Russian and Slavonic Studies
Undergraduate
Year Abroad
View pages in this documentWhile studying at Leeds you'll spend a year in Russia and broaden your horizons. Time in Russia is an unusual and exciting experience and will make you stand out from the crowd. Graduates report that employers value this experience.
For most students going to Russia for a year is a once in a lifetime experience that they will never forget. To get an idea of what it's like, why not read some of our students' reports?
The Year Abroad component of the undergraduate degree in Russia provides an exciting and unforgettable experience for students. This part of the course in the second year is essential not only in developing the Russian language skills acquired in the first year, but also in deepening the students' understanding of Eastern Europe, Russia and Asia. The language skills developed during the Year Abroad will be built on and taken further in the third and fourth years of the degree.
For many students this is the highlight of the course, through which they gain insights into the real Russia, broaden their mind, and make new friends. Moscow is fast becoming one of the liveliest and most vibrant cities in Europe with an exciting cultural life and ample opportunities to meet people.
Leeds has a well-established link with the Centre for International Education (TsMO) at the famous Moscow State University (MGU). The course consists of intensive language classes (five hours per day, three days a week) and optional seminars in grammar, history, media, culture and literature.Upon arrival students are placed in self-catering halls of residence, conveniently located next to the metro, not far from the centre and the university. Rooms are cheap (especially by Leeds standards) and very spacious. Every flat has a shared kitchen and bathroom and each room has a TV. Alternatively, students can move into private accommodation with a family (organised by TsMO), an option which greatly enhances the knowledge of conversational Russian. More information on self-catering halls of residence will follow shortly.
Students have set up a blog, as well as establishing the SlavSoc group on Facebook, so that they can stay in touch with Leeds life. There is also a 'Moscow Year Abroad' group which can be accessed through the University's Student Portal, which allow students from all levels to discuss aspects of living and studying in Russia during the Year Abroad.