The best way to learn about a country is to live in it and experience its culture first hand. To help students do this, SIUC arranges for students to participate in a Russian language program in Vladimir, established by CORA, a group of experienced teachers specializing in Russian as a Foreign Language. Each student is housed in an apartment with a Russian family. Families provide meals and help students get acquainted with Vladimir. Past participants have found the accommodations very comfortable.
Students are responsible for their own airfare and visa fee.
Personal spending money is left to individual discretion. A valid US passport is required. Although there is a rapidly changing economy as well as political instability in Russia at this time, internships , even though unconventional by US standards, remain an invaluable educational experience. They are mostly arranged through personal contacts. Study abroad in Russia is a vital source for such.