Hurry up to get a place in a group starting the intensive Russian course from June, 04 with EnjoyRussian School! 

A0 (absolute beginners): 2-week course 
A0+ (you’ve studied for 40 hours): 2-week course 
A1 (elementary): 2- 12 week course 
A2+ (basic): 2- 12 week course

Apart from learning Russian in a group for 4 lessons a day you will practice Russian with native speakers (volunteers, host family and just people in the streets), have eventful free time full of meetings, excursions, trips and other cultural activities , live in Russia and feel Russian  You will be surprised by how fast the language barrier can be broken in the linguistic environment!

Tuition fee: 160 euro / 1 week (20 lessons)
Homestay fee: 150 euro / 1 week (with breakfast)

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

ONE STATE, MANY COUNTRIES

5 reasons Russian trip might be equal to world cruise

Russia stretches over Europe and Asia. East-to-west distance is about 10 000 km. That is why its nature and climate so diverse from one region to another that taking a trip here may be equal to a world cruise. Here travelers and Russian language learners may find deep lakes and endless deserts, high mountains and naturally born caves, tranquil meadows and rapid rivers.  People from different countries say Russia has at least one feature similar to the place they come from. Here are 5 reasons depicting that Russia has it all.

1. Russian Iceland – Kamchatka

This is one of the most impressive places in the whole world. 20 huge geysers and thousands of hot springs make you believe you are in Iceland. Locals say it is similar to 20 roaring bears that ignore your presence. Everything around you is bubbling and smoking. Definitely worth visiting!

2. Russian Scotland – Komi Republic

The weathering pillars in Komi Republic is another great natural sight. That is hard to believe but 200 million years ago these 6 giant stones with the height up to 42 m were just ordinary mountains. It goes without saying that we see a masterpiece here with strong wind as the main artist.

3. Russian Switzerland – Altai

Altai Republic is located in the South-Central Siberia. The Altai Mountains cover the large part of the Republic and become a place with the most spectacular views.

4. Russian Arab Emirates – Chara Sands in Zabaykalsky region

Have you ever seen a  desert hidden in between taiga forests? Come to Zabaykalsky region. Standing in the middle of famous Chara Sands you may see mountains tops and mountain lakes and feel like in Arab Emirates desert.

5. Russian Finland – Karelia

The closest region if you head to Russia from Europe. The republic  is located right  next to Finland and has a common  border with the European Union. The land of lakes, stones and rivers attracts thousands of tourists each year.  This is a homeland for Enjoy Russian language school. So if you want to learn Russian and enjoy the unique nature you better choose Petrozavodsk in Karelia.

To visit 5 countries in a one trip come to Enjoy Russian school and make Karelia your first stop! Choose a course here!

How to get warm in Russia

An incredibly useful life hack from Enjoy Russian stuedents!

Living in Russia is always the unique experience. Since 2004 we have been meeting people from warm countries like Greece, Italy or Spain, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia. Not all of them come to learn Russian language in summer and sometimes they come during the  Northern winter on purpose to experience something absolutely new.  But how to stay warm no matter what? Drink vodka or wrap yourself in an icelandic wool blanket? Here is the trick from Enjoy Russian student Jadah – before going to Russian classes warm your boots up with the hairdryer! Here is the whole story in Russian from our host mom Liydmila Sokolova. Specially for those who want to practice:)

Для меня приезд студентов, как праздник, которого я жду, и в тоже время волнуюсь. Я очень люблю, когда ко мне приезжают девочки. Они для меня как дочки, о которых хочется заботиться, оберегать, общаться, знакомить с национальными блюдами, баловать чем-нибудь вкусненьким. Вечерами мы много беседуем, рассказываем о своей стране, обычаях, нравах. Смотрим интересные передачи и фильмы. Они с удовольствием, рассказывают о себе , о своей семье. Общение с ними было всегда интересно. Уехав домой они пишут замечательные письма о том, как им хорошо жилось в Петрозаводске и о желании приехать сюда еще раз.

Было много интересных историй. Однажды Джада из Италии жила у меня и постоянно мерзла. Перед выходом на занятия, она феном грела внутри ботинки, затем долго грела феном ноги и шла на улицу.

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Would  you like to invent your own survival rules? Choose a course and come!

Start planning your winter vacation already! 

EnjoyRussian School team knows how to make your winter bright and unforgettable! 

What you’ll get with our program of full Russian immersion in Petrozavodsk:
 intensive one-to-one Russian language course;
 living with a Russian host family;
communication with Russian volunteers;
 lots of language practice with native speakers;
diverse cultural life – trips, excursions, meetings;
skiing, skating, ice swimming, dog sledding;
magic sceneries of polar night and northern lights
 learning about Russian culture and traditions: from Russian banya to ballet;
tasting traditional Russian meals;
positive emotions, cool photos and traditional souvenirs.

Apply for the individual course: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/individual/
Our e-mail info@enjoyrussian.com

THE MOST TASTY RUSSIAN LANGUAGE LEARNING MATERIALS!

How to serve Russian dumplings and cook raspberry buns?

Welcome to Enjoy Russian language school blog! One of the categories here is devoted to learning materials for you to simplify your Russian language exciting journey. But today’s post is a bit special. It’s not only about Russian grammar and the way Russians live. It’s about diverse and unique Russian cuisine. Some say it’s a mix of different cultures’ cooking traditions – Eastern European, Caucasian, Central Asian, Siberian, and East Asia. So grab a snack not to get hungry and make your recipe  book ready to Russian Cyrillic alphabet! Let’s go!

How to cook and serve Russian food?

What do Russians miss when they live abroad? The whole variety of products! ? Listen to the most tasty Russian podcast to find out!
1:58 – Bliny – what to serve with?
3:45 – Cottage cheese: rich in calcium
4:40 – Pelmeni or Russian dumplings – the origin
6:50 – Vareniki – sweet or salted?
8:00 – Pirog – big layered Russian pie
8:45 – Russian soups – borsch and okroshka
12:10 – Vinegret
13:20 – Meet jelly
14:00 – Russian traditional drinks

https://soundcloud.com/enjoyrussianschool/what-flavor-does-russia-have-russian-cuisine

Russian raspberry buns recipe

For those who wants not only learn something about Russian food but also to put knowledge into practice we suggest baking delicious and easy-to-cook Russian raspberry buns

• Put 1/4 cup of warm milk in a small bowl. Add 1 teaspoon flour and 1,5 teaspoon sugar and stir to dissolve. Let it stand about 5 minutes.
• Mix 1 cup of flour and 1/4 cup warm milk in a bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and mix it. Cover the bowl with a towel. Let the dough rise in a warm place (for about two hours)
• Mix butter, 1 egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of sugar about 3 minutes. Add it to the dough; add in 1 cup flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Preheat oven to 175 degrees C
• Cut the dough into 8 pieces and make 8 balls.
• Press down the center of each bun and fill the hollows with raspberry jam.
• Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
• Enjoy!

Follow our news and see you soon in Russia! Choose a course here

WHY A GAP YEAR IN RUSSIA IS A GOOD IDEA?

Make your CV stand out!

Many students want to take a year out in order to gain new skills, explore the world and find out more about themselves. But everyone would agree that a break between studies becomes even more desirable when it is productive in terms of future profession. Russia is a country of diversity and prospects. Here you may travel on a budget, be amazed by the nature and meet great people. And of course, you can easily learn Russian language which is as difficult as Chinese. Here are 5 facts on why you should add “a gap year in Russia” to your CV.

5 reasons to take a break and come to Russia

1. This is a way to explore both Europe and Asia. Simply because of the geographical reasons. Take a train and travel all over the country to see by yourself the cultural and historical diversity Russia has. More than 180 ethnic groups live in Russia so that is a chance to explore more than just one country! Celebrate Bear holiday with the Kets of Siberia and welcome the spring with the Bashkirs or gather together with the  Mari people on 12 of June to sing and dance in honor of the floral world and this Flowers’ Day. Take pictures of great landscapes from snowy hills and deep forests to the endless deserts.
2. You can volunteer. There are many options and many projects to choose from. For instance, Enjoy Russian language school offers a volunteering project in which you can teach your native language teens, kids and adults or assist to English language teacher. It gives you not only the constant language practice with the locals but also helps to meet new people and become friends for life.
3. You can gain work experience. Internship in Russia is a good way to see how it’s like to be a translator or interpreter, tourist guide or educator.
4. Eventful and adventurous life. Here in Russia you may enjoy all seasons and as a result all kind of activities -ice-swimming, snow mobile race, fishing, banya, horse-riding and kiting. Every region and Russian city holds many holidays each year. No matter what season you choose you are always able to join the huge and bright celebration – Orthodox Easter and Labour day in spring, White nights festival in Summer, New year and Christmas in winter and the Knowledge day in fall. Make traditional presents and find a favorite Russian holiday!
5. Hospitable people and great food. Especially if you choose living in a host family. People are very hospitable and always ready to make super-delicious food for you like kalitki, borsch or home-made dumplings, to show you surroundings and talk about everything for hours.

Don’t you think it’s your turn to make a gap year effective and exciting? Choose a course and come to Russia!

Top 10 Russian  Presidential Elections phrases

You can hear it everywhere in Russia on 18th of March

Today is a very important day in Russia. Yes, we do not talk about politics here in our blog since it is devoted mostly to Russian language, interesting facts about Russia and its people. But it is really impossible to stay indifferent to Russian presidential election we have today. So here is Enjoy Russian School representation of this day – top 10 most common Russian words and phrases of 18 of March! Read and learn or maybe roleplay  Russian elections wherever you are right now:)

1. Выборы - vybory - The elections
2. Голосовать за - golosovat' za - to vote for
3. Бюллетень - Byulleten' - a ballot
4. Президент – Prezident - President
5. Избирательный участок –  Izbiratel'nyy uchastok - electoral district
6. Абсолютное большинство – Absolyutnoye bol'shinstvo - vast majority
7. Политическая партия – Politicheskaya partiya - political party
8. Избиратель - Izbiratel' - voter
9. Явка избирателей – Yavka izbirateley - voting turnout
10. Итоги голосования – Itogi golosovaniya - voting results

Follow the news to learn Russian with us or come to our school to practice in real life situations!
Choose a course here 

Welcome to Russia in spring / summer of 2018!

It's time to book your place in a group Russian course with EnjoyRussian School:

April: B1 level 
May: B1+ level 
June: A0-B1+ levels 
July: A0-B1+ levels 
August: A0-B2+ levels 

Test your Russian level: https://enjoyrussian.com/test/
Apply for the group course: https://enjoyrussian.com/apply-standart/
Our e-mail info@enjoyrussian.com

DON’T GO BACK HOME IF YOU FORGOT SOMETHING!

Russians are really superstitious, they believe in lots of different signs, and omens. Today, we’ll tell you one.

Why you shouldn’t turn back if you are halfway there

All Russians know since childhood that if on your way somewhere you realize that you’ve forgotten something at home, you shouldn’t go back. If you do, bad things will happen.

What’s the origin of this superstition?

Since long ago, crossing a threshold of a house was considered a sacred act, because people used to bury their ancestors’ ashes under the threshold of their house. When a person crosses the border between his home, and “strange”, not a home space, he/she is looses protection of his ancestors’ spirits. Also a threshold is a border between world, a doorway through some evil spirits might come into our world.

The spirits might get angry if you cross the threshold without fulfilling your plans. If so, they will confuse all your thoughts, and interfere negatively in the upcoming affairs. In addition, the guardian angel after returning can stay at home and not go with you on a second journey.

What to do?

Many people believe that it is possible to neutralize the effect of the omen if you look in a mirror or sit for a while, when you return home. They say that when you leave the house you are always “blessed” by a brownie (house spirit), and he does it only if you sit down before leaving. As for the mirror, looking at it, you “reflect” the evil spirits standing behind you, and at the same time multiplying your strength and energy.

But speaking the truth, not so many people believe in this omen, because is you forget something it only means that you are absent-minded:)

Learn Russian language and culture in Petrozavodsk! Enroll for a language course here

RUSSIAN GRAVITY FALLS

Vottovaara mountain in Karelia 

On September 3 Enjoy Russian language school starts a group course for people who wants to start speaking Russian in a short time (you may enroll here). We usually offer diverse cultural program to our students but sometimes they choose the places to visit in Karelia by themselves and this autumn we highly recommend you checking out some mystic places in Russian North. Why? Because here in Karelia we have it all: mountain idols, ancient petroglyphs, stone labyrinths and one more place – Vottovaara mountain. It can be compared to Gravity Falls  from the famous Disney series and here’s why.

A healthy habit to explore: what is Vottovaara mountain famous for?

They say one may find mystic spots almost in every Russian region. Near Chelyabinsk, lake Baikal,  Chukotka or even in Moscow (famous Patricarch’s  Ponds described by M. Bulgakov in his novel). The Republic of Karelia is not an exсeption.

People say Russian North is a place of energy and inner strength and that a trip around all the “unordinary” spots in Karelia may take 1 month. Vottovaara mountain (470 m) is a place that the locals are always asked about. The mountain was discovered about 30 years ago and still catches everyone’s attention. It is situated in the Central Karelia not  far from Segozero lake. Some ppeople are ready to take travelers there while others strictly say NO. Let us clarify what’s wrong with this place and why everyone should see this.

1. You may fall asleep in a second. That happened many times with travelers. May be because of ancient Saami people’s rituals or because of the placebo effect. Anyways, you should come to try.
2. Stones are everywhere. Almost 1500 stones that are called “seidy”. They look like absolutely typical stoenes but there is one tiny moment here. They are extremely heavy but when you get closer to one of them you notice that it stands on several stones that are extremely small in comparison with this big one. How did they get under? No one knows.
3. Spectacular view of the whole Karelia and even Finland. Even though it is not that high, you may see beautiful lakes and forests of Karelia and even a part of neighbouring country.
4. Go here if you are a UFO hunter. The locals say you may see here aliens from time to time.
5. The most tranquil place in Karelia and maybe in the Russian North. Not a single bird, fly or ant. Just you and the energy of mysterious Karelia.

YOU STILL DON’T KNOW YOUR RUSSIAN LEVEL? TRY OUT OUR NEW TEST!

Russian language learning at “Enjoy Russian Language School” is organized according to Russian language testing system (TORFL) supervised by the Russian Ministry of Education and Science. According to this system,

There are six levels of the Russian language proficiency:

A1 (Элементарный – Elementary) – You start from complete 0 (from the alphabet) and reach a survival level. It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve Elementary level if you are a complete beginner.

A2 (Базовый – Basic) – You extend your vocabulary and learn how to freely speak about simple topics. It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve Basic level if you approved the Elementary one.

B1 (ТРКИ-1 – Первый сертификационный уровень – The first certificate level) – You are able to talk about politics, economics, social problems and other serious topics). It takes 6 weeks (120 hours) to achieve First Certificate level if you approved the Basic one.

B2 (ТРКИ-2 – Второй сертификационный уровень – The second certificate level) – You understand the difference between the colloquial and written Russian, can use slang and read newspapers and magazines. It takes 12 weeks (240 hours) to achieve Second Certificate level if you approved the First Certificate one.

C1 (ТРКИ-3 – Третий сертификационный уровень – The third certificate level) – You can do researches in different branches of science, using the Russian language, use very specific vocabulary.

C2 (ТРКИ-4 – Четвёртый сертификационный уровень – The fourth certificate level) – You are like a native Russian speaker! Congratulations!

We run courses for foreign students of different levels (from A0 to B2/C1)

To make sure every student receives the best education, takes off from where he/she is at the moment, and improves quickly, we created a module system that establishes clear and realistic language learning objectives. Every level course consists of 1-week modules, so a “module” is a portion of a language curriculum that is taught for one week. Every module content is describes in details here.

To find out your level of Russian proficiency you can take our test for free right here. Our test was designed in accordance with the module system, and while doing it you can literally see what language material (vocabulary and grammar) you can learn in each module. You can even use the test as a way to find out your errors in Russian, and understand what things you need to go back to, and review again.

You shouldn’t spend more than an hour on this test, shouldn’t guess the answers, but respond according to what you know. You should stop doing the test as soon as you meet a few questions with unfamiliar grammar, and vocabulary. It means, that you’ve reached your level.

It’s also important for us to determine you level that you write 5-10 sentences about yourself. Multiple choice tests can not always fully reflect a person’s level. But your own sentences sometimes show us your level even better than the test.

The results of the test will be carefully checked by our education coordinator, and the respond with your level will be sent to you within 24 working hours. Good luck!

Special Group Russian courses in autumn with “EnjoyRussian” School:

Semester abroad/gap year: spend unforgettable 12 weeks living in Russia and reach maximum result in your Russian language through 240 hours of professional Russian course, get an opportunity to enjoy Karelian nature during “golden autumn” in September, “babie leto” in October and snowy miracles in November Start date: Sep, 03 Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/long-term/

Russian 50+: study Russian for 2-4 weeks in a calm friendly atmosphere in a group of adult students, visit beautiful Karelian sights, meet interesting and well-known Russians, get immersed into Russian culture watching ballet in Musical theatre and listening to opera in Philharmonic Hall. Start date: Sep, 03 Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/russianforseniors/

Internship in Russia: special program for students of basic and higher levels in Russian which will let you to improve your Russian language skills, get lots of language practice in a specific area (translation into and from Russian/ teaching Russian as a foreign language/teaching assistant/Russian literature and tourism) and get job experience in Russia Start date: Sep, 03 Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/internship-in-russia/

Our e-mail info@enjoyrussian.com

HOSTING FOREIGN STUDENTS IS A WAY TO EXPLORE RUSSIA

Russian host mom Tatiana and her funny stories

As you already know one of the best things of Enjoy Russian school is an opportunity to live with the Russian host family. It is a way to practice more, to spend cozy evenings talking about everything and to taste traditional Russian delicacies cooked by a host mom. Tatiana Gorbachyova has been hosting students for 5 years so far. During that time students from Africa, Europe and America left some notes in her testimonials book she specially bought for collecting all those bright memories her family and students had together. Some of the students come to Petrozavodsk to visit Tatiana 4-5 times a year! Let’s find out why.

A key to constant Russian language practice

Я принимала студентов протяжении 5 лет. Студенты были разного возраста, от молодых до уже взрослых, были студенты, которые говорили на русском языке, а некоторые русский язык начинали с нуля, и нам приходилось друг друга понимать. Есть уже друзья, с которыми я подружилась: Аренд из Голландии , он приезжает три-четыре раза в год. В 2017 году я ездила в гости к семье финнов, ко мне также приезжали Элизабет с сыном из Африки. 5 лет назад у меня жила студентка, с которой мы очень подружились, недавно была на ее  юбилее! Это было очень приятно: среди 100 человек гостей меня представили как подругу из Карелии. В прошлом году в Голландии я была гостем на серебряной свадьбе Аренда, который тоже жил у меня. Меня встретили очень тепло и даже пригласили переводчика, который находился со мной весь день.

Для иностранных студентов это возможность практиковать русский язык, а для меня – английский. Веселых историй иногда не избежать! Однажды мы с Элизабет (студентка из Африки) сели обедать. Я перепутала дату их поезда и обращаюсь к ней на английском:
-Давайте быстрей, быстрей, нужно собираться, поезд уйдет!
Она мне говорит о том, что поезд завтра. Я прошу ее показать мне билет: I want to look at your chicken. Она меня не понимает, еще бы! Вместо «ticket» я сказала «chicken»!
Элизабет посмотрела перевод и ответила, что не знает, где найти «курицу» (chicken).

На самом деле мне всегда интересно и легко со студентами. Каждый вечер мы разговариваем на какую-то тему, я всегда рада видеть их у себя дома и познавать их страну вместе с ними, очень часто они учат меня готовить традиционные блюда их стран, а я в свою очередь с удовольствием делюсь рецептами русской кухни.

WHAT IDS DO RUSSIANS HAVE?

As great Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov wrote in his most famous novel “The Master and Margarita”, “НЕТ ДОКУМЕНТА, НЕТ И ЧЕЛОВЕКА” (No document – no man). He was absolutely right. We can’t go anywhere without taking our documents with us.

What are the most important documents in Russia?

Свидетельство о рождении (Birth certificate)

After a baby is born, its parents receive the birth certificate at a registry office, and it’s considered to be the baby’s official document until it is 14 years old.

Russian Паспорт (Passport)

It’s a suprising fact for many foreigners that Russians don’t have ID cards. We have internal Russian passports instead. The Internal Russian passport is a mandatory identity document for all Russian citizens residing in Russia who are aged 14 or over.

The Internal Russian passport is an Internal passport used for travel and identification purposes within Russia, which is distinct from

the International Russian passport (МЕЖДУНАРОДНЫЙ ПАСПОРТ) used by Russian citizens to travel in and out of Russian borders

 When people get married they receive a marriage certificate (СВИДЕТЕЛЬСТВО О БРАКЕ)

When a person starts working, he/she gets an employment record book (ТРУДОВАЯ КНИЖКА)

An employment record book is an official personal document recording the employment status of its owner over time. Usually, the work record is kept by the human resources department of a person’s current employer until he or she resigns from that company.