Courses in Russia typically are short education program which offers individual classes in the various area of study. It is a study program in a short amount of time, ranging from 2 weeks to a year. Courses in Russia can be preparatory programs to university, from high school to bachelor, or from bachelor to master. Or it can be a summer school for international students, combining study and travel to Russia.

The fields offered are also numerous, from a general culture study to a specific. It can be a standalone program, usually targeted to enthusiasts of a specific area of study. It can also be a part of a university curriculum, in which students have choices to attend or not. Attending courses can be useful for anyone to expand knowledge, and especially in Russia, it also means an opportunity to explore an interesting country!

Here are the 6 popular courses in Russia:

1. Russian language courses

When in Rome do what Romans do. This wise word is also applicable in Russia. One of the best ways for someone to easily assimilate into Russian culture is by mastering the Russian language. Talking directly to Russians or reading a bunch of internet articles, sometimes it is not enough, especially when it comes to difficult grammar. This is why taking traditional courses in the Russian Language is recommended for whoever wants to improve his or her Russians in a short time.

Proficiency in general Russian is a basic requirement when applying to Russian Universities. This is especially for students who are planning to take a study programme taught fully in Russian. Students need to pass the TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language). This is also the reason Russian Language Courses is the first at the list of 7 popular courses in Russia.

There are a lot of courses available for students, both from government institution and private institutions. Many reputable universities offer Russian language programs, for example, Novosibirsk State University and Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Programs typically run from 2 weeks until 4 months. By the end of a course, students hopefully will have the proficiency at least an upper intermediate in Russian Language and prepared enough to pass the TORFL.

2. Business Courses

Business courses in Russia are also sought after, especially among expatriates. The courses in Business help foreign workers to assimilate better in a Russian workplace. The focus here is not just understanding or practicing the Russian Language, but also focus on Business culture in Russia. The courses about Russian business atmosphere usually involve negotiating skills, discussion, presentations, and the general business culture.

The courses also put emphasize on business writing. Students will learn and practice about how to make a formal correspondence, business letters, and business proposals. Customer relation is also one of the focus. In general, business courses prepare new workers to face any business situation once they started working in Russia.

3. Summer courses

Summer courses are a fun way to do a study exchange for a short time. Here students will discover about Russian culture and language, among other things. Universities such as Moscow’s High School of Economics, each year open classes for everyone, students or not, to learn about all things Russia. The focus is mainly on history, culture, politics, and economy. But there are also deeper specific classes to study social science or computer science.

Programs usually run from 2 to 8 weeks. Many universities throughout Russia offers summer courses to international students. This can be a good chance to explore Russian cities (check the best cities in Russia here). Summer courses are typically a part-time study, so there will be much time for students to explore the city.

4. Preparatory courses

Preparatory courses are those for international students preparing to study at a Russian university. It is especially targeted for students who choose major partly in Russian. Preparatory courses usually is a year program, on a transition period between high school and university. It’s designed for students to have a smooth transition between the two study phases.

The courses also for international students who will study masters in Russia but without a prior knowledge of studying in Russia in their bachelor education. The intensive training covers the foundations of Russian Language, education, and culture. Also, there are specified courses related to the major student choose. For example economics, technology, humanities, and engineering.

5. Science and Engineering courses

Courses specialized in Science and Engineering are also among the 6 popular courses in Russia. Students will take classes on one specific scientific fields, such as software or mining courses. There they will be educated specifically on those chosen fields, with intensive pieces of training and practice. By the end of the course, students might get a certification that would add up nicely to their resume.

Example of this kind of courses is as follow:

• Life Support for Space Systems – A courses by Siberian State Aerospace University. It’s a course about creating and operating space system in Siberia, which also gives an opportunity for students to explore in the Siberian landscape. Check how to live in Siberia here.
• Summer School on Biomedical Engineering (BME) by Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University.
• Summer school in Oil & Gas Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University

6. Art and Literature courses

These types of courses are perfect for those studying Arts and Literature in Russia. A literature course, for example, helps students to hone their writing by joining a small group session of 10-20 students. In this group, they’ll discuss generic problems and ideas that the writers were facing. They’ll help each other to solve those problems.

Like courses in Science and Engineering, courses in Art and Literature also result in certification for its students. This helps students to have additional credits for their major. Sometimes courses in university are a standalone class in which students have to take separately aside from the obligatory classes. Although not always required, additional courses will help students to expand their knowledge in a certain specific area.

7. English courses

English courses are also popular among Russian Students. As an international language, Russia requires their graduate to at least have a basic proficiency in English. Students need to pass TOEFL tests or IELTS when they apply to a certain major at university.  University graduates with good English are much preferred than graduates without one.

This is not just in Russia, but also in every other non-English speaking country in the world. In Russia, courses are available inside a university institution or offered by a separate educational entity. Programmes typically run from 2 to 6 months. Classes are separated by the language level, whether it is beginners, intermediate, or advanced.