Wheaton in Russia
Wheaton's affiliation with Middlebury College
Profile: Through its affiliation with Middlebury College international schools, Wheaton offers students three unique opportunities to immerse themselves in the study of Russian language and culture. The programs, which are located in Moscow, Irkutsk and Yaroslav, afford students the opportunity to engage in university studies and community life, thus encouraging linguistic and cultural integration. Students are able to learn about the political and social development and history of this culturally diverse nation, which has figured so prominently in world and U.S. history. An important part of this learning comes from the homestay experience. Students also are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, sports, performing arts or become volunteers in a range of community service organizations. Russian-language internship opportunities are available at all three sites, to qualified students.
Location: Moscow (9,000,000), Irkutsk (500,000) and Yaroslav (650,000) are three major cities and cultural centers. Each has its own distinct character and significance in Russian history. Moscow, as the capital, is the center of Russian cultural and political life. The Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil's are the images most associated with this large cosmopolitan city. Moscow, like other parts of Russia, continues to undergo enormous growth and transition, which will challenge students seeking an urban setting. Irkutsk is located in the south central province of Siberia. Its proximity to Lake Baikal, the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake, makes it a location which attracts naturalists and scientists to explore the unique flora and fauna found here. Like Moscow, Yaroslav is located in the western region. Yaroslav is an ancient city with a rich history and artistic tradition, which is reflected in its architecture, many theaters and museums. It is a university city with a lively social scene. A Middlebury Resident Director is at all three locations, providing students with guidance in all aspects of study abroad in Russia.
Duration: Academic Year, Fall, or Spring semesters
Program dates:
Academic Year 2007-2008: Approximately late August to Mid May
Fall Semester 2007: Late August to mid-December (Mid January for university courses)
Spring Semester 2008: Late January to late May (Mid June for university courses)
Courses & credit: Five courses, totaling 15 to 16 semester hours of credit, will earn 4.0 Wheaton credits. The courses are selected from Russian linguistics, culture & civilization, and Spetkursy Seminar (Students choose from literature, history, or politics.)
View database of approved courses for this program:
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Admission requirements: Four semesters of college-level Russian to the intermediate level. Evaluation of applicants' language skills is an important part of the application process. GPA: 3.0 in Russian Language and Studies, with a 2.85 cumulative GPA.
Housing & board: Students stay with Russian homestay families and receive partial board (2 meals per weekday and 3 on weekends).
Fees: Wheaton Comprehensive Fees. Expenses covered include tuition, room & board (2 meals per weekday; three on weekends), round-trip airfare on overseas group flights, study abroad insurance, entry visa, program excursions,orientation, and an ISIC card.
Other Expenses: Students are responsible for passport, round-trip airfare to meet the group flight, and personal expenses.
View program budget for AY 2007-2008:
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Application: Materials are available in the Center for Global Education. Students also work closely with Wheaton faculty advisors in the Russian Department.
Deadlines: Academic Year 2008-2009/Fall 2008: March 3, 2008
For Spring 2008: October 1, 2007
Contact: Naemi McPherson in the Center for Global Education, ext. 4950.
Web links:
Program Information
Housing Information
Course Information
Courses of study:
All courses are taught in Russian. Students enroll in required Russian Language courses, determined by an evaluation of each student's level of language proficiency.
The normal course load is five courses, with four Core courses selected from:
Advanced Russian Grammar
Speech Practice
Phonetics
Russian Culture & Civilization
Plus one additional Russian Studies course, or Spetkursy Seminar:
Spetkursy seminars are offered in arts, humanities and social science subjects related to the host city and region. Sample courses are listed in program materials or may be found at the Program website.
Students enrolling for the Academic Year, with demonstrated language proficiency at the advanced level, may enroll directly in courses offered at the following Russian universities:
Russian State University of Humanities in Moscow
Irkutsk State University
Yaroslavl State University
All Second Semester Students are expected to enroll in one mainstream university course.
Academic credit for language internships must be approved by appropriate Wheaton faculty.
Program details are subject to change at the discretion of Wheaton's Center for Global Education.