Request a custom study program proposal

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IMPORTANT ADVANTAGES

WHO MAY REQUEST A CUSTOM PROJECT

We can build a custom study project for any institutional customer with a unique set of training goals, program content requirements, preferences regarding student privacy and safety, pre-program and post-program tests, methods and materials used in the classroom, out-of-class activities, lodging, logistics, budget allocation, payment processing, etc.

HOW IT WORKS

Learn Russian in the EU designs, plans, and implements custom study projects in a dialogue with the program management on the customers’ end (a faculty member, study abroad specialist, unit CLPM, HR Development specialist).

Providing bespoke study abroad projects for institutional customers is an important part of our practice.

BESPOKE STUDY PROGRAM

We ensure preparation and delivery of a bespoke study program. We have already developed specialized modules, training materials, and even for-credit university courses on request of our partners. Our partners may take a full advantage of the knowledge and expertise available at Daugavpils University.

QUALITY ASSURANCE

During the program implementation and upon completion of the project, we discuss student feedbacks and test results with the customer’s program management. Together we plan adjustments and improvement.

Our existing custom programs have been gradually improving and evolving to follow changes in the customers’ requirements.

PROJECT FEATURES

THE PERFECT LOCATION

Daugavpils is the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO. Modern standard Russian is the language of daily communication in Daugavpils.

NO ENTRY VISA REQUIRED

Citizens of the USA, European Union, Great Britain, and many other countries need no visa to enter Latvia.

HOST FAMILY AND IMMERSION

Living with a Russian-speaking host family and full language and cultural immersion in Daugavpils will help students make a rapid progress.

TEACHING

Students work with experienced native Russian instructors and professors. We can also ensure the instructors are fluent in English.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

Including conversation practice with native Russian communication tutors is highly recommended.

SAFETY AND HEALTH

Daugavpils is very safe. We provide local insurance and help students deal with healthcare providers.

EXAMPLES OF CUSTOM PROGRAMS

Government institution

Intensive 2-4 week immersions for groups of employees. The program focused on high-level Russian communication skills development using contemporary topics, task-based high-level language activities, roundtables, debates, and interviews with professionals of different fields.

Daugavpils University professors developed advanced training materials and worked as teachers.

University

An annual two-month summer immersion program for students after 2-4 years of study. The program includes subgroups at different proficiency levels, extensive study trips and cultural activities, OPI and Flagship tests.

Command Language Program

Intensive language maintenance training and DLPT preparation course for a group of linguists. The program focused on the Russian communication and discussions of contemporary international politics and history.

Language agency

Intensive 2-week upgrade program for a group of experienced government interpreters. The program included high-level lectures and discussions on contemporary Russian language, literature, media, and society, as well as international politics and science.

what people say

Student Testimonials

see all

Carey

Carey is a doctoral student who studied in Daugavpils on a Boren Fellowship. Here he speaks about his two-semester program and compares his expectations with his experience in Daugavpils.

Maryland / USA

Christian

Christian, from Colorado, loved Daugavpils’ city festivals and concerts, as well as its food and the banya.

Colorado / USA

Jason

Jason, a military history enthusiast from United States, explored many fascinating historical sites and was welcomed by a wonderful host family, thanks to whom he significantly improved his Russian.

Sidney / Australia

Josh

Josh, from Sydney, describes Daugavpils as an excellent city for daily Russian practice as well as a unique location where many cultures mix.

Frequently Asked
Questions

  • Is Daugavpils a Russian-speaking city?

    Daugavpils is a Russian-speaking city. More, it is the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.

    At least 80% of people speak Russian as their first or bilingual language. More than 95% of people speak Russian fluently.

    In Daugavpils, Russian is the primary language of everyday communication.

  • Do you provide credit transfer?

    Yes. Daugavpils University awards European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, the standard for most European countries. ECTS credits are widely accepted by institutions around the world.

    All international students enrolled in Russian-language study abroad programs at DU, regardless their academic level and picked DU courses, are administered through the ‘Eastern European Culture and Business Relations” study program. This originates in DU internal process management. Therefore, all courses listed in the transcripts, issued by DU to students at Russian-language study abroad programs, include a reference to the “Eastern European Culture and Business Relations’ program.

    Course codes at DU are assigned without any relation to the semester or year of study.

    Please find official information on the Latvian grading system here.

  • Who is eligible for undergraduate study abroad programs?

    Anyone over the age of 18 who is studying at a university may apply to an AY/Semester study abroad program with Learn Russian in the EU.

    We highly recommend considering study abroad after reaching some strong foundation in the Russian language, e.g. Novice High ACTFL proficiency level or A1.1-A2 on the European CEFR scale.

  • Are the courses taught in Russian?

    Russian is the primary language of instruction. All language, literature, and courses are taught in Russian.

    Courses in history, political science, and area studies will be also taught in Russian. Professors will adjust the language to help students follow the explanations. English presentations and materials may be used.

    Natural Sciences/STEM instructors are English- and Russian-speaking Daugavpils University professors. The language of instruction varies from English-only to English/Russian mix and up to Russian-only, depending on the instructor and the course.

  • How the classes are organized?

    Learn Russian in the EU forms study groups exclusively from international students. Thus, your classmates will be of a similar background and with similar training objectives.

    Elective courses may be delivered in groups or in one-on-one setting. These courses are usually taught in Russian, though teachers can add English explanations when required. Many professors speak English.

  • Do you provide host family accommodation?

    Yes. Staying with Russian-speaking host families is the most popular lodging option among our students.

    We have implemented a system of selecting, vetting, instructing, and monitoring host families. They are our partners and provide valuable help in acquiring the language, traditions, and culture.

  • How can I secure my place?

    First of all, we need an application submitted through our website. Upon receiving the application, we will e-mail the student an acceptance confirmation letter.

    Then, we will open a personal student account in our IT system and send detailed instructions.
    Please see more in the Preparations timeline.

  • How long is an academic hour?

    Daugavpils University uses 45-minute academic hour. The lessons are usually run in pairs, with a short break in the middle.

  • What is the academic calendar?

    Learn Russian in the EU Fall Semester study abroad programs hosted at Daugavpils University usually begin on September 1st and run for 16 weeks.

    Spring semester study abroad programs usually begin on February 1 and run for 16 weeks.

    There are no official breaks during a semester.

  • Are university courses available in the program?

    Yes. All undergraduate courses available through Learn Russian in the EU study abroad programs, are provided by Daugavpils University (DU). This guarantees their European and worldwide recognition. DU is a member of European University Association (EUA). DU diplomas are certified by the European Commission.

    Daugavpils University, established in 1921, is the foremost academic and research institution in Eastern Latvia. Its Department of Russian and Slavic Linguistics has a long tradition of research and instruction in the Russian language and literature. The department offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs in Russian philology, pedagogy, and intercultural communication.

  • Native Russian conversation tutors

    Native Russian conversation tutors are not teachers and, as a rule, their service is a part of a teacher-led language course. Conversation tutors specialize in running communication sessions on the teacher assigned topic or scenario, and can correct the student or give a hint, when required.

  • Cancellations

    In case after the first trial session a student decides to drop the course, we refund the initial payment.

    If a student misses a scheduled class, we make no refunds.

    If a student needs to interrupt the course, the request should be e-mailed to us in advance any lesson is missed. We can negotiate the dates for continuing the remaining part of the course, but make no refunds.