The Russian language courses at the Russian Language Department of the Saint Petersburg Polytechnic State University are given by experienced and certified teachers of Russian as foreign language. The most actual and progressive methods are used in teaching the Russian language.

Our language institute specialises in individual attention. The more interaction between student and teacher, the better the result of the course. It has been proven that this is the best way to study Russian. Therefore, we do not operate large groups.



More than 50 years ago, when our department was constructed, this phylosophy was already applied: we have 12 small classrooms, which fit for individual lessons or groups (from 3 to 5 people).

All our Russian teachers do speak one foreign language, most english, some german or french. The teachers try their best to minimise the use of the other language. Only when really necessary (in beginners courses or when explaning gramar) the teacher will shift to the other language. For the rest, teachers will only speak Russian with you. That's how to learn Russian!

The education material which is used, are a.o. "Zhyli Byli", "Perwye Shagi", and "Poekhali".

Our courses Russian for foreigners are given on six levels (according to the official TORFL-standard). Explanation is given below. The levels indicated are the levels when starting the course:

Level 0 - "Zero" - You know words like Vodka and Perestroika but that's all. Maybe you did come to the alphabet.
Level B - "Basic Elementary" - You did once a beginner course. Know a bit of Russian. You can tell who you are, buy a bread, ask for the road.
Level 1 - "Intermediate" - You know the basic grammar, you're able to have simple conversations.
Level 2 - "Advanced" - You can read simple newspaper articles, expressing almost everything you want to say. You understand what people say to you.
Level 3 - "High" -  Complete conversations and reading is not a problem anymore. Sometimes you ask for a word you don't know and from time to time you make your grammar mistakes.
Level 4 - "Fluent" - You're fluent, maybe not satisfied about some specific elements in your knowledge. Only that could be a reason to take some lessons.

The most frequently asked question is of course "what will be my level at the end of the Russian course?". The answer of course, depends the talent, efforts during the course, homework discipline and of course it depends on the program you take. We have several programs, depending on length of stay and intensity of language courses:

Program A " Group Course"
2 weeks, 16 group lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes) 

Lessons are given in small groups (3 to 5 people). This course is cheap and ideal if you want to make friends and next to the course want to discover the city. Program A is given on the levels "Zero" and "Basic Elementary". During the low-season, the course is given every month, in summer every two weeks. Check the date and price section.

Program B "Individual Course"
2 weeks, 16 private lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes)

If you want both to see the city and an effective use of your time for the lessons. This program maximises the result of the course, but leaves time free for visiting Saint Petersburg. 

Course B, as any other individual course is given on ALL levels, from Zero to Fluently. If you have special wishes concerning the theme of the lessons, for example business russian, you can send this up to 2 weeks before the course start, and our teachers will prepare. Check the date and price section.

Program B PLUS: "Intensive Individual Course"
2 weeks, 25 private lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes)

If you come just for the language course and to get a maximum result. Please be aware that this is a heavy program. It requires a clear mind at the start of the course and full dedication during the course. Take into account that apart from the lessons, you will have to do about 3 to 4 hours homework per day.

Course B PLUS, as any other individual course is given on ALL levels, from Zero to Fluently. If you have special wishes concerning the theme of the lessons, you can send this up to 2 weeks before the course start, and our teachers will prepare. Check the date and price section.

Program C: "Group course: long stay, low intensity"
4 weeks or 10 weeks, 12 group lessons per week (1 lesson = 45 minutes)

For those who want to spend a longer time in Saint Petersburg, this course fits. The program C is interesting for those who are used to self study. Due to the relatively low amount of lessons, this program is relatively cheap. But if you want extra lessons, it is possible to extend the program.

Course C is given on ALL levels, from Zero to Fluently.

Want to come a whole semester or a whole year ?

It is possible to come for a whole year to our institute. Every year, at our institute there are 5 to 10 students which come for a semester or a whole year. Normally this are individual programs. Please inform for the possibilities at info@russian-language-course.com.

Extending your program

If you want to come longer, or to take extra Russian lessons. That's possible. Stays can be extended per week.