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 Politics, Language,
and History
Immersive programs in the Former Soviet Union 
An essential component of U.S. national security in the post-9/11 world is the ability to engage foreign governments and peoples, especially in critical regions, to encourage reform, promote understanding, convey respect for other cultures and provide an opportunity to learn more about our country and its citizens. To do this, we must be able to communicate in other languages, a challenge for which we are unprepared.
Asst. Sec. of State Dina Powell, 2006 |
Russia, as the world's largest country and with vast energy and resource deposits, will always play an important role in world politics. Yet the US is lacking in citizens that can understand the Russian language and culture to adequately maintain our diplomacy.* With this in mind, SRAS has developed a range of programs designed to assist students overcome challenges to understanding Russia.
Courses are available for summer or regular semester. Study can be undertaken in Russian or in English. No matter what option works best for you, your studies will consist of a base of Russian language mixed with courses in history, politics, or other specific subjects.  Regular Semester Programs
Russian Studies Semester is a full range of upper-division classes taught in English. Designed for international studies majors, this Moscow-based program is customizable to focus on contemporary politics. Combined with optional post-semester travel packages to Russia's near abroad or Siberia, and with assisted credit transfer, Russian Studies Semester offers a truly exciting and holistic experience. MGIMO is Russia's top school for political studies. The visiting scholar program allows a semester or year's study there in Russian or English, combined with language study specialized in terminology for advanced speakers. Most importantly, at MGIMO you will be learning politics with those students who will later be practicing politics in Russia. Bordertalk: Sino-Russian Relations is set in Irkutsk to help maximize students' exposure to the confluence of Russian and Chinese cultures, economies, and policies. Students also have the option of studying Chinese and even traveling to China as a post-semester module. 
I got a constant immersion in the Russian language… and the chance to make friendships with a lot of students from Russia and the former Soviet Union. I also got the chance to live with Russian families, learn a lot about Russian society and see the country's transformation up close. Brian Carlson, MGIMO Student, 2005 |
Summer Program Russian Civilization Summer introduces students to Russian studies in  history, literature, music, and art. We recommend taking this course early in your educational career and later combining it with one of the longer and more directed courses above. Flexible Schedule Russian as a Second Language (RSL) is designed cover nearly any need our other courses don't. With a flexible study schedule, it's easy to add independent study, subject courses, or internships to a base of language study. Just let us know well in advance – nearly anything is possible if given a reasonable time frame and budget! This option also gives university affiliation, a requirement of many grants. Need financing? Can student research be published? Writing a paper?
SRAS offers more!
Looking for an internship? Need a custom program? Educator? *The National Security Language Initiative indicates this fact within its legislation. Beginning in 2007, money from the initiative will be available for Russian studies programs (including those taken abroad). Other funding options are available, including a new grant program from the School of Russian and Asian Studies.
American society, much as it did fifty years ago, must understand that it is a compelling national interest for us to increase our knowledge and understanding of the rest of the world if we are not only to win the current war, but also to continue to be the main bastion of democratic order in the world and provide for the general prosperity.
- Dr. Stephen Blank, Research Professor of National Security Affairs, U.S. Army War College, 2006. Find more quotes like this
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