Moscow: Diplomacy and International Relations at MGIMO

Approximately 40 English-language courses are offered each semester in economics, international relations, business, and law. Russian-language courses are more numberous. Contact us for the upcoming course list.

Courses in Russian are taken with Russian-speaking students. Courses in English are with a mix of international and Russian students. All courses are part of BA or MA degree programs at MGIMO.

To maintain full-time status at home (especially for financial aid) most students need to take at least 24 ECTS (12 US semester credits). If you are opting to not take any language, that would mean you would need to take 6-8 courses.

Optional Language Courses

LAN 101-202 Russian Language
Russian grammar and vocabulary with speaking, reading, and listening practice. Class size is small (3-8 students).
9 credits

LAN 301-402 Russian Language
Same focus and class size as 101-200, but with the opportunity to focus on professional language.
6 credits

Note: The above courses are for credit and available to you when selecting the "language" option for this program. If you do not need credit for your language study, and are simply hoping to improve your language skills, you might consider the more cost-effective option of selecting the "no language" route and arranging private tutoring at $30 per 1.5 hour session.

Cultural programming in Moscow is designed to be an intensive, hands-on, sensory introduction to the wide diversity of Russia and Eurasia. It is meant especially for those students interested in diplomacy, international relations, and modern Russian identity. Events have typically included:

1. Central Asian, Georgian, and Soviet dinner-seminars
2. Tour of the Kremlin: Behind the Red Walls
3. Masha's Dacha (cultural and culinary day trip)
4. Tour of Moscow's Cathedral Mosque
5. Socials with Locals: Mixers wtih young Russians
6. Walking Seminar: The Origins of Modern Russia
7. Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy's Historical Estate)
8. Seminar: Russian Politics and Policy
9. Tour of Red Square: Lenin's Mausoleum and St. Basil's
10. Cultural Performance (Night at the Ballet or Folk Dancing)
11. St. Petersburg (weekend trip)
12. Survival Russian (Russian language and culture in practical situations)

Other events will be held based on student interest and my include visits to NGOs, think tanks, archives, orrelated events. Visits in the past have included Memorial, Carnegie Moscow Center, PIR Center, Human Rights Watch, and others.

--Housing

You will live on the main campus of MGIMO in a twin room with another foreign student. These dormitories are about a 5-minute walk from class. You will be a 15-minute walk or 5- to 10-minute bus ride from the nearest metro station and shopping center. Campus is about a 45- to 60-minute commute total from the city center via public transport.

--Location

As Europe’s largest city, Moscow is a bustling metropolis and the heart of a new, modern Russia. Glass skyscrapers and green, outdoor spaces combine with the vibrant symbols of the past to create a constantly innovating landscape that reflects the fast-paced energy and power of the city. This is where 10% of Russia's population lives, where its domestic and foreign policies are decided, and where some 35% of its GDP is generated. To understand Russia's ambitions and potential, you must understand Moscow.

Click here to read a short history of Moscow up to the present day from GeoHistory.
Click here to read more about what our students do while in Moscow.

This program is hosted by Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO). Run by Russia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Henry Kissinger once called it the "Harvard of Russia" due to its prestigious and academically rigorous programming and because so many of Russia's political, economic, and intellectual leaders are counted among its alumni.

The transcript for this program is issued by MGIMO and reflects ECTS credits. This is generally transferable to your home institution, but you should always seek pre-approval before embarking on any study abroad program.

For more on transcripts, credit transfer, and other academic issues, click here.

This program does not allow sufficient time for internships or outside, focused research. If you are interested in such, consider staying for second semester with the Russian as a Second Language program. Volunteering on a limited schedule may be possible, but you should discuss any plans with your SRAS consultant when applying.

SRAS Challenge Grants are stackable grants that can provide up to $3,500 toward this program.

Other, non-SRAS funding sources may also be applicable to this program. SRAS provides a wide list of possible outside funding sources.

* Students who study for a full academic year in any location receive a $1000 discount applied to the second semester. For academic year students the cost breakdown for the second semester is $7,510 (no language) or 13,210 (language) for education costs; $1,200 for housing (which includes dormitory stay during the interim period between semesters), $275 for insurance (which also covers the period between semesters), and there are no associated visa costs (your visa will simply be extended to cover the second semester). For academic year students, the total cost for the second semester is $8,985 (no language) or $14,685 (language).
** Estimate is based on r.t. US East Coast departure.

For more detail on living expenses in Moscow, click here.