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CIEE: St. Petersburg (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Johnna Weston Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Russian Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 - 4 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Program Specific Scholarships: CIEE-PSU Scholarship
Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Art History, Communications, Film Studies, History, Literature, Political Science, Russian, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Program Description:
This program will not run in fall 2021, but hopes to resume operation for 2022. Please contact CIEE or check back on this page for information about future participation on this program. Due to COVID-19 regulations, all education abroad programs have been cancelled through spring of 2021. Though the University has hopes to resume programming and travel for summer 2021, future travel is subject to University approval, dates are subject to change, and programming may be altered or cancelled due to changing circumstances.

Overview

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.50 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 
  • Students interested in the Russian Language program track should have 4 semesters of college-level Russian (or equivalent)

Program Description 

Students will choose from one of two program tracks on the CIEE St. Petersburg program:

Russian Area Studies 

(0-4 semesters of Russian language required)

Students with 0-4 semesters of Russian are invited to immerse themselves in Russian history, culture, politics, language study, and university life at CIEE St. Petersburg. Select coursework across a range of academic areas, in English, along with Russian language classes matched to your skill level. Integrate yourself into the local community through volunteer work. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

No Russian language experience is required for this culturally immersive program in St. Petersburg. Students are placed in language courses that match their skill level and select additional coursework in Russian history, culture, politics, civilization, and cinema at CIEE St. Petersburg. Students are placed in language class based on testing at the beginning of the program. Students who have completed at least one Russian class beyond intermediate should consider our Russian Language program. As students gain proficiency, they are encouraged to use their skills in school, at home, and on the streets. Students are expected to speak Russian at the CIEE site. CIEE staff offers tutoring by experienced instructors to help students review challenging grammar or classwork.

Russian Language

(4 semesters of Russian language required)

The CIEE St. Petersburgh Russian Language program track is designed for students who want to increase their command of the Russian language and includes rigorous language coursework, choice of electives at St. Petersburg State, and excursions and field trips in the city and beyond. A lecture series adds further cultural color, with topics ranging from Russian rock to Soviet space dogs.

Students interested in this program track should have 4 semesters of college-level Russian (or equivalent). Students agree to speak only Russian. Students take the ACTFL oral proficiency interview at the start and end of each semester and receive a score to help gauge progress. CIEE staff offers tutoring by experienced instructors to help students review challenging grammar or classwork.

Dates

Academic Year: late August - mid May
Fall: late August - mid December
Spring: early February - mid May

Refer to CIEE's website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

Peter the Great’s vision of St. Petersburg as a “Window to the West” was captured by French and Italian architects with golden palaces, pastel-colored mansions, and landscaped parks, gardens, and canals. With World War II and Stalinist repression in its rearview mirror, St. Petersburg is the cultural capital and most westernized city of Russia, and easy to navigate by foot and public transportation. The city’s many nicknames include City of the Tsars, City of Three Revolutions, and Venice of the North, but we’re quite sure you’ll call it simply fabulous.

Russian Area Studies Program

CIEE students will study at the Higher School of Economics (HSE) campus located at Naberezhnaya Kanala Griboevdova 123 in central St. Petersburg, behind the stunning St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral. 

Russian Language Program

St. Petersburg State University, founded in the 18th century, is one of Russia’s leading institutions of higher education. The campus has expanded from its original site on the Neva River, and now includes more than 400 buildings around the city center and beyond. CIEE students attend class at the stunning Smolny campus, where the renowned school for noble ladies was found in 1764. It’s in a quiet neighborhood on the east side of downtown St. Petersburg. All courses are taught by faculty from St. Petersburg State University.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Global Programs website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Art History, Communications, Film Studies, History, Literature, Political Science, Russian, Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Course Listings

To find a list of courses for each CIEE St. Petersburg program track, click on the link(s) below and follow the instructions on the website under "Academics": To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the CIEE websites linked above before choosing a program.

Course Selection

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with CIEE

Program-specific Course Information

Russian Area Studies
  • Students take five courses per semester: 
    • 2 Russian language courses – grammar and conversation – at the elementary or intermediate level (4 credits per course)
    • 3 area studies courses taught in English (3 credits per course)
Russian Language
  • Students take five courses per semester:
    • 3 Russian language courses – grammar, phonetics, and conversation (3-4 credits per course)
    • 2 elective courses taught in Russian (3 credits per course)

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a total number of 17 credits on each program track
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Global Programs website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A  A
A-  A-
B+  B+
B  B
B-  B-
C+  C+
C  C
D  D
F  F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 credits  3 credits 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Homestays
  • Live with a Russian-speaking family and immerse yourself in the local language and culture. Each student has their own room in the family's private apartment.
Hostels
  • A limited number of single rooms are available at a downtown hostel, 30 minutes by bus to the CIEE Study Center, and 5 minutes on foot to Nevskiy Prospekt.

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions. 

Meals

Homestays
  • Homestay families provide breakfast and lunch on weekdays, and three meals on weekends. Students must buy lunch on weekdays - the university cafeteria has reasonable prices.
Hostels
  • Students are responsible for all meals.

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Global Programs. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Program-specific Scholarships

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of CIEE's website.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Global Program Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Global Programs website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Global Penn State website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Global Penn State website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Global Programs website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Global Penn State website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Global Programs Events Calendar and follow us on social media!


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Academic Year 2020-2021 03/01/2020
03/12/2020 TBA TBA
Fall 2020 03/01/2020
03/12/2020 TBA TBA
Spring 2022 05/01/2021 06/04/2021 TBA TBA

Indicates that deadline has passed