Study Abroad
Here at RGSLL, we believe that one of the best ways to learn a language is to spend time in countries where the language is spoken. GW is fortunate enough to have partnerships with the country's leading in-country study abroad programs: the American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR) and the Council for International Educational Exchange (CIEE).
All upper-division students of Russian are encouraged to spend at least one semester studying in country. In fact, for language majors the proficiency requirement in speaking is difficult to meet without the experience of an in-country study program that lasts at least one semester. On the other hand, students are urged not to go abroad for foreign-language study before their language is ready. The point of readiness for Russian usually comes at some point after the sixth semester of study (a full three years of Russian; two years for Intensive students).
Your first step is to contact either Prof. Robin or Prof. Shatalina for language courses, or Prof. Rollberg for literature courses. They will help you to determine the program that is best suited for your needs.
After deciding on the program you want, you will need to fill out a Course Approval Form. You must receive approval for your courses BEFORE you go abroad. Also note that our advisors do not teach over the summer. It is important that you make any appointments before the end of the spring semeseter, or instead wait until the start of the fall.
Here's how study abroad credit usually transfers:
ACTR Language Semester and CIEE Language Semester:
| Course: | Transfers As: | Conditions: |
| Russian Language | SLAV 109/110 plus additional elective credit | You must reach ACTFL Intermediate High in speaking. Otherwise, no language credit. Students who study abroad before the third year probably will not achieve this goal! |
| Russian Literature | SLAV 171, 172, 173, or 174 | No credit transfer for students who have not completed third year Russian (SLAV 010). |
| Russian Civilization | SLAV 161 or 162 | No credit transfer for students who have not completed third year Russian (SLAV 010). |
| Russian Media | SLAV 101 or 102 | Depends on the content of the study abroad course. |
| Other non-language courses | See the appropriate department. For example, if you plan to take a course in Russian Microeconomics, see an advisor in the Economics Department. | |
ACTR Language Semester:
| Course: | Transfers As: | Conditions: |
| Russian Conversation: | Determined by proficiency outcome | Generally speaking, students must attain ACTFL Intermediate High for full third-year credit (SLAV 010). |
| Business Culture | SLAV 162 | Transfers as second semester of Russian Culture |
| Russian Business Press | SLAV 101 or 102 | Equivalent to GW's Russian Press courses |
| All other Russian courses | SLAV 099 | SLAV 099 is a catch-all undergraduate elective course. It may be listed multiple times. |
| Other non-language courses | See the appropriate department. For example, if you plan to take a course in Russian Microeconomics, see an advisor in the Economics Department. | |
Charles University - Prague
| Course: | Transfers As: | Conditions: |
| Czech Language | SLAV 099 | Elective credit only. Does not count as a language course towards either CCAS or ESIA requirements. |
| Czech Literature | SLAV 099 | Can count towards CCAS humanities requirement |
| Czech Culture | SLAV 099 | Can count towards CCAS humanities requirement |
| Other non-language courses | See the appropriate department. For example, if you plan to take a course in Czech Microeconomics, see an advisor in the Economics Department. | |
