Special Courses

Russian for Christians (Available in Moscow only)

Russian for Christians is designed for foreigners who wish to study the Bible in Russian and discuss themes related to the life and teachings of Jesus. Students examine the most important aspects of grammar and vocabulary using the themes of the Gospels (the text of the New Testament used in studies is in modern Russian, from the publisher International Bible Society). In addition to grammar, students read excerpts from the Gospels, discuss related themes, give short presentations, translate hymns (at advanced level), listen to and retell short texts e.g., "What is Salvation", or "What does faith in God mean", etc.

An alternative variation of the 'Russian for Christians' course is also available, focusing on the Russian Orthodox faith, its traditions and history. Guided excursions to monasteries and other sacred sites of the Orthodox church can be organised as part of this option.

Goal (Option 1): To assist Christians in understanding the New Testament in Russian, and competently answer questions related to its themes Goal (Option 2): To provide new converts to the Orthodox faith with a deeper understanding of the Russian Church, its history and traditions Levels: Beginner through Advanced Typical Timetable: Tailored to student's wishes

Russian Vacation (Available in Moscow only)

This cultural-educational programme offers a unique opportunity to experience the life and culture of contemporary Russia first-hand. Apart from attending classes of Russian language and culture, participants can visit a typical Russian school, university, kindergarten, and orphanage, and thereby gain an understanding of what it really means to be Russian today. Many exciting excursions are offered as part of the programme, including a trip to New Jerusalem and one of the Golden Ring cities (Sergiev Posad or Suzdal). And in the evening, excursions to the theatre and concerts at the Moscow State Conservatory are arranged. The course includes three lectures (in English or German) about contemporary Russian authors, philosophers and economists, plus an intensive course of conversational Russian language.

The cost of a 2-week programme is $1130-1200 per person (depending on individual requirements), including 12 academic hours of Russian tuition, an excursion package, accommodation in a host family and airport transfers. Additional weeks can be arranged upon request.

Goal: To familiarize students with the culture and life of contemporary Russia, while introducing the basics of Conversational Russian or improving students' current Russian language proficiency Levels: Beginner through Intermediate Typical timetable: 12 academic hours of language tuition spread over 15 days (taught in 2-3 hr blocks) Plus 3 lectures taught in English/German on cultural themes Plus 6 excursions within Moscow and 1 day trip to a Golden Ring town Forthcoming start dates: 17 April, 1 May, 24 July

"Survival Russian" for new Moscow residents (Available in Moscow only)

This programme is designed for first time visitors to Russia who have come to live and work in Moscow. We will familiarize you with the economic, political and cultural situation in contemporary Russia, and help you to master the practical communication and behavioural skills needed in a Russian-speaking environment (in the office, on public transport, in shops and banks etc.). The course also offers guidance on cultural and everyday traditions and the peculiarities of the Russian national character, thereby facilitating personal and professional contacts with Russians. The standard course (1 week, tuition only) costs $160 per person. Discounts are available for groups of 5 and more students.

Course Goal: To help students adapt to Russian everyday life and break through the initial Russian language barrier Levels: Beginner through Intermediate Typical Timetable: 8 academic hours in total, over 1 week (a second week is possible on request)

Exam Preparation

Language Link offers an Exam Preparation course for students who wish to take a Test of Russian as a Foreign Language, otherwise known as a TORFL Certificate (or in Russian, ÒÐÊÈ). TORFL/ ÒÐÊÈ is the Russian Government's new national testing system for non-native speakers of Russian. There are certificates for various levels of language proficiency, ranging from basic (0) to native-speaker fluency (4). Levels 1 and 2 tend to be the most useful and achievable (levels 3 and 4 are generally only attempted by translators or specialists). Level 1 certifies ability to engage in professional activity in a Russian-language working environment, and Level 2 certifies an ability to communicate competently in Russian in all situations.

The Exam Preparation course focuses on acquiring the necessary skills to pass the test and obtain a certificate at the required level. Students work through practice papers for each part of the exam (Reading, Writing, Listening, Oral and Structural competence), and Language Link offers assistance in registering for the exam at one of the official testing centres. We recommend taking this course as individual lessons (it can be complemented by simultaneously attending a standard study programme to work on all aspects of language).

Course Goal: To prepare students to take and successfully pass the State Certificate examination of their chosen level. Levels: Intermediate through Advanced Typical Timetable: Tailored to student's wishes

On the Banks of the Volga and Don

This programme offers the opportunity for total immersion in Russian language and culture. It is designed for students with any level of Russian, from beginner to advanced, and can be adapted according to the group.

The programme lasts two weeks: week one is spent in Volgograd; week two in Veshenskaya, a Cossack village on the river Don.

The majority of classes take place outside the classroom, on the streets of old Tsaritsyn (as Volgograd was known before the Revolution), at the legendary Mamaev Kurgan memorial complex and the "Cossack Kuren" Museum of National Architecture and Life. Students will have the chance to sample traditional Cossack cuisine and join in activities such as folk songs and dances.

In the Cossack village of Veshenskaya, students will find out about the life and works of the great Russian writer Mikhail Sholokhov, winner of the 1965 Nobel Prize and author of novels including "Quiet Flows the Don" and "Virgin Soil Upturned". The programme rounds off with a picnic on the banks of the river Don at Swan Gully complete with shashlyk and ukha (traditional fish-soup).

Cost of the two-week programme: 700 USD (to be confirmed)

Price includes:

• Placement testing
• Tuition: 42 academic hours over 2 weeks
• Accommodation: in the centre of Volgograd with a family (half board); in a room for two in a guesthouse at Veshenskaya (food not included)
• Cultural programme: a boat trip on the Volga, visits to the Mamaev Kurgan memorial complex, the Volga Germans museum (The Old Sarepta), the museum of national architecture "Cossack Kuren" including folk songs and dances, the Battle of Stalingrad museum-panorama, Kruzhilinskaya and Karginskaya Cossack villages (including an insight into Cossack food and way of life), the Sholokhov country estate and literature exhibition, taking part in interactive games, a boat trip on the Don with a picnic at Swan Gully
• Transport: to the museum of national architecture at Ilovla, and to the Cossack villages (Veshenskaya, Karginskaya and Kruzhilinskaya)

Price doesn't include:

• Registration fee - 1500 roubles
• Transfers to and from the airport or train station in Volgograd
• Journeys on Volgograd public transport to get to Mamaev Kurgan and Sarepta - approx. 10 roubles per single journey
• Food in Veshenskaya at the Don Hotel (approx. 100 roubles per person for lunch)

Tailor-made Courses

Upon request, Language Link can tailor a course to meet your individual requirements.