Ufa, Russia

Bashkir State Pedagogical University

Russian

Intermediate and advanced

June 8 – August 9, 2010

Dates are inclusive of travel and the pre-departure orientation in Washington, DC. Students are required to participate in the full program, including the pre-departure orientation. All travel will be arranged for participants following selection.

The CLS Program offers courses designed to develop students’ listening, reading, speaking, spoken interaction, and writing skills. Students will receive a minimum of 20 hours of formal classroom instruction. In addition, students will meet with instructors as they prepare a presentation a subject related to Russian or Bashkir culture. Students may be asked to do field research, conduct interviews, and use the library/media center to prepare their presentations. Participants will also be required to take part in organized semi-formal and informal learning activities that will promote interaction with the host community and culture. These activities will support the formal classroom instruction.

Students will also participate in a variety of cultural enrichment lectures and activities. An extended weeklong retreat will introduce students to subjects such as Russian drama, fairy tales, sports, and dance, while providing opportunities to relax and enjoy the Russian countryside.

All components of the CLS Program have been developed as part of the language acquisition process. CLS participants are required to attend all program components, including, but not limited to, language instruction (formal/informal), cultural activities, and excursions. Absences will only be excused for medical or other approved reasons.

Students will be housed with host families and will receive stipends to cover meals not included with the home stay.

More than 13,000 full- and part-time students take classes at Bashkir State Pedagogical University (BSPU). The university has nine academic buildings, 97 classrooms and laboratories, a gym with a swimming pool and fitness center, a library, an Internet Center, and a culture/art center. Graduates go on to become university professors, teachers, artists, translators, economics, biologists, ecologists, lawyers, designers, travel agents, and more.

Ufa, one of the largest cities in Russia, is the administrative, political, economic, scientific, and cultural center of the Bashkir Republic. The city has a population of more than 1 million and is home to ethnic Russians, Tatars, Bashkirs, and other minorities.

For more information about Bashkir State Pedagogical University, please visit: http://www.bspu.ru/ (Russian only)