
Russian Heritage speakers program
The Russian Heritage Speakers program addresses the unique challenges faced by students who grew up speaking Russian in the U.S. Through individualized instruction and cultural immersion activities, the program enables heritage speakers to make rapid gains in speaking, reading, writing, and listening skills.
Program Features
Offered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Tallinn, Estonia, and Yerevan, Armenia.
Available during Fall, Spring, Academic Year, and Summer (8 week) terms.
15 – 20 hours per week of intensive coursework in Russian grammar, conversation, and vocabulary.
Individualized courses in which participants actively shape their own curricula; academic year students may design an independent research project under the guidance of a faculty expert, culminating in a seminar-length paper in Russian.
Participants earn 15-16 U.S. academic credits per semester (8-10 for summer) in Russian language and regional studies through Bryn Mawr College
Housing with carefully-selected, experienced host families, who provide two meals per day.
Weekly excursions led by U.S. resident directors to local sites of historical and cultural significance, such as theatres, museums, and national parks.
Extended regional field study excursions outside the host city, led by U.S. resident directors.
Comprehensive health, accident, and evacuation insurance for all participants abroad.
Financial Aid
Financial aid from American Councils is available for the Russian Heritage Speakers program. Please visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about available scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
Participants must be heritage speakers of Russian
Minimum 2.7 GPA
At least 18 years old by application deadline
Application Deadlines
Summer programs: February 15
Fall and Academic Year programs: March 15
Spring programs: October 15
Interested in learning more?
Complete program information, including an online application, is available on the
Russian Heritage Speakers Program (HSP) website.
Check out our
Facebook and
Instagram for photos and stories from program participants.
Questions?
Contact American Councils at
outbound@americancouncils.org.