The next application deadline is Mar 1, 2026
See other program dates

Semester Program Opportunities

  1. Middlebury in Kazakhstan: While their School in Russia is on pause, students of Russian have the chance to study in Astana, Kazakhstan, where Russian is an official language. To participate in the program, you must have completed 4 semesters of college-level Russian language (2nd Year; Intermediate). To request more information about the program, please fill out the inquiry form.
  2. Advanced Russian Language and Area Studies Program (RLASP): One of the longest-running and most respected Russian language and cultural immersion programs, RLASP combines intensive classroom instruction with a wide range of extracurricular activities. To participate in the program, you must have completed 2 semesters of college-level Russian language instruction or the equivalent. For more information, about their locations and host institutions, please visit the RLASP website here.

Summer Program Opportunities

If you would like to apply to a Summer Program Opportunity, please use the Start Your Application link on our Summer Petition page.

  1. Russian Summer Program in Tallinn: This program, facilitated by Princeton University, provides intensive language classes for students interested in studying Beginner and Intermediate Level Russian. Language courses will be conducted at Tallin University in Estonia.
  2. SRAS: Formerly known as the School of Russian and Asian Studies, SRAS offers Russian language programs for learners of all levels. Their programs are offered across countries in Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and the Baltics.
  3. Summer in Georgia: This program, ran by Yale University, features intensive language and culture courses for all levels. While on program, all students live with local Russian speaking families on the Black Sea coast of Georgia.
  4. Russian Abroad Programs: This program is available for students that are studying their 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th year of Russian. Students will learn one semester's worth of Russian study in 4 weeks, and participate in social and cultural activities in Riga, Latvia. Students must have at least 2 semesters of college-level Russian language study to be eligible to participate in this program.

Eligibility

Review eligibility to ensure that you meet all Columbia requirements to study abroad.

Review the external program webpages to understand any additional program prerequisites.

Note the program language requirements.

Application Instructions

Due to changing travel restrictions, all applicants will be handled as petitions to ensure we have the most up-to-date information. To apply, you must complete the two steps below. Deadlines vary and some applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Therefore, you should complete the steps below simultaneously:

  • To apply for Columbia SEMESTER clearance (approval) to study abroad, click on "Start Your Application" on this webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
  • To apply for Columbia SUMMER clearance (approval) to study abroad, please review the Summer Petition webpage and click on "Start Your Application" on the Summer Petition webpage. Clearance applications are approved on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this webpage.
  • To apply for program admission, complete an external application directly on the program webpage. Note that this deadline may be in advance of the Columbia clearance deadline.