I'm considering a major or minor in Russian, but I'm not sure where to look. What are some universities in the U.S. with strong Russian language and culture programs? Are there any study abroad opportunities I should consider?
There are many universities in the United States with robust programs in Russian language and culture. A few notable ones include Georgetown University, Middlebury College, and Harvard University.
Georgetown University's Department of Slavic Languages is renowned for its language instruction and research in Russian and Eastern European languages. They offer both a major and minor in Russian, with a focus on gaining proficiency in the language and studying Russian literature and culture.
Middlebury College is another excellent choice for studying Russian. Their Russian program has a strong emphasis on language immersion, and they are known for their Summer Language Schools, which offer an intensive group of language courses over the summer, including Russian.
Harvard University hosts the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, providing a vast amount of resources for students studying Russian. The department offers joint concentrations, paired with other fields of study, international internships, and study abroad opportunities.
Speaking of study abroad programs, definitely consider opportunities to visit and study directly in Russia. Schools often have partnerships with Russian universities, allowing you to immerse yourself in the language and culture. Middlebury College, for example, has a program in Yaroslavl, Russia.
When looking for study abroad programs, it's best to speak directly with academic advisors or the study abroad department at your school. They can provide you with up-to-date and specific options based on your personal academic goals and needs.
Remember also to review the offerings at schools you're interested in beyond just their Russian programs. You want to make sure they have a full spectrum of majors and minors that interest you, since Russian studies can be highly complementary to a wide range of other disciplines.
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