advanced russian language and area studies program (rlasp)
One of the longest-running and most respected Russian language and cultural immersion programs, the Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP) combines intensive classroom instruction with a wide range of extracurricular activities, including volunteer opportunities and community service, regional field studies, conversation partners, and discussion groups with local students.
Program Features
Offered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, Tallinn, Estonia, and Yerevan, Armenia.
Available during Fall, Spring, Academic Year, and Summer (8 week) terms.
20 hours per week of intensive coursework in Russian grammar, phonetics, conversation, and cultural studies; additional coursework in the history and culture of the host country. All classes taught in Russian by expert host-institution faculty.
Russian language conversation partners for two hours per week.
Participants earn 15-16 U.S. academic credits per semester (8-10 for summer) in Russian language and regional studies through Bryn Mawr College.
Housing with carefully-selected, experienced host families who provide two meals per day.
Weekly excursions led by U.S. resident directors to local sites of historical and cultural significance, such as theatres, museums, and national parks.
Extended regional field study excursions outside the host city, led by U.S. resident directors; RLASP groups in Kazakhstan have traveled to Astana, Shymkent and/or Turkestan; RLASP groups in Estonia have traveled to Narva and/or Tartu; RLASP groups in Armenia have traveled to Lake Sevan, Dilijan, and/or Gyumri.
Comprehensive health, accident, and evacuation insurance for all participants abroad.
Financial Aid
Financial aid from American Councils is available for RLASP. Please visit our Financial Aid page to learn more about available scholarships.
Eligibility Requirements
2 semesters of college-level Russian or the equivalent
Minimum 2.7 GPA
At least 18 years old by application deadline
Application Deadlines
Summer programs: February 15
Fall and Academic Year programs: March 15
Spring programs: October 15
Interested in learning more?
Complete program information, including an online application, is available on the
Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP) website.
Check out our
Facebook and
Instagram for photos and stories from program participants!
Questions?
Contact American Councils at
outbound@americancouncils.org.
