Overview

The program is comprised of three main phases, completed in both the United States and in Russia.  Students may enter the program at any time, provided they have met the requirements of the previous phase. Students work with an advisor on an individualized study plan to map out their plan for achieving the goal of a Superior level of proficiency in Russian. The length of time that it takes students to complete the program depends on their background and preparation, as well as their commitment to the program. Motivated and hard-working students with no prior knowledge of Russian can complete the program in 5 years.

Admitted students sign an acceptance form to indicate that they understand the program's requirements and commit to working to the best of their ability to achieve a Superior level of proficiency in Russian.

Phase 1:  Foundation in Russian: 1st – 4th year Russian or the equivalent. Courses are offered during the academic year and over the summer at UW-Madison or abroad. Intensive 1st, 2nd and 3rd year Russian Flagship are offered at UW-Madison during the summer.  Students may take summer courses through other U.S. summer intensive programs such as the Russian Language Institute at Bryn Mawr College; Kathryn Wasserman Davis School of Russian  at Middlebury College; Summer Workshop for Slavic and East European Languages at Indiana University; and the Center for Language Studies, Beloit College. Language Flagship Scholarships may available for summer study at Russian Flagship Centers in the United States and in Russia.

In addition to 1st-4th year Russian language courses, Russian Flagship students in Phase 1 participate in small-group or individualized tutorials, as well as in extensive co- and extra-curricular activities. Students are strongly encouraged to live in the Русский дом/Russian House in the International Learning Community.

A great way to start! Incoming freshmen are encouraged to enroll in a  First Year Interest Group (FIG)  entitled Russian Politics and Culture in Fall 2012, led by Professor Yoshiko Herrera, Department of Political Science.  Courses in this FIG will include Political Science 100: Freshman Topics Seminar (with a focus on Russian politics and culture),  Literature in Translation 201: Survey of 19th Century Russian Literature in Translation I, and Slavic 101: First Semester Russian (or appropriate level).   See the full description>

Phase 2:  Advanced Coursework in Russian: Required courses are intended to help students reach the minimum of Advanced Low proficiency required for study in St. Petersburg on the academic year Overseas Russian Flagship Program, and to undertake research in Russian in their major field of study.  Required courses are:

• Slavic 433: History of Russian Culture (3 cr.)
• Slavic 434: Contemporary Russian Culture (3 cr.)
• One of the following courses:  1) a research seminar in Russian (3 cr.); Slavic 560: Capstone Seminar in Russian Literature and Culture (3 cr.); or 3) Slavic 705: Special Topics in Russian Language/Linguistics
• Elective area studies courses, or courses in the student’s major field of study, with a Russian language component (3 cr.). 

Students who need additional preparation to reach the Advanced Low level of proficiency may enroll in Slavic 705: Special Topics in Russian I (3 cr.) or Slavic 705: Special Topics in Russian II (3 cr.).

Russian Flagship students in Phase 2 continue to participate in small-group and individualized tutorials, as well as in extensive co- and extra-curricular activities, including living in the Russian House/Русский дом in the International Learning Community.

Important! At some point before Phase 3, to be eligible to apply for the Overseas Russian Flagship Program, students must participate in a 6-week (minimum) study abroad program in Russia at the secondary level or beyond.  

Phase 3: Overseas Russian Flagship Program: Students who have met proficiency requirements and have prior study abroad experience in Russia are eligible to apply for the Overseas Russian Flagship Program, the culminating experience of the Russian Flagship Program. This rigorous program of study at Saint Petersburg University, administered by the American Councils for International Education, provides professional language training and development, homestays, internships, and direct enrollment at St. Petersburg State University.The goal of students on the Overseas Russian Flagship Program is to achieve a Superior level of proficiency in Russian.