In conjunction with the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, George Fox students can participate in the Russian Studies Program (RSP). This program is unique in that it draws on the resources of three Russian cities. Students spend 10 days in Moscow, 12 weeks in Nizhni Novgorod, and 10 days in St. Petersburg studying the history, culture, religion, politics, language, and current events of Russia.
Course content
In addition to 12 hours a week of Russian language instruction, students study "Russian history and culture" and "Postcommunist Russia in transition." Lectures are combined with excursions to significant sites, and guest speakers expose students to a diversity of perspectives on Russian history and culture. Six weeks in Nizhni Novgorod are spent living with Russian families.
Service Project
Students engage in a 50-hour service component with various local community projects, church
organizations, businesses, or schools during their time in Nizhni Novgorod.
Application Deadlines
The student must fill out two applications: a George Fox off-campus application form (available from the registrar's office) and a Russian Studies Program application (to be completed online at https://bestsemester.com/applications/students). An application fee must accompany your application. (Note: Actual program deadlines will differ.)
Eligibility
RSP students generally are juniors or seniors with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Credits
Because students remain enrolled in their home institutions while participating in the RSP, academic credit is awarded by the student's home institution. Recommended credits: Russian Language 6; History and Sociology of Religion 3; Russian Peoples, Culture & Literature 4; Russia in Transition 3.
Housing
Students are housed in a dormitory at Nizhni Novgorod State University during the first six weeks in the city and have the unique opportunity to live with Russian Christian families during the remaining six weeks.
Costs
The student pays George Fox's standard tuition and room and board rates and continues to receive university financial aid. Costs typically cover travel from the point of departure from the U.S. to Russia, tuition, and room and board expenses. The student will cover the cost of textbooks and other educational materials, miscellaneous expenses, travel to and from the departure point from the U.S., and personal travel while in Russia.
