In Riga, Latvia, an intensive and supportive environment for Russian language study is paired with the option of a home stay to provide you with an
immersive language and cultural experience. Out-of-classroom experiences as well as special lectures and workshops will give you ample opportunity to use the Russian language while introducing you to local
Latvian identity, history, and current issues in Latvia today.
Riga has long been a popular vacation spot for its surrounding rich forests, white sand beaches, and rich architectural heritage. Although the city feels very European, prices are much lower than in the rest of Europe, and Russian is still used in daily life on the streets. Riga is an excellent place to practice your language and to further explore the fascinating Baltic countries.
All SRAS Russian as a Second Language programs aim to immerse you in the language with a combination of classroom hours, workshops, and other out-of-classroom experiences.
RUSS 101-102/201-202/301-302-303/401 Russian Language Study
Small, intensive classes focus on reading, writing, grammar, speaking, and comprehension for 20 hours per week.
Semester (16 weeks): 16 credits
Contact us for course syllabi.
Workshops and Excursion Program
The SRAS cultural program in Riga is designed to give you a wide introduction to your city and to Latvia as a whole. The topics of Latvian language, identity, culture, and history will be woven into a robust excursion program. Some of the place we will visit include:
- Jurmala (day trip)
- Sigulda and Gauja National Park (day trip)
- Maskavas Forštate (Moscow District) and the Jewish Ghetto
- Walking tour of the art nouveau architectural works of Mikhail Eisenstein
- Visit to the Museum of the Occupation of Latvia
- Cooking masterclass
- Semester-only: weekend trip to Vilnius
We will additionally focus on Latvia today, inviting guest speakers who represent and can speak toward the changing demographics, the new population of Russians (independent media, academics, artists and others), relations with Russia, and more.
Housing and Location
--HousingIn Riga the default housing option is shared apartment.
You also have the option to stay with a host family, which includes two meals per day. The additional cost of home stay is as follows:
Semester (16 weeks): $1240
Homestays are 10-50 minutes away from classes by public transport. Homestays in Riga vary, sometimes housing you with a family and sometimes with a single, older person. In all cases, however, your host(s) will be experienced and ready to include you in conversations and daily life. Home stays are a phenomenal way to boost your Russian language and immerse yourself in the local culture.
--Partner School
Liden & Denz is an award-winning private language school, founded in 1992. Liden & Denz teaches language based on the communicative approach, combining the learning of common phrases from everyday situations with a thorough and systematic approach to grammar.
--Location
Riga has long been a popular regional vacation spot. Formerly ruled by Germans, Poles, Swedes, and Russians, traces of the city's long and complex history can be seen in its modern streets and museums. Latvia is an outward looking country with friendly and social locals. The capital Riga is a very attractive destination close to the sandy beaches of Jurmala with plenty of things to do and to see. Latvia is a member state of the EU and NATO and forms part of Schengen and the Euro zone.
