Location:

Irkutsk, Russia

Program Type:

Study Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Term:

Academic Year, Fall Semester, Spring Semester

Program Overview

Program Description:

Designed for students at an either an intermediate or advanced level of Russian, the Middlebury C.V. Starr School in Russia offers students a broad range of academic and cultural immersion. Through a flexible and demanding academic program, and with a variety of local contacts outside of the university, we strive to allow students maximum independence in their academic and social lives. In addition to improved Russian language ability, this level of independence allows students to develop practical survival skills for later work or study in the country.

Students take courses at the Middlebury center in Russian language, literature, culture, politics, and history, with particular focus on regional Siberian studies, while Irkutsk State University, Middlebury's host institution, offers mainstream courses in biology, geography, and geology that focus on Lake Baikal, in addition to a full range of liberal arts disciplines.

Participants in the C.V. Starr-Middlebury Schools Abroad don’t just study a language—they live it. Many of our students major in disciplines other than foreign languages, yet all bring a level of proficiency that supports their commitment to language and cultural immersion. They sign and honor the Middlebury Language Pledge because they want the greatest possible challenge in a study abroad program and an authentic experience in every respect; academic, social, and even professional. Participants take courses in most subjects with host country students, intern or engage in volunteer work, and live with a host family. Indeed, at every juncture of their time abroad, students have the chance to "live the language" and immerse themselves in the host culture.

Setting Description:

Irkutsk, is a regional cultural center with spectacular natural attributes whose winters are among the sunniest of any major city in Russia. The life and history of the city are closely tied to Lake Baikal, known as the Pearl of Siberia, the world’s deepest fresh-water lake. Endemic species, accounting for 80% of the life found in or on the lake, thrive in Lake Baikal. Students can learn about the lake’s ecology while simultane­ously benefiting from the region’s recreational opportunities. The city of 600,000 is host to multiple universities and is full of students who are active in all walks of Russian cultural life. Irkutsk boasts several theaters and museums, and the plentiful social and cultural outlets should assuage any fears about Siberian isolation. Past students have taken advantage of Irkutsk's proximity to Mongolia and China, as well as to the Russian Far East, for travel during vacations or after the conclusion of the academic program.

Cost:

Semester Tuition (includes health insurance): $13,650. Year Tuition (includes health insurance): $27,300