Semester in Russia

The University of Maine at Farmington is pleased to offer intensive studies in Russian language and culture at the Komi State Pedagogical Institute (KSPI) in Syktyvkar, capitol of the Komi Autonomous Republic. Syktyvkar is located 800 miles northeast of Moscow. It has a population of 250,000 and is the industrial, administrative, and cultural center of the Republic. 

KOMI STATE PEDAGOGICAL INSTITUTE

KSPI was founded in 1931, and was the first public institution of higher education in the Komi Republic. For sixty years its primary mission has been to educate teachers for the elementary and high schools of the Republic, but its graduates have gone on to many posts, including membership in the Supreme Soviet of the USSR.

KSPI has about 3,000 students, who study in six departments: Nature and Geography; Physics and Mathematics; Elementary Education; Industrial Education; Philology; and Foreign Languages. KSPI is the republic’s premier institution for education in the English language.

KSPI’s relationship with UMF began in 1989 when UMF supported and hosted citizen exchanges between Farmington and Komi in which KSPI faculty participated as interpreters. Exchange agreements between the two institutions were signed in 1991. Faculty exchanges with UMF began in 1992 with KSPI faculty teaching UMF’s Russian courses and UMF faculty teaching English and other courses at Syktyvkar. Student exchanges in both directions began in fall of 1993.

COURSE OF STUDY

Students receive individual instruction in Russian language and culture. Emphasis will be placed on the development of reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, and students will also be introduced to Chinese Culture. Students can earn up to 16 academic credits for successful completion of all courses.  

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Students live in a dormitory in private, furnished rooms with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Meals are available in the school cafeteria, but meal prices are costly, so students typically shop and cook for themselves. Students should not expect to find the same variety of food available in the USA, but students who shop for themselves will find good food at low prices.

COSTS

Students are charged for 16 credits of UMF tuition plus fees at in-state, non-resident, or New England Regional rates, depending on their current tuition status at UMF.  Out of pocket costs include round trip air transportation to Russia, the cost of a student visa and miscellaneous personal expenses. Because there is no charge for housing or meals, Semester in Russia is one of the most affordable study abroad programs UMF offers. Round-trip ground transportation from St. Petersburg to Syktyvkar is provided by KSPI.

FINANCIAL AID

With the exception of Federal Work-Study, most regular financial aid may be applied to the cost of the Semester in Russia program; however, international student waivers do not apply. All UMF students planning to use financial aid for study abroad should meet, early, with a financial aid officer in the Financial Aid Office

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS

Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements.  A Pedinstitute faculty member will meet students in Moscow or St. Petersburg on arrival and accompany them to and from Syktyvkar.

SAFETY

Follow this link to TRAVEL TIPS FOR STUDENTS - a publication of the U.S. Department of State

HEALTH CARE

The Pedinstitute provides free health care, but medical facilities are not up to US standards. All students studying abroad through UMF are required to purchase the International Student Identification Card, which carries some limited health insurance coverage for sickness and illness, as well as medical evacuation and repatriation insurance. Students should travel with any medication they might reasonably expect to need during their stay.

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Completed applications must be received by April 15 for the fall semester and by October 15 for the spring semester.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Consult the HANDBOOK FOR ACCEPTED STUDENTS