Program Overview

The University of Georgia is offering an exciting opportunity to college students to develop their Russian language skills and cultural competence. This unique language program offers a STARTALK curriculum that promotes and strengthens students’ understanding of Russian language and culture and connects language development with academic content via authentic written material and oral interaction in the target language.  The program strengthens speaking ability and advances reading and writing skills while integrating culture and current affairs.  

The University of Georgia STARTALK Russian Language Summer Immersion Program is designed to attract highly motivated undergraduate students who are committed to the long-term goals of extended study abroad in a Russian-speaking country and pursing global careers that require advanced and superior proficiency in Russian in professional settings. The intensive residential five-week program is based on the theme “Intensive Russian for Future Global Professionals” and is designed to foster a national pipeline of global Russian-speaking professionals critical to the U.S. competitiveness and security. The program will recruit 20 students from across the country with content-oriented curriculum organized around themes that integrate authentic Communication in all modalities, exploration of modern Russian culture, integration of disciplinary content, engagement with the Russian-speaking communities in/near Athens, and connections with students’ study abroad and global careers plans. 

This standards-based, 32-day long residential program will include 229 hour of instruction, including 104 hours of in-class instruction, 30 hours of weekend cultural activities, and 95 hours of self-directed learning activities. Those who are accepted to the 2023 immersion program are eligible for scholarships that will cover dormitory stay on the University of Georgia's Athens campus, a meal plan, excursions, and all cultural and extracurricular activities. Because this highly intensive, engaging program will include classes, lab hours, tutoring, cultural activities, excursions, and group meals, and requires a high level of commitment on each student’s part, students are discouraged from taking on any additional commitments, classes, or jobs during the program dates. Upon completion of the program, students may be eligible to receive up to 8 credit units.

Program dates 

June 1 – July 7, 2023.

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Apply now

Application due March 1, 2023.

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Contact Us

For any questions and inquiries about the University of Georgia STARTALK Russian Language Summer Immersion Program, contact the program director, Dr. Victoria Hasko, at vhasko@uga.edu or the program coordinator, Dr. Sofia Ivanova, at sivanova@uga.edu.

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Our mailing address is:

315 Aderhold Hall

110 Carlton St.

Department of Language & Literacy Education

University of Georgia

Athens, GA 30602