Summer Intensive Russian Language

Tallinn, Estonia

Study Program

Select a Term...

Dates

May 19 - Jul 12, 2025

8 weeks

Costs

$8,550 See Full Breakdown

Credit

8 semester hours

12 quarter hours

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Request Information

Spend your summer improving your knowledge of the Russian language and fast-forward your skills to the next level! Designed for students at an intermediate or advanced level of Russian, the Tallinn Intensive Language program offers students an eight-week-long in-depth language training that is valued at a total of eight (8) credits.

By immersing yourself in a city where 35% of residents have Russian roots, this unique summer program offers you the chance to practice your language skills in real-life situations and understand the shared history and culture between Estonia and Russia. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong network of fellow students, local residents, and other international residents to carry into your future personal and professional endeavors. Whether you aim to work in international relations, business, language translation, or another related field, your experience living and learning in Tallinn will be highly transferrable to wherever you take your career. Open doors for yourself with a summer in Estonia!

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL UNDERGROUND BASTION PASSAGES

and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites

WALK THE ROOFLINE

of the Tallinn TV Tower

VISIT NOBLESSNER SEAFRONT QUARTER

and become familiar with Estonian sauna culture

2,222

islands in Estonia

35 %

of Tallinn citizens have Russian roots

75 %

of Estonia is covered by forests and bogs

Your Destination

Fondly named the “Gem of the Baltic,” Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and largest city. As a leader in technology and the major political, financial, cultural, and educational center of Estonia, Tallinn is full of rich culture and history that’ll captivate you as soon as you arrive. This enchanting city boasts a cozy and relaxed vibe while preserving its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), historical legacies, and rich nature. From its historic main square to its medieval architecture, Tallinn is an incredible place to live and learn abroad.

The Culture

Excursions & Activities

Tour major Estonian cities, such as Pärnu (the summer capital of Estonia) or Tartu (the City of Good Thoughts)
Visit local startups and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses
Canoe, kayak, hike, or cycle in Estonia’s pristine and unspoiled landscape
Explore Tallinn’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Europe's best-preserved towns from the Medieval Period
Network with the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses and other local startups

Program Blogs

From 51��

Top 10 Russian Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

By College Study Abroad at 51��

Russian is the second-most popular language spoken in Estonia, mainly spoken by those who live in communities that border the largest country in the world. It’s also a language that... keep reading

From 51��

Interning in Tallinn: Student's Experience

By 51�� Tallinn at 51��

This blog post comes from our Fall 2024 student, Samuel, who had the opportunity to intern at the International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS). As Estonia's leading think tank... keep reading

From 51��

Students Meet U.S. Ambassador George P. Kent at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn

By 51�� Tallinn at 51��

Insights from Ambassador George P. Kent and Public Affairs Officer Michael Snyder We had an amazing visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, where our students had the incredible opportunity... keep reading

Housing & Meals

Housing

51�� Tallinn offers diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to student residence buildings, your accommodation preferences will be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.  

Homestay: Includes a single room in a homestay with an Estonian and/or Russian-speaking host family to immerse you in the city’s language and culture. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and bathroom shared with the host family and are located within 30 minutes of the city center by public transportation.

Residence Hall: Includes a private room in a student residence building located within 5 minutes of the city center. All rooms boast a kitchen, private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, and tv, as well as bed sheets, blankets, towels, and weekly cleaning included in the fee. Students use self-service laundry facilities with other students/guests in the building.

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.

Meals

Homestays: Breakfast and dinner are provided
Hotel-Residences: Meals are not included

Hotel-Residence

Single room

Hotel-Residence

Kitchen area

Meals

Fried street food

Academics

The Intensive Russian Language Program is designed for students looking to learn or improve their Russian language skills while experiencing life in Estonia and the Baltic region.

This program gives students a strong foundation in Russian through an intensive and Russian language environment. Designed for intermediate to advanced Russian students, the program includes 2 course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and to elevate your language skills, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

Intermediate (2-3 previous semesters of college-level Russian)
Advanced (4-5 previous semesters of college-level Russian)

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for 51�� courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and 51�� staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students are required to enroll in:

Two 51�� Russian language classes (Russian Conversation and Russian Grammar) at either the Intermediate or Advanced level

Program Credit

Total Credit: 8 U.S. semester/12 quarter credits

Course Credit

51�� Courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours

Academic Culture

51�� courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Accelerated language courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, language instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ language accuracy and consistency through drills. Outside of class, students visit the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.

Class Format

To facilitate effective learning, the course can offer small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and a conducive learning environment. Classes taught at 51�� Tallinn are for 51�� students only (usually up to eight people). Classes are held Monday through Friday. The courses will be conducted by qualified and experienced instructors who are skilled in teaching Russian to non-native speakers. This ensures that students receive quality education and guidance. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

Grading

U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

Language of Instruction

Russian

Course Information

Summer 2025

Course

Language

Semester Credit

Course

Language Russian

Semester Credit 4

Course

Language Russian

Semester Credit 4

Course

Language Russian

Semester Credit 4

Course

Language Russian

Semester Credit 4

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between 51�� and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at 51��'s Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple 51�� sites.

Scholarships & Grants

51�� offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
51�� Gilman Go Global Grant
MSI Grant
51�� STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the 51�� Scholarships & Grants application within your 51�� program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with 51��, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program	Application Due	Start Date	End Date	Fees & Housing
Program Summer 2025 8 weeks	Application Due Deadline Passed	Start Date May 19, 2025	End Date July 12, 2025	Fees & Housing $8,550

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via 51��'s School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

51�� offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and 51�� iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation	$300 ^*
Educational Costs	$6,160 ^**
Housing	$1,890 ^***
Insurance	$200
Total Fees	$8,550

Financial Aid

51�� offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee	$238 ^†
International Airfare	$1,500 ^†�Ġ
Local Transportation	$30 ^†�Ġ†
Books & Supplies	$50 ^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}
Personal expenses	$160 ^{†�Ġ†�Ġ†}
Total Costs	$1,978

^*non-refundable

^**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

^***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

^†For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $335 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

^†�ĠRound-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

^†�Ġ†Public transportation Card

^{†�Ġ†�Ġ}Russian textbooks

^{†�Ġ†�Ġ†}$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

51�� iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

Evelyn Müürsepp

Center Director

Evelyn had 15 years of experience in Estonian Government before joining 51��, where she supported the launch of the 51�� Tallinn Center. Tallinn is Evelyn's hometown, and she enjoys the...

Mari Prok

Student Life Manager

Mari holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences, blending a multicultural background with over four years of hands-on experience in marketing & IT project management, event planning, and client relations.

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.