Language and the environment are both issues of global importance. Irkutsk provides an exceptionally intensive and immersive experience to study both.
For language acquisition, homestays are available, active, and encouraged. In Irkutsk, English is less prevalent than in major cities and the slower pace of life means that strong, local, Russian-speaking connections can be made through SRAS-supported peer tutoring and through local interest groups.
Semester and summer students will enjoy an extensive included cultural program focused on Siberia's unique environment, history, and indigenous cultures. Semester students can choose further intensify their language study with individual language classes or add a course on Russia's environmental history and/or other electives.
Irkutsk is especially recommended for intermediate and advanced students looking to make a breakthrough in their language skills. Irkutsk rewards those who are active, enjoy nature, and who want to experience local life in Siberia together with the diverse people that live there.
Tuition, accommodation, pre-departure information, roundtrip airport transfers, cultural programming, travel in Central Asia as outlined, health and emergency insurance, use of a mobile telephone for duration of program, and SRAS in-country support.