Usually when our students come we offer them a huge cultural program! When they get an invitation to go to the art gallery "Puppet's House they seem to be surprised! So! The gallery offers an exhibition of Tatiana Kalinina's puppets, which is called “Karelian Spirits”. According to the popular legend, spirits (of houses, of barns, of courtyards, thresh-barns, banyas) were Adam's illegitimate children who hid them from God. In order to punish them God forbid them to appear in the daylight, so they became actually invisible and showed up in the night time. This provoked the negative attitude towards these creatures, based on the human fear.

The message of the exhibition is to change the situation. Relations between spirits and human beings are like a game with certain rules. When people don't break the rules nothing bad happens. But if they cross the line they are severely punished. Don't be afraid of spirits; learn to get along with them!

Yesterday our first winter student Steve Cantellow’s got his certificate! He’s graduated from Basic Level and has accomplished very good knowledge! Steve gave us a promise to comeback! We are waiting for you, Steve, in summer!  You’ll have a great chance to estimate the beauty of summer in Karelia!

Now we have 4 students in our Russian Language School! Every day they are having lessons in the morning and are having entertainment in the evening! As our Russian Volunteers say guys prefer going to different clubs: dancing, karaoke or billiard. Tomorrow they have Mafia party!  Have you ever heard about this game?! Here you can find the rules! 

Did you know that today in Russia all students celebrate their professional holiday – Students Day!  On the January 25, 1755 Queen Elizabeth II signed a decree founding the University of Moscow. This date fell on the Day of St. Tatiana, and now all the students of Russia consider it their holiday. Usually students have rave-up this day, they go to clubs.

Dear friends! Have you heard already about our Scholarships?! We want you to pay attention to this great opportunity to Learn Russian for Free!  For many people, the chance to visit a country they've always wanted to see and study there FOR FREE would be a dream come true. "Enjoy Russian" is offering SCHOLARSHIPS, covering all tuition fees, this summer to the most motivated applicants seeking to join us here in Petrozavodsk on one of our Russian Language Courses. The lucky student who wins the scholarship will be able to study in either July or August 2013. For more info please link  !

Scholarship for learning Russian in Russia!!!

For many people, the chance to visit a country they've always wanted to see and study there FOR FREE would be a dream come true. "Enjoy Russian" is offering SCHOLARSHIPS, covering all tuition fees, this summer to the most motivated applicants seeking to join us here in Petrozavodsk on one of our Russian Language Courses. The lucky student who wins the scholarship will be able to study with us on one of our courses in either July or August 2013.

 

What do you need to do to apply?

1. Fill in the application form on our website before 1st April 2013

2. Find “a piece of Russia” in your home city and take a picture of it

Technical requirements:

- One photo, taken by yourself!

- Photo size should not exceed more than 1 Mb.

3. Describe your photo in Russian (5 – 10 sentences including the place and date it was taken and the main idea behind your picture).

4. Imagine and write down in 3 sentences what you are expecting from your stay in Petrozavodsk in Russian Language School” Enjoy Russian” ( your brightest expectations, impressions).

5. Send your photo, its description and your expectations by email (info@enjoyrussian.com) to our coordinator before 8th April 2013.

 

 

Who is eligible?

- Anyone who has taken 300 hours or more worth of Russian lessons (level of Russian should be equivalent to standards required at basic and first certificate levels) in their home country or abroad

- Anyone aged 18-35

- Anyone from Europe, the USA, Australia, and Canada

 

A special jury, made up of three members, will decide which candidate will receive the scholarship and the winner will be announced on our site 15th April 2013.

 

NOTE! The more creative your application is, the higher the chance you have of winning the scholarship! Good luck!

On the 19th of January The Russian Orthodox festival of Theophany, or the Baptism of Our Lord, is widely celebrated in Russia. Epiphany - a Christian festival celebrated in honor of Jesus' baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist. At baptism, according to the Gospels, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus as a white dove.

On the 19th of January and the night before Orthodox people follow the main tradition, they go bathing in some natural source of water.

So at this day usually the local rivers and lakes are full of the people wishing to commit this ritual, not minding the temperature of the air (about -25C) and of the water(+3C).

Also, many people in Russia believe that the water being picked up at Baptism Day has some sort of magic. It can be kept next 365 days without getting any smell or become rotten. So many people collect the water at that night and keep it at home, drinking it from time to time during all the year.

Girls and young women use the eve of Theophany for guessing their future husbands.

Few days ago our students were in bowling club! Guys have already managed to become friends in night club last week, so now they made a cool squady! Nicolas became our winner! Almost every his shot was striking!  And by the way on the eve Nicolas told that he’d played only once before! Can you imagine?! :)

Steve and Nick kept up with Nicolas! They took the second and the third places! Bravo, guys!!!

We hope that our students are good in cooking as well as in activities!! Because this Friday they have a National Food party! The task given is to cook any traditional meal which represents national cuisine! Our Russian volunteers are preparing Russian national meals such as Blini, Oladji, Pirogi! Such a great possibility to taste absolutely new meals!

Some days our students are free from courses! This is the time when they may stay at home with their host families, may visit museums or cinemas or clubs which are not included in Enjoy Russian school’s program!

Two days ago Nicolas decided to take pleasure in skiing! It is usually said that Karelia is a land of woods and lakes! Even here in Petrozavodsk you can find little islands of pristine wood where world-class ground for biathlon is situated with the ski trials of perfect quality! So, we hope Nicolas’s relished  the majestic winter scenery. The clear air and the endless snowy forest makes you feel healthier and happier!

On Monday we wait our new students!  Jamie and Helen from UK had already been at our school this summer!  Obviously students liked our Russian Language School Enjoy Russian!!!

If you are willing to taste National Russian meals, if you want to find new friends from all over the world, if you want to immerse yourself in Russian Culture and learn Russian Language we are waiting for you!!! Apply here ;)

Video presentation about our school! Enjoy Russian (language school).wmv

Going in for sports!

Russia is one of the most successful countries at a number of sports. Among the most played sports in Russia are football, ice hockey and basketball. Other sports widely played in Russia include bandy, team handball, weightlifting, gymnastics, boxing, wrestling, martial arts, volleyball, rugby union and skiing. All these sports have their strong supporters. In our country much attention is paid to organized sports and this shouldn't overshadow the many sporting activities which are a part of daily Russian life. 

Most Russians who grow up in the North, especially in Karelia, grow with outdoor winter sports and activities. Skating is a wide-spread activity. There are two skating rinks in the center of Petrozavodsk where you can rent skates. But don’t forget you passport and some money as a pledge!

Skiing is one of the most popular sports in wintry Karelia. According to recent estimates, about five hundred people ski regularly or occasionally. This year our government‘s managed to open world-class ground for biathlon. So now the ski trials are of perfect quality! While skiing you will be surrounded by sparkling snow caps of giant pines and firs, by the majestic winter scenery. The clear air and the endless snowy forest will make you feel healthier and happier! You can rent all the equipment.

Have you ever heard about winter kiting (kite surfing)?! Kiting is one of the fastest growing sports in the world today. Here in Petrozavodsk there is a great possibility to learn kiting on the lake Onega covered by ice! If you're interested in easy recreational flying fun or some serious adrenaline highs, you can use your kite for thrilling activities like skidding or body surfing. In Petrozavodsk there is a special school which helps you to master this winter activity! The instructors are the winners of many world competitions. 

Another way of spending time in Petrozavodsk in winter is going to “Gorka. It is our popular center of active rest! There you can find not only skating rink with skates in rent, mountain skiing, but also you can enjoy riding on an inflatable sledges called “Vatrushka”! It’s very fun! Every grownup will feel himself as a child! 

For those who prefer usual recreation we advise to visit swimming pool, where Finnish and Turkish saunas are proposed, different relaxing and massaging showers will make you feel better! 

Many sports club are situated in different districts of Petrozavodsk! You may choose the one you like: with an instructor or not, with sauna or with massage or with beauty shop.

Sport is very important to people of all ages. It provides not only a means to get healthier, but also provides people with fun recreation. Sport is important because it teaches children and people of all ages how to work together as a team, and it stresses the importance of team work. It also gives people a sense of competition, and teaches one another good sportsmanship.

So, dear friends, when learning Russian in our Russian Language School “Enjoy Russian” don’t forget to pay attention for sport!!!

Spring Russian Courses

“The Russian language course was flexible enough to accommodate whatever part of grammar or subject I was interested in. My Russian teacher was very patient. I learnt so much from her, and she also gave me a lot of conversation practice in Russian, which was exactly what I asked for. All the volunteers were lovely. They were so generous with their time, and were always willing to help us. I really had a great time in Russia and Petrozavodsk and hope to return soon!!!”
Jenny Gazzard, Great Britain

Karelia is beautiful in the spring. While in March it’s still possible to ski and skate, in April the first buds appear and the grass starting to grow again. Then in May come the infamous White Nights, the symbol of summer in Saint Petersburg and Petrozavodsk. Spring is a lovely time to come to study Russian at our school.

One-on-One Russian

This Russian language course is for highly motivated people seeking individual tuition in order to make fast progress in the Russian language. This course is entirely tailor-made to fit your needs. Lessons are taught by qualified Russian language teachers.

The standard course is 20 hours/ week. We recommend taking at minimum a two week Russian course, although you are welcome to stay as long as you wish. You can also choose dates which are most convenient for you.

Levels offered: beginner's to third certificate level.

One-on-One Business Russian

This individual two week intensive Russian language course is specially designed for the businessmen and women whose professional interests are connected with Russia. Qualified and professional teachers will help you succeed in learning Business Russian within a short space of time. In order to participate on this course, a basic or first level certificate in Russian is required.

The standard Business Russian course consists of 60 hours over two weeks. You can lengthen the course if you so wish and can choose dates which are most convenient for you.

Levels offered: basic to third certificate level. 

Intensive Russian in a mini-group

This program is intended for anyone who is looking for intensive Russian language training in a small group (2-4 students). Classes take place from Monday to Friday and there are 20 classes of 45 minutes each per week.

Course “Easy Russian”, Elementary Level

This Russian language course is designed for the people who have already taken a minimum of 100 hours worth of Russian lessons, or who studied Russian a couple or many years ago and want to pick it up again. Emphasis is laid on conversation on everyday themes, pronounciation, basic grammar, and understanding of simple texts (oral and written). Instructions in class are given in Russian with minimum English used to help students' understanding.

Course "Let's speak Russian", Basic Level

This intensive Russian language course is intended for people who have studied Russian for 300 hours and want to improve their Russian language skills and put them to use. 

Emphasis is laid on conversation on everyday themes, pronounciation, basic grammar, and understanding of simple texts (oral and written). Instructions in class are given in Russian with minimum English used to help students' understanding.

Course "Easy about difficult things", First Certificate Level 

This intensive Russian language course is intended for people who have studied Russian for 900 hours and want to improve their Russian language skills and put them to use. Emphasis is laid on improving listening and speaking skills, as well as students' knowledge of essential grammar. Instructions in class are given in Russian.

Course "About Russia and Russians in Russian", Second Certificate Level

This intensive Russian language course is intended for people with a good proficiency in all aspects of the Russian language and who have studied Russian for 1200 hours. Emphasis is laid on enlarging specialist vocabulary, improving reading and speaking skills, understanding of radio and TV programs, films, as well students' ability to converse on different social and cultural themes and read modern and classical Russian literature. This course is ideal for students of Slavic studies.

Dates in 2013:

4th March - 15th March

1st April - 12th April

6th May - 17th May

Russian & Volunteering

This unique two month course is perfect for people who want to take a Russian language course and participate in a volunteering project. Staying with a Russian host family will improve your conversational Russian significantly, and participating in cultural activities will give you a real insight into Russia, its history, people, and traditions.

The language course lasts for one month, during which classes take place from Monday to Friday.

The volunteering project lasts for one more month after the course has ended. Volunteers work from Monday to Friday (approx. 5 hours a day). Participating in a volunteering project is the perfect way to master your Russian for free. You can choose from a variety of fields in which to volunteer:

1) Creating cultural projects - preparing and organising cultural activities aimed at acquainting Russian youth with foreign countries.

2) Working with children - acquainting children with foreign countries by means of activities such as cooking, sports, music, and computer classes.

3) Assisting in a library - scanning books and translation work.

This course is for highly motivated people seeking individual tuition in order to make fast progress in the Russian language. This course is entirely tailor-made to fit your needs. Lessons are taught by qualified Russian language teachers.

The standard course is 80 hours/4 weeks. You can take more or fewer classes a day, and can choose the dates which are most convenient for you.

Levels offered: beginner's to third certificate level.

Russian language internship

Our Russian Language Internship program is a great opportunity for organised groups of students (five people or more, al with an equal level of Russian) who want to spend 6-13 weeks in Russia.

The program includes three parts:

- Russian language course for four weeks;

- Internship for two weeks (internship is unpaid; positions are available at museums, libraries, children's clubs, travel agencies, on language courses, etc.);

- Russian homestay.

Levels offered: beginner's to third certificate level.

Special course for Slavist students

This Russian language course is specially designed for students studying Russian as their major. The course is focused on developing communicative skills. We have had a good experience hosting students of Slavisitic Studies from a variety of countries such as the USA, Ireland, Switzerland, Belgium, and Finland. We welcome both individual students and organised groups (recommended group size = six people).

Our teachers design this special course according to the group's wishes and the levels of the participants. Levels offered: basic to third certificate level. On this program we offer eight week courses. There are 20 classes of 45 minutes each per week.

Dates in 2013:

1st April – 24th May

Deadline for applying: 

2.5 months before the program starts.

How to apply?

Fill in the application form ONLINE

Send a copy of your passport by fax +7 8142 78 11 30 or e-mail info@enjoyrussian.com

Sign the contract and transfer the application fee to our account (non-refundable fee)

http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3692_spring_russian_courses/

For 7 years, Russian Language School "Enjoy Russian" has been offering study abroad, service-learning and internship programs for students from all over the world.

Happy New Year, Dear Friends!!!  

Today we begin our new working year! We hope this year will give us a lot of new acquaintances, new interesting experience, concerning our cooperation with our students! We consider the possibilities to improve our education and our cultural programs! Follow our news! We promise if apply our spring programs  you  will enjoy many exciting moments!!!

Today our first student arrived and Steve immediately began studying Russian! After his courses he’ll have an excursion around the city! The weather is fine today, it’s only -1*C. (in comparison with -25*C last week : ) ).

Next Monday new guests arrive! All together they will have an extensive cultural program, including different museums, out-door excursions, enthralling activities! Our volunteers are ready to make their rest unforgettable!

So, we are back to work now and wait for our dear guests!!!

But the holidays are still going on! On the 7^th of January our country celebrates Orthodox Christmas! Families gather together, have a family dinner, and attend a Christmas liturgy or visit relatives and friends! Christmas it’s a great chance to spend your time with the people you love!!! Take a chance!