Study Abroad in St. Petersburg: Beyond the Classroom

Study and socialize at the Russian Language Center, one mile away from the main University campus. The center organizes a wide range of cultural and social events throughout the semester. There are numerous opportunities to make excursions into the city and surrounding environment. You will receive a monthly transportation pass for free travel on the metro, bus and tram in the city.

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Russian culture, a wealth of cultural activities and excursions are included in your program fee.

The Resident Director organizes a variety of activities around St. Petersburg which may include:

  • City Tour by private bus including stops for photographs at the most prominent sights: these may include Peter and Paul Fortress, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Aurora Battle Cruiser, Neva Embankment with view of the Hermitage, Smolny Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Savior on Spilled Blood.
  • Visits to:
    • Russian, Dostoevsky, Political History and Hermitage museums
    • Yusupov Palace
  • Classical concert at Philharmonic Hall
  • Opera at Mussorgsky Theater
  • Party with Russian students
  • Tour of the Baltika Beer Brewery
  • Russian film, Chekhov play
  • Siege of Leningrad Tour
  • Ice skating and hockey match
  • Group dinner at a restaurant

There are also many included day trips to areas in the vicinity. These often include:

  • Peterhof – Located on the Gulf of Finland, Peterhof or Petrodvorets was the summer residence of the Tsars. Famous for its fountains, magnificent palaces and gardens, Peterhof is one of the most treasured of St. Petersburg’s environs.
  • Catherine Palace at Pushkin – Marvel at the gold which decorates the interiors of the palace as well as the recently opened world-renowned Amber Room, restored to copies of the original which disappeared during World War II.
  • Novgorod – Visit the very heart of ancient Russia. Enjoy the fairytale like feel of Novgorod’s Kremlin and chapels and wonder at the interiors of St. Sophia Cathedral, the oldest on the territory of the Russian Federation.
  • Pavlovsk – After a tour of the palace given to Paul I by his mother Catherine the Great, enjoy a long walk in one of Europe’s largest parks. Relive your childhood, in the fall semester, by kicking through the beautiful golden leaves or in the spring semester, by joining the children sledding!

 

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