such as Pushkin, Pavlovsk, Novgorod and Moscow. Other activities may include an evening party (vecherinka) with caviar, and Russian folk songs, and a visit to a summer"dacha" (country cottage). A schedule will be given on arrival.

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Housing

Participants live with carefully selected Russian families. Each student has a single room. Two meals are provided per day (breakfast/dinner). Bathroom is shared with the family. Cost $150 per week - includes meals. All apartments are located either in the city center or close to an underground (metro) station. There is also a small cafeteria at the school, so you can buy lunch there.

Staying in a "home" allows participants the independence and flexibility of their own schedule, as well as have the "company and warmth" of staying with a family. This also provides an ideal environment to practice speaking Russian as well as experience the Russian way of life. While living with the family, students are responsible for doing their own laundry. Also, students will need to use the subway for daily transportation. CSA applicants will receive confirmation of family arrangement before departure.

Note: Hotel stay can also be arranged. Cost: 50-$75 / day. Also, you can arrange your own housing if preferred.

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Dates and Fees

Starting Dates in 2008

May start on any Monday

2 weeks (40 hrs) $1295
3 weeks (60 hrs) $1595
4 weeks (80 hrs) $1895

Note: No more than 4 weeks at a time due to Visa reason.

Fee Includes: Full tuition, registration, orientation, housing confirmation in private homes (single room), airport or train pickup & escort, textbooks, certificate (transcript), city travel card, student guidance and support services, and Internet access, one guided city tour, and airport transfer. Airport train pick-up (escort) service included. Meals included with host family fee. Housing cost is extra - see housing section.

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Requirements

Programs are open to all adults. High school students, college students, teachers, working adults, professionals, and retired persons are all encouraged to apply. Minimum age is 18.

Passport and Visa required. May use tourist visa for short stays up to 4 weeks. CSA provides "letter of admission" to be used for your Visa Application. Must apply at the nearest Russian Consulate or contact the Consular section of the Embassy of Russia in Washington DC
http://www.russianembassy.org
Address: 1825 Phelps Pl., NW, Washington DC 20008
Phone: 202-939-8907
San Francisco: 415-202-9800.
Please review the Visa/Passport section (click here). Please inform CSA where you plan to apply for your Visa.

Plan on arriving 1-2 days prior to starting date (Mondays). Arrive on weekend. Airport/ Train pick-up service provided upon arrival. Please inform CSA your arrival information flight / train schedule. Airport/ Train pick up (escort) service included. Plan on departing on weekend after classes.

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HOLIDAYS

Jan 1, 2, 7 Feb 23 Mar 8 May 1, 2, 9 June 12 Nov 4 Dec 12

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Registration and Information

Register online. No registration fee required. Please review the "How To Register" section on the CSA website. Payments can be made by money order, cashiers check, or personal check. We will e-mail you a "Confirmation Notice" with additional information shortly after receiving your online registration form. Thank you.

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