Russian language study abroad programs

Learn Russian in the European Union is a provider of customized Russian-language study abroad programs for US and European universities, government institutions, and private learners.
We are based in Daugavpils, Latvia, the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.

Explore our programs

Undergraduate study abroad programs

For undergraduate students, Learn Russian in the EU offers several study abroad programs with credit transfer at Daugavpils University.
Undergraduates can register for one semester or two consecutive semesters of study, as well as for a summer or a winter program. Our semester abroad programs offer numerous elective courses, thus enabling students to customize their curriculum.

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Individual courses

Our individual one-on-one courses include grammar, comprehension, reading, speaking, vocabulary development, and other components traditional to Russian as a foreign language.

For graduate students, industry professionals, military linguists, diplomats, FAOs, and other customers with high expectations we can provide a bespoke one-on-one “dream program”. This enables further specialization, focusing on specific vocabulary, politics, international relations, literature, preparation for DLPT or OPI, and other fields.

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Custom program development

Universities, government agencies, companies, CLPMs, and other institutional customers seeking a training solution for a group of their students, linguist personnel, or employees can request a custom Russian language study program.

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Which category
best describes you?

Undergraduate student

Russian language study abroad programs Learn Russian in the European Union is a provider of customized Russian-language study abroad programs for US and European universities, government institutions, and private learners. We are based in Daugavpils, Latvia, the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union and NATO.

Graduate student

Individual learner

Diplomat, FAO, professional

Teacher of Russian

Study Abroad coordinator

Daugavpils

THE LARGEST RUSSIAN-SPEAKING CITY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

Slide 4 of 9.

Daugavpils
is the perfect location
for Russian study abroad

Learn Russian in the EU works in Daugavpils, the second largest city in Latvia and the largest Russian-speaking city in the European Union. Daugavpils is a Russian language enclave. Modern standard Russian is the language of daily communication in this city.

Daugavpils, once part of both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, has a remarkable historical legacy tied to Russian-European relations. The city provides an environment and atmosphere that is comparable to various Russian cities. Students studying in Daugavpils will develop a better understanding of Russian culture, traditions, and life

No visa is required for citizens of the United States, European Union, and many other countries.

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Student Testimonials

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Mikhail

As a Boren scholar, Mikhail attended our 6-week Summer Russian program, a “Russian Language and Political Science” semester program, and a tailored individual program. Actively pursuing his international relations track, Mikhail built an extensive contact network with local officials, Latvian parliament members, and foreign diplomats working in Latvia.

Florida, USA

Conor

Conor studied Russian on our academic year program at Daugavpils University. He thinks Daugavpils is a convenient and interesting town. He appreciates kind and welcoming people in Daugavpils.

USA, Washington

Learn Russian in the EU: Semester Abroad

You will hear from students, studying in different academic semester abroad programs at Daugavpils University. They have come from all over USA.

Wilton

Wilton, from Alaska, is on his second “Learn Russian in the EU” study abroad program in Daugavpils. Four years ago, he came for six weeks and now he is on a semester-long program.He enjoys that everyone speaks Russian in Daugavpils. Wilton also appreciates the opportunity to learn the history and explore fascinating historical sites in the region.

Alaska

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.

Students on individual programs work in one-on-one setting.
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 Program timeline in the student account.
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.

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2025 SUMMER INTENSIVE RUSSIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM, 6 weeks

Learn Russian in the EU offers an intensive summer Russian program in Daugavpils, Latvia. This program takes advantage of our experience in providing highly successful summer programs for universities, federal service academies, Project GO, and other institutional customers from the USA and Europe.

This program is focused on improving practical Russian communication skills and confidence, extending active vocabulary, and refining grammar. The in-class study is augmented with full language and culture immersion.

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2025 SUMMER RUSSIAN LANGUAGE AND AREA STUDIES PROGRAM, 5 weeks

Learn Russian in the EU offers a summer Russian language and area studies program in Daugavpils, Latvia. This program is based upon many years of our experience in providing highly successful summer programs for universities, federal service academies, Project GO, and other institutional customers from the USA and Europe.

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Study abroad program “Russian language and East European studies”

This program is aimed at majors in Slavic and East European studies, history, sociology, anthropology, and international relations.

In addition to intensive study of the Russian language, the program offers a number of elective courses in regional studies, the political system of the European Union, history, economics, law, etc. All non-language courses are conducted in adapted Russian.

The program gives 30 ECTS (15 US) credits.

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LATINSOFT SIA

Mihoelsa 56-4,
Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia

VAT LV41503001047
CAGE: A08MD

Tel. +371 65407209, +371 29544413

[email protected]

Daugavpils University

Vienibas13, Daugavpils, LV-5401, Latvia

Department of Russian and Slavic Linguistics

Vienibas13, Daugavpils, LV-5401,Latvia
Tel.+371 65424238, +371 26009079

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Russian language study abroad programs