Russian Language - Tallinn Winter School

Non-Degree / Dates: 8-26 January 2024

It is a well-established fact that the best way to learn a foreign language is to visit a country where it is spoken. Estonia is on the threshold of the Russian Federation and the school takes advantage of this proximity. Estonia’s historical connection provides students with one of the best opportunities to learn Russian in the region.

Our close ties with our neighbour allow us to take full advantage of resources from Russia – the teachers in the course are all native speakers of Russian and they all use the most up-to-date teaching materials published in Russia. Furthermore, the course offers a real opportunity for genuine communication in Russian – while at the same time offering European standards of safety and service.

This programme differs from other winter or summer schools in other countries since it offers a unique bridge to the Russian language and culture.

After a short written test, students will be divided into groups based on their initial proficiency in the Russian language. The number of groups depends on the number of participants; usually, there are 3-4 groups. Please note that participants in one group might have slightly different levels; more advanced students can ask for additional tasks.

Why this course?

Our connections with the universities and publishing houses in Russia provide us with the most up-to-date methods and materials for teaching Russian as a foreign language.
We combine the traditional approach to teaching Russian with the latest trends in this area. This allows us to make the studies as fruitful as possible for every single participant.

Teacher(s)

All the teachers are native speakers of Russian.

Timetable for language classes

From Monday to Friday
10:00 – 11:30 Language lessons
11:30 – 12:00 Coffee break
12:00 – 13:30 Language lessons

Intermediate and advanced students take a language test before the course starts. Beginners start with a language class.

NB! The timetable may vary depending on the group. On the first day of the course, all groups start at 10am.

Participants

The course is suitable for students of Russian at all the levels, including complete beginners. It is ideal for students of political science majoring in the countries of the former Soviet Union, since it offers one of the best possibilities to compare two former Soviet countries as well as learn Russian. It is also perfect for those whose work or business is connected with Russia and the Russian language, and for anyone interested in Russian language and culture and appreciates the combination of high teaching standards with a fascinating cultural programme.

The basic communication language is English.

Credit points

The number of classes equals 60 academic hours (15 days of classes, 5 ECTS). Students are expected to attend 4 lessons a day. In order to get the winter school certificate, students have to participate in at least 75% of the classes and pass an exam at the end of the course.