THE GREATEST SOVIET COMEDY DIRECTOR WOULD BE 95 TODAY!

If you like Soviet comedies you have definitely heard of Leonid Gaidai

He was one of the most popular Soviet comedy directors, enjoying immense popularity and broad public recognition in the former USSR and modern Russia. His movies broke theatre attendance records and are still some of the top-selling DVDs in Russia.

Here are top 5 Soviet movies directed by Leonid Gaidai that you really should see

5. ДВЕНАДЦАТЬ СТУЛЬЕВ (Twelve chairs), 1971

This brilliant movie is an adaptation of the novel, The Twelve Chairs, written by the Odessan Soviet authors Ilf and Petrov. It tells us a story about a former aristocrat Ippolit Vorobyaninov, who leads a miserable life in Soviet Russia. His mother-in-law reveals a secret to him – she hid family diamonds in one of the twelve chairs they once had. Vorobyaninov in cooperation with a young con artist Ostap Bender start a long search for the diamonds.

4. ОПЕРАЦИЯ „Ы“ И ДРУГИЕ ПРИКЛЮЧЕНИЯ ШУРИКА (Operation Y and Shurik’s Other Adventures), 1965

The movie was a hit and became the leader of Soviet film distribution in 1965. The film consists of three independent parts: “Workmate” (Напарник, Naparnik), “Déjà vu” (Наваждение, Navazhdeniye) and “Operation Y” (Операция „Ы“). The plot follows the adventures of Shurik, the naive and nerdy Soviet student who often gets into ludicrous situations but always finds a way out very neatly.

3. КАВКАЗСКАЯ ПЛЕННИЦА (The Caucasian Prisoner), 1967

Shurik is a main character of this movie too. In this eccentric comedy he goes to the Caucasus for work and meets local chief Saakhov, a man full of guile. He, with an assistance of the famous crooks Trus, Balbes and Byvaly, abducts the beautiful Nina.

2. ИВАН ВАСИЛЬЕВИЧ МЕНЯЕТ ПРОФЕССИЮ (Ivan Vasilievich Changes Professions), 1973

An eccentric comedy based on M. Bulgakov’s play “Ivan Vassilevich” about a time machine, which helps czar Ivan the Terrible get into the XXth century, and a house-manager Bunsh burglar Gorge into Old Russia.

1. БРИЛЛИАНТОВАЯ РУКА (The Diamond Arm), 1969

It’s a brilliant comedy about a modest clerk, Semyon Semyonovich, who during his tour abroad gets into the middle of a smuggling operation. He is taken for a messenger and a piece of plaster of Paris jewelry is applied on his hand to get them over the border.

Have you ever seen the Goidai’s movies, and what’s your favorite? Let us know in a comment

Don’t miss your chance to experience the Karelian summer with EnjoyRussian School! 

Outdoor lessons, quests, meetings, 
lots of international participants, 
special cultural activities: picnics, rafting, boat trips, shashliki parties, 
events: city day, republic day, open-air festivals and celebrations, 
white nights: admire Karelian beauty and learn Russian 24/7. 

All levels are available. Group courses start from: 
12-week course: 04 June 
4-week courses: 04 June, 02 July, 30 July 
2-week courses: 04 June, 18 June, 02 July,16 July, 30 July, 13 August 

Hurry up to enroll!  https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/summer/
For any questions please contact info@enjoyrusian.com 

FIVE INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT RUSSIA

Russia is a popular country among tourists. In 2017 approximately 3,3 million people visited Russia. But some people are suprised to see what they see in Russia, because unfortunately there are so many stereotypes people believe, which are not always true. Here are some facts about Russia:

1. Russia is located both in Europe and in Asia. The Asian part occupies 77% of the territory of modern Russia, and just the Asian part by itself is bigger than any other country in the world. 
2. There are not only Russians in Russia. Russia is a multinational state, which is also reflected in its constitution. More than 190 peoples live on its territory. 
3. The main religions represented in Russia are Christianity (mainly Orthodoxy, there are also Catholics and Protestants), as well as Islam and Buddhism. Tatarstan region with its beautiful capital of Kazan is an amazing mixture of Christianity and Islam, half of the people there is Muslim and another half – Orthodox.     
4.  Russian language is the same everywhere. Not like some other languages, there are no significantly different dialects (maybe just some slight changes in pronunciation of some words and some regional vocabulary), that’s why it’s a good language to learn: you can speak it in any Russian speaking country and will be understood. 
5. It’s not always cold in Russia! The average annual temperature in Sochi for example, is +14.2 °C. There is a distinct division of the year into the cold and warm seasons. In most places, including Mosow, Saint Petersburg and Petrozavodsk, there are beautiful warm springs with blossoming trees, hot summers, long rainy autumns and cold snowy winters.      

YOUR DELICIOUS RUSSIAN SUMMER

Karelian “Kalitki” Festival

On 16 of June 2018 the annual “Kalitki” Festival takes place in Karelia. What is Kalitka and how do Russians in Karelia usually spend this amazing and tasty holiday? Almost every student coming to learn Russian language in Petrozavodsk knows the answer and is familiar with the fact that Russia is a multicultural country. In this connection there are many special traditional holidays different ethnic groups in Russia celebrate year by year across the generations.

1. Russia is a multicultural country

According to the statistics there are about 186 ethnic groups in Russia. Both large and small ones (the population of ethnic groups vary from millions to 2-3 thousand) speak their own language and keep the ancestors’ traditions, beliefs and way of life. For instance the Kets of Siberia celebrate Bear holiday to honor the holy spirit of the local priests’ protector, the Bashkirs annually welcome the spring coming by celebration of Rooks’ Day, the  Mari people gather together on 12 of June to sing and dance in honor of the floral world and this Flowers’ Day goes back to ancient pagan traditions.

2. Karelian traditions’ revival

2010 population census says the number of  Karelian people in our Republic amounts to only 7% of the overall population. Therefore local government strongly supports the initiatives of Karelians to sustain their unique heritage.  Annual Kalitki Festival has been turning into the main representation of this traditional background. Kalitkia (КАЛИТКА) – is a small open-faced pie from rye flour and water dough with different fillings: berries, cottage cheese,  millet, mashed potatoes. Traditionally Karelian people were making those pies during the КОЛЯДКИ week (time after Christmas when people were singing traditional songs). Nowadays many Karelian housewives arrange the workshops to learn people make traditional pies by the ancient recipe and share the secrets with each other every June on this annual holiday. Not only KALITKI – cooking classes  attract people from the whole Republic and neighboring Finland. Guests also come to take part in traditional Karelian outdoor competitions like kyykka (game similar to skittles), to make Karelian souvenirs (pottery, rag dolls, matted wool toys), to enjoy musical and dance bands performances and compete in valenki – throwing (traditional Russian winter boots).

Certain day is not needed…

… to feel Karelian flavor and enjoy traditional pies cooking class. Enjoy Russian school students are always asked about cultural activities to spice up their stay in Russia. Almost every one chooses a kalitki-workshop with Anastsia. Guys follow the recipe and make everything by themselves, having a tea with incredible pies afterwards. You should see the masterpieces our students make! From tiny baby-pies to bigger ones in various  shapes.  Surprisingly all of them do this for the first time so quickly and light-handedly and treat  special baking tools like if they are professionals.

Professional intensive individual Russian course in Russia:

* Study individually according to a studying plan prepared specially for you;

* Learn Russian at your own pace according to your level and learning speed;

* Improve certain skills,  topics and vocabulary according to your wishes and needs;

* Achieve your goals in Russian for a short period of time;

* Arrange the timetable and intensity of your Russian lessons in a comfortable for you way;

* Start and finish your course on any date;

* Practice Russian all day long with Russians

Cost:

20 euro / 1 lesson (if you take less than 80 lessons)

17 euro / 1 lesson (if you take 80 and more lessons)

Standard intensity: 4 lessons a day

Dates: any period and duration

Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/individual/

Our e-mail: info@enjoyrussian.com 

Volunteering is a way of life!

People who make your stay in Russia unforgettable

Do you know why students find learning Russian language in Petrozavodsk very comfortable and encouraging? Russian volunteers! It is basically a group of guys always ready to answer the questions, teach you Russian jokes and reveal the facts about stereotypes, take a walk with you and visit cool places and events here in Petrozavodsk. Long story short they are always here for you to support, communicate and help to find a way around. Back in 2003 when Enjoy Russian school was found we’ve got about 10 Russian volunteers, 15 years later we are happy and proud to have more than 50 of them!

A way to break the stereotypes about Russia and explore the parts of our planet

Here is an essay from our active, helpful and very dedicated volunteer Lilit:
“I always like meeting new people, discovering countries and of course helping people. I came to the school on May last year. We met foreign students for the first time. It was exciting. I was so inspired so I continue doing that. The summer 2017 I will remember for a long time. Whole summer we spent with Enjoy Russian and the foreign students. Let us remember the highlights of summer. There was a lesson of making Karelian pie "Калитки" for a group of foreigners and I was a translator. That was so interesting experience to get to know something new and help them to get closer to Russian culture.

Once students and volunteers went for barbeque. That was so funny day. We went there by bus where so much people were, it was so tight and we were falling on each other. We were playing volleyball on the beach. Our foreign guests even tried to swim in the lake, so crazy because the water was cold!   One day we went to the cafe, we were talking English and when I wanted to make order the waiter thought that I was a foreigner he said: "Can you speak Russian?" that was funny.
There were national dishes parties - where students and volunteers should make their national dish and that was delicious. To try real Belgian chocolate or Italian tiramisu what can be better? We went to new places in Karelia where even I have not been yet, we wanted to show everything to our guests. This was amazing summer with lots of new people. Foreign students really liked our city and they promised to come back.
Definitely, I kept on helping after summer. One day British students invited us to the English breakfast. We all know from the school about that and finally I had opportunity to try it first-hand.

I so grateful for that experience that gave many things. I met so much people all around the world and made good friends. I practiced my languages skills. Now I speak English every day, tried to speak French and that even made me start learning Italian.  It is such a great feeling to help someone, tried to break all the stereotypes about Russia and explore other parts of our planet. That also help to know our Karelia better. That was so inspiring experience I can say I would like to do something similar on my future job. Thank you Enjoy Russian! That is not the end, looking forward to the next adventure.”

Thank you Lilit! Hope you continue staying with us and meeting cool guys from all over the world! And if you want to get aquainted with our great volunteers feel free to join Enjoy Russian school! Choose a course here!

SURVIVAL RUSSIAN FOR TROUBLESOME SITUATIONS

Of course we are sure that your stay in Russia will be pleasant and fun, but…

if you ever get in trouble (hope not) here are some phrases that might come in handy:

ПОМОГИТЕ, ПОЖАЛУЙСТА! [POMOGITIE, POZHALUISTA] – Help, please!

Я ЗАБЛУДИЛСЯ [YA ZABLUDILSYA] I got lost

У МЕНЯ УКРАЛИ КОШЕЛЁК / ДЕНЬГИ / СУМКУ [U MENYA UKRALI KOSHELYOK / DENGI / SUMKU] My wallet / money / bag was stollen

Я ПОТЕРЯЛ МОЙ ПАСПОРТ [YA POTIERYAL MOI PASPORT]  – I lost my passport

У МЕНЯ СЛОМАЛСЯ ТЕЛЕФОН. МОЖНО ПОЗВОНИТЬ? [U MENYA SLOMALSYA TELEFON. MOZHNO POZBONIT] – My phone has broken. Can I make a phone call?

Я НЕ ПОНИМАЮ ПО-РУССКИ [YA NIE PONIMAYU PO-RUSSKI] – I don’t understand Russian

And of course something you really need to know is how to say “I can’t eat anymore”!

If you ever visit a Russian family make sure you know how to refuse from food, because otherwise you’ll be fed until you can’t move:)

Я БОЛЬШЕ НЕ МОГУ ЕСТЬ [YA BOLSHE NIE MOGU YEST] – I can’t eat anymore

СПАСИБО, Я НЕ ХОЧУ БОЛЬШЕ [SPASIBO, YA NIE HOCHU BOLSHE] – Thank you, I don’t want anymore

ХВАТИТ / ДОСТАТОЧНО – [HVATIT / DOSTATOCHNO] – Enough

Some Russian people might want to drink vodka with you. Here are some phrases how to refuse politely.

СПАСИБО, Я НЕ ПЬЮ [SPASIBO, YA NIE PIYU] – Thank you, I don’t drink (alcohol)

ТОЛЬКО ЧУТЬ-ЧУТЬ [TOLKO CHUT-CHUT] – Just a little bit

ТОЛЬКО ОДНУ РЮМКУ [TOLKO ODNU RYUMKU] – Just one shot

БОЛЬШЕ НЕ НАДО [BOLSHE NIE NADO] – No more!

WHAT CELEBRITIES SAY ABOUT RUSSIA

There are many celebrities, who visited Russia, and even decided get Russian citizenship. What do the say about Russia?

French actor Gerard Depardieu, who was granted Russian citizenship personally by Vladimir Putin, is probably one of the most well-known celebrities that decided to go Russian. Upon returning to France after spending just a few days in Russia, he was already welling up with nostalgia: “I really want to go back to Mordovia (a Russian republic 650 km from Moscow), want to sit by the pond with a fishing rod, to fish, to walk through the birch groves — I love this tree, it has the poetry of Russia.”

Steven Seagal adopted Russian citizenship in 2016. “I often come to Russia, but I don’t plan to live here permanently; I like to travel and I have a lot of shootings in the U.S., Japan, Thailand and other countries,” he told Russian media in March 2016. Here is a great video where legendary Hollywood actor showes his aikido fighting skills at the International Youth Sambo Tournament, in Saratov.

David Duchovny, whose paternal grandparents hailed from eastern Europe starred in an advertisement for the Russian beer Sibirskaya Korona (Siberian Crown), in which he imagined what life would have been like if he had grown up in Russia: “There is another country where I got my family name from, and sometimes I wonder what if things turned out differently, what if I were Russian?”

Who do you most agree with? When you were in Russia, did you most enjoy the museums as David Radcliffe or couldn’t get enough of the metro like Hugh Jackman? Maybe you felt like home? Let us know in a comment!

LEARN RUSSIAN AND CONQUER THE KARELIAN WATERS!

Russian Stormy Waters Cup and the rafting tour in Karelia

It goes without saying that nowadays 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is the only talk of the town. But of course the Cup is justa drop in the sea of plenty sport events to take place in Russia this year. Have you heard about the Russian «Stormy Waters» Championship?  Extremely eventful and colorful event is going to take place from 18 till 20 of May in Karelia. Students coming to learn Russian language in Petrozavodsk this spring are really lucky!

Karelia from another angle: extreme events gather sportsmen from the largest Russian cities

What is Stormy Waters Championship? It is a freestyle race that takes place on the most powerful Karelian rivers – Shuya, Suna  and  Vodla. Each sportsman is free to choose kayak or canoe to perform a number of elements in extremely turbulent water for 45-60 seconds.  Each element is given a certain number of points discussed by the judges.  Spectacular water storm of bright lifejackets and huge waves!

Karelia is a perfect spot for extreme water sports. Why?

The crack of a matter is in the great importance of Karelian rivers. They play a significant role for the  Russian energetic system. There are 16 hydroelectric power stations in Karelia. 3 chains of power plants produce more than 3 701.6 million kilowatt-hour! To find a perfect “playspot” the organizers of a Championship had been assessing the “highest and fastest wave” and the one was found in Karelian village Tivdya. The water conditions here allow sportsmen to complete a great number of elements and as a result the Championship has been taking place here since 2009.

Learn Russian and conquer the Karelian waters!

Probably this Stormy Waters Championship is of high interest for professional sportsmen. But what about other people ready to become a real scout for a while and try something a bit crazy? Come to Petrozavodsk to learn Russian language and to take a rafting trip in the land of the fastest rivers and picturesque lakes!
You take Russian language course with professional teachers from 30 of April to May 9 and then you enjoy an incredible 3-day rafting trip, feel the energy of Karelian rivers and lake Onego, taste Russian traditional food made on a bonfire, arrange picnics in the forest, get thrilled by the White nights and meet local nomads and travelers from other countries!

Russian mentality&Russian hospitality

Susanne’s  Russian experience

In September 2018 Enjoy Russian School turns 15 years old!  Time to recall the year 2015! As always we met amazing Russian learners 3 years ago. We didn’t know though that we will meet some of them again. Susanne from Germany came to continue exploring the Russian culture in Petrozavodsk this summer and we were extremely happy to witness her progress in Russian. Today we give you an opportunity to look at Susanne’s experience in Petrozavodsk!

I am very fond of the Northern Russian mentality

"Coming to a completely new country is quite an adventure. I had no idea what to expect so I just came to Russia with an open curiosity and must say that my stay here was a positive experience in every way.
Not only was the language course at Enjoy Russian Language School perfectly organized and my Russian teacher both very professional and adorable at the same time but also the region and the country were a wonderful place to stay. Karelia’s breathtaking nature and its many treasures have profoundly impressed me and filled my mind with a certain natural harmony.
Finally getting to know Russian people was a lovely discovery and I must say that I am very fond of the Northern Russian mentality. People are very friendly, absolutely reliable, punctual, disciplined, interested and willing to learn, modest and humble. I have the impression that they cherish each other and respect their nature and they live in peace with it and each other.
Spending time together seems to be an important part of Russian culture and society and I very much appreciated the walks I took along the lake with young Russians and the sincere and interesting conversations and exchanges of ideas we had.
Russian hospitality has profoundly impressed me and I must say that Russians really put their heart into things. What a warm welcoming feeling to be their guest and friend! There’s definitely no better place than to share their home-grown vegetables at their datcha.
Never are Russian smiles fake and when they smile and laugh it comes from the heart. Their sense of humour is warm and fresh and never offending. Wise and witty, they sometimes make fun of their own situation – isn’t life so much more pleasant and hardships easier to take with a mixture of common sense and a good sense of humour? Come to Russia and learn everything about it!"
Susanne de Jonghe, Germany, September 2015

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Do you want to compare your own expressions with the ones above? Come and join our school! Choose a course here

Are you fifty-plus years old and fond of Russia and the Russian language? 

Take an unforgettable trip to Russia and enjoy Russian in relaxed, friendly and mature atmosphere! 

4 lessons a day in the morning, different cultural activities after lunch (theatre, museums, trips to nature, excursion to Kizhi, meetings with well-known Russian people) and Russian homestay with traditional meals is what will make you feel Russian 

Here a testimonial of our student Ulrich who came to EnjoyRussian twice to study Russian: "Меня зовут Ульрих. Я из Германии. Уже две недели я в Петрозаводске. Я изучаю здесь русский язык. Петрозаводск – красивый и не очень старый город. Я уже был в музее, в бане, на озере, в деревне «Шуя». В Петрозаводске я живу в русской семье. Мы много говорим по-русски. Утром я завтракаю дома. Потом я изучаю русский язык в языковой школе. Это очень интересно! Днём я обедаю в кафе. Вчера я ел мясо медведя! Потом у меня экскурсии. В субботу я был в питомнике ездовых собак. А вечером я отдыхаю и учу русский. Мне очень нравится в Петрозаводске!"  

Come to the program and get the Russian experience! 
Duration: 2-4 weeks 
Program starts: April, 04, 2018 
Location: Petrozavodsk, a quiet and safe town in the North-West of Russia, 5 hours from St. Petersburg 
Tuition fee: 320 euro (2 weeks, 40 lessons), 640 euro (4 weeks, 80 lessons) 

Apply here:  https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/russianforseniors/
Our e-mail: info@enjoyrussian.com 

Make a wish and learn the numbers. Russian learning materials 

This week Enjoy Russian school comes up with the special study materials to learn Russian language free and in a fun way! Here is a Russian podcast, video lesson and a picture depicting Russian grammar. Make sure you’ve covered all these and you will find yourself able to use some important Russian phrases (for example how to say «happy New Year in Russian») and will also learn how to celebrate winter holidays in a Russian way!

Russian winter holidays traditions: steps Russians take to make a wish on New Year’s Eve

Have you heard that Russians celebrate the New Year’s Eve twice? Listen to a new podcast and you will learn much more! This time we take you back to Peter the Great times and Soviet era to give you clear imagination of how Russians celebrated winter holidays and compare to what they have now. Find out more about Russians’ favorite festive dishes, Old New Year and the simple rules on how to make a wish.

0:55 – The history of New Year in Russia
2:51 – What do people do in Russia on the New Year’s Eve
3:45 – Steps Russians take to make a wish at midnight
4:30 – Russian holiday traditions: what to do before New Year is here?
6:25 – Russian traditional New Year dishes
8:10 – Russian Old New Year
9:20 – Christmas in Russia

Numbers in Russian with Jack and Alina

Today’s video lesson is devoted to numbers. But only two of them – 1 and 2. Why? Because almost all the Russian learners face the difficulties while inflecting these two numbers for cases and genders. But don’t worry, Alina and Jack are here to explain the rules for you! Hopefully after watching the video the use of numbers in the Russian language will not seem so complicated!

Russian grammar in pictures

To say in Russian that one is offended by someone we need a reflexive verb which is formed by adding a special suffix: – сь, -ся. It is similar to the “-self” concept in English. I had offended myself by him – Я обиделАСЬ на него.

Follow the news and stay tuned! More lessons for Russian learners are coming soon! Choose a course here to start learning Russian right away!

LEARN RUSSIAN AND BE A PART OF A POLAR EXPEDITION! 

International kite-race in Karelia

Do you know what Russian region holds the 4^th position on the list of most popular places to travel? Karelia. Every year more than 2 million tourists visit the Republic with the unique nature, unbelievable sunsets and ideal-for-meditation atmosphere. It is slowly becoming the land of cultural festivals and events for Karelian people to honor their ancestors’ traditions. Moreover Karelia has always been famous for extreme sports and spectacular activities such as annual rally competition, water freestyle, rafting, hunters’ traditional festival and many others. All the Russian language learners who are somehow into sports should definitely visit Karelia this spring.  From 6 till 10 of March on the shore of lake Onego the International winter kite-marathon TOKE (Trans-Onego Kite Enduro) is going to take place. 3 days of ice, snow and wind

9 countries are to compete on the second largest lake in Europe

Sportsmen from Denmark, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Sweden, Romania and Russia take part in this competition annually since 2012. They say the race on the second largest lake in the European continent is very similar to a survival challenge. The competitors (each team consists of 2 people) have to leave like real scouts: build their own campfire, pitch a tent and stay outdoors for two nights. It is an incredible polar expedition.  The teams sale through the route and navigate through the checkpoints led by their groups leaders. The route covers 350 km around the most remarkable places of Onego including the stop near the world famous Kizhi islands.
The organizers never forget about the colorful opening of the contest with local food, traditional gamesn and performances to provide the participants with the inspiration to a great race.

You still have time to register to the event or to come as a participant! Join Enjoy Russian language school on March 5 and have a great time full of new emotions! (Sign up for a course here)

ENJOYABLE TEACHERS OF ENJOY RUSSIAN SCHOOL

What do students think about 12-week Russian language course in Petrozavodsk

The best way to understand whether or not the certain Russian language course meets your expectations is to ask people. Here in Petrozavodsk Enjoy Russian language school students are always ready to share their results and progress in Russian as well as to assess their living in a Russian family and communication with volunteers. This autumn we met cool guys who stayed with us for 3 months! Here is Judit’s testimonial:

“The content of the language course was excellent. Good studybook with the most useful topics. The groups were small so it forced us to speak Russian. I’ve enjoyed our teachers with their games, discussions, etc. very much! I could always ask questions even if they didn’t have anything to do with the topics. The teacher always answered in a satisfying way. I had a perfect accommodation and the best host mom ever! Super friendly, helpful and communicative, of course we’ll keep in touch! I had a nice and cozy bedroom, perfect learning area with desk and couch. I always felt welcomed.

The Russian volunteers were very nice and helpful. I’ve enjoyed the people very much. They showed us good restaurants and gave us interesting facts about the city. Administration of the program was excellent. I could always come and ask if something would have been unclear. I would like to participate in the program again: good learning progress, motivating atmosphere, nice city, friendly and helpful people. I would recommend this program to others as it’s perfect to learn Russian! I truly liked everything!”

Long-term Russian course: 3 months in Russia

Dear friends, there’s not much time left to join the groups starting their journey to B1+, upper-intermediate Russian level this spring!

That’s what you’ll get if join EnjoyRussian spring semester: dramatically improve all your language skills, reach B1+ language level, practice Russian with native speakers 24/7, explore must-see places of Karelia, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Veliky Novgorod, meet lots of new international friends, get a final certificate and unforgettable long-life memories and more.

Dates: March, 05-May, 25 of 2018

Starting level: A2 (basic)

Program includes: 240 Russian lessons in a group, Russian homestay with meals, support of Russian volunteers, cultural activities (meetings, excursions, trips)

Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/long-term/

Our e-mail: info@enjoyrussian.com

RUSSIA HAS IT ALL!

If I were Russian. An essay from Enjoy Russian school student

What would you do if you were Russian? Sometimes we ask Enjoy Russian school students this question and they give very different answers. Here is an essay from Adeline:

“I will be writing my name as Аделин instead of Adeline and greeting people “Здравствуйте” instead of “Hello”. Russian is widely spoken and it is one of the 6 official languages of United Nation. This recognition given for Russian language is an honour itself as a global language. It will be my pride to speak and write in the language which seems to intrigue people from all over the world. Many people will be surprised When the letter ‘B’ in Russian language is pronounced entirely different from the letter ‘B’ of Roman alphabet. Now, isn’t this unique?

If I were Russian, I will have to work extra hard in my Geography class but it is definitely worth the efforts. Russia is largest country in the world by land and it is spanning across 2 continents – Asia and Europe with 11 different time zones, seasonal climates and various landscapes. I will not need to travel out of my country and have lifetime adventure to appreciate the marvelous Mother Nature in Russia- mountains, islands, rivers, steppe, lakes, taiga and tundra and Russia has them all. Russia is also the only country where everyone can be in the same country yet they live day and night apart – “Good Morning in Vladivostok” is “Good Night in Moscow”. Above all, it is easy when people ask me, “Where are you from?” and I will just answer “Russia!”. Who doesn’t know Russia and no one should ever miss it on the world map.

If I were Russian, I will know that my country is not only geographically rich, it is also culturally rich. Russia is filled with majestic architecture and also beautiful arts from its people – literature, ballet and music. People from all over the world admire the splendor of Russian buildings from churches to metro stations. Nobody can miss the building with colourful onion shaped domes from Russia. Besides that, Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg is one of the largest museums in the world and it is storing a vast collection of arts. It is said that if you spend a minute looking at each exhibition, you might need to spend 11 years to see them all. I will be privileged to be surrounded by the richness of arts within my country and I will never get bored for next 11 years.

If I were Russian, I will practise traditions and superstitions which are interestingly unique from the rest of the world. For instance, I will celebrate Christmas Day in January instead of December and I will not be allowed to whistle in the house for the fear of bad luck. Instead of receiving a dozen of roses bouquet from my lover, I will receive 11 stalks of roses because even number of flowers are for funerals. Russians practise some traditions that are different from others. Russians will enjoy a session of Banya with hot steams to warm the bodies before jumping into a pool of cold water or even the snow. This sounds crazy to many people but to Russian, this is a traditional practice which is good for health.

If I were Russian, I would not trade my identity for anything else in the world because Russia is an unique place to be.”

KARELIAN SUMMER THROUGH THE EYES OF A PHOTOGRAPHER

Life in Petrozavodsk is like this: half an hour and you talk to nature

According to the statistics, there are more than 700 000 of photographers in Russia. You can imagine how hard it is to find your niche and come up with your own style. The city of Petrozavodsk might be proud of numerous of talented people and Igor Podgorny is definitely one of them. Once you saw the pictures of a famous Karelian photographer it seems no one could portray Russian nature with Karelian flavor better. Known as an outstanding Russian blogger and photographer Igor finds his inspiration in Karelian landscapes, forest spirits and water rhythms.

One of the best 5 Russian photographers prefers Petrozavodsk to Moscow

We have to admit Karelia was that lucky not from the very beginning. Igor moved to Petrozavodsk from Moscow only five years ago. But why does the ambitious young man with a spark of potential give up such a «fertile ground» for self realization? Igor was asked this question plenty of times and every time answers the same:

Moscow is not that comfortable city, long distances and traffic jams. Of course there are better career opportunities but here in Petrozavodsk my children can go to school by themselves and the best thing here is that it takes you nothing to go to a forest with kids, drink tea with them on the shore of Onego and get back home before it gets dark. People in Moscow are deprived of such a pleasure.

A beauty of Karelia helps me a lot!

Igor believes Karelia and Petrozavodsk are very photogenic and could serve a magical source of inspiration. We should take pictures of that unique land to be able to keep it through generations. To that purpose a life of photographer never reminds groundhog day: get up at 5am  to  catch the break of dawn today and tomorrow stay up all night to shoot the Northern lights – that happens quite often. Igor had been working at Greenpeace Russia and believes that a really good photo may resolve the most complicated and contradictive issue.

LET’S TALK ABOUT PEOPLE…

who make your study in Russia unique and memorable!

2018 is the year when Enjoy Russian language school celebrates 15th anniversary! In this connection we start sharing with you the stories and memories  gathered and gently kept through the years. For most our students learning Russian language in Petrozavodsk turned out to be unique experience. Someone met love for life, someone has achieved his professional goals and built a brilliant career and absolutely everyone met great Russian friends and enjoyed Russian homestay. Russian host families make the whole language learning special. It is a perfect opportunity to take a look at the Russian lifestyle from the inside and practice language all the time. Moreover,  that is the way students find a second family and place they will be welcomed any day in the future.

What is it like to be Russian host mom? Let’s ask Marina Uspekhova!

Marina Uspekhova is a host mom with whom every student feels absolutely comfortable and encouraging. In this post she tells about herself and her amazing experience of meeting and hosting people from all over the world.

“I’ve got two sons and a daughter. Back in 2009 I saw an advertisement in a newspaper that the school was looking for the families to host foreign students. I must say I didn’t take it seriously first, but one day I made a call to Enjoy Russian school and it had changed my life.

Marie from Switzerland was the first student who lived with us. Me and my husband were a bit nervous about the language barrier but all my fears have disappeared once we met that girl. She impressed us a lot. At her 20es she spoke 8 languages, did sports and was fond of music, ballet and horse riding. We are still in touch with her.

Several months later we were happy to host Judit, amazing girl and a professional football player. My husband was extremely happy those days because they were discussing football news for hours! (laughs)  Students from Austria were teaching me to cook favorite  meal of the Austrian Royal family.

My daughter and Ingrid from Vienna became so close that she was even a maid of honor at my daughter’s wedding!

We had so many happy and funny moments! I remember our great student from the USA Jared told us once that he was so sad to know that there were no any bears walking at the streets of Petrozavodsk!

I remember each student. We keep in touch with almost all of them and continue congratulate them with their success. It is really nice to know that you helped someone to make his/her dream come true!”