Real Russian adventure in October!

The best vacation for Russian language admirers!

Advantages of the program:

• Effectiveness: you will not only study Russian in a class, but implement your new knowledge into real life every day.

• Location: Petrozavodsk is small and safe town in 5 hours from St. Petersburg. It's a capital of Republic of Karelia, well-known for its endless forests and numerous lakes. In Petrozavodsk you will have real opportunity to practice Russian everywhere; in the streets, at cafes and in the shops – people won’t switch to English, as they do in St. Petersburg or Moscow.

• Affordable costs: prices for accommodation, products, eating out, public transport etc. are much lower than in megalopolises.

• Safety & support : the school stuff, host families and Russian volunteers are always here for you, providing you with all necessary support. Thanks to eventful cultural program and involvement in social and cultural life you'll never feel bored.

Group course dates: Sep 30-Oct 11 (elementary, basic levels)

Program costs: 470 euro (tuition fee for 40 Russian lessons + Homestay with breakfasts)

Individual programs are available on any dates!

Apply now: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/standard/

info@enjoyrussian.com

September Russian vacation!

Choose 2-week Russian immersion program in autumn:

1. Learning Russian in a small group in Petrozavodsk

All levels and all ages!

Dates: September 02-13

Total cost: 550 euro

Invitation letter, 40 Russian lessons, meals, accommodation with breakfasts included

https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/standard/

2. Russian 50+ course in Petrozavodsk

Age: 50+, level: А0-А1

Dates: September 02-13

Total cost: 550 euro

Invitation letter, 40 Russian lessons, meals, accommodation with breakfasts included

https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/russianforseniors/

3. Exploring Baikal and upgrading your speaking skills!

Level: minimum А2

Dates: September 01-14

Total cost: 2500 euro

Invitation letter, 32 Russian lessons, travelling around Baikal, meals, accommodation included

https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/colorful_russia/

In love with the Russian language and culture?

Get immersed into Russian-speaking atmosphere and feel yourself Russian!

4 weeks of unforgettable Russian vacation filled with joyful journeys, impressions and speaking Russian! It’s the best time if you want to experience white nights in the Russian North.

“Enjoy Russian” school welcomes you in Petrozavodsk, the republic of Karelia: intensive Russian language courses, eventful cultural program with Russians, Russian homestay. Right now groups of all levels are available, hurry up to get registered!

With us more than 1500 people from more than 45 countries started to speak Russian!

Dates: June 3-28
Cost of 4 weeks: from 940 euro (80 Russian lessons, Russian homestay with breakfasts)
Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/summer/
E-mail: info@enjoyrussian.com

«Enjoy Russian” language school invites you for a 4-week program of Russian immersion in April 2019!

The program includes:
80 intensive Russian lessons in a small group;
Study process focused on development of speaking skills;
Russian homestay including meals;
Diverse cultural program including Easter celebration, travelling around the Republic of Karelia, learning lots about Russian culture (trips to St. Petersburg, Velikiy Novgorod and Murmansk upon request);
Support of local volunteers, language practice with natives.

Start level: A2, B1
Start date: April, 01
Cost: 940 euro including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast
All informational support is provided

Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/standard/
E-mail: info@enjoyrussian.com

Now, as we’re preparing for the next spring group course, we’re looking back to the March of 2018. There was such an amazing team of students from the UK, Finland, Brazil and Switzerland.

It was great: bright and sunny weather, frozen Onega lake, some snowy days to make the experience 100% Russian. What made this time unique? Of course, people: our highly-motivated and hard-working students, creative and supporting teachers, caring host families and active Russian volunteers, always ready to show any must-visit place in Petrozavodsk.

Here is a feedback from Sonja, Finland: «Content of the Russian language course was excellent. Fun teaching methods that kept to Russian class interesting. I wish I could have stayed longer at Enjoy Russian school in Petrozavodsk to learn more complex vocabulary. Russian native speaking teacher took into account our wishes and needs. My host family in Petrozavodsk was great, just the right balance of communication and privacy. I would definitely recommend this program: definitely value for money».

The next March will be even more delightful! Help us to make is unforgettable – welcome to Petrozavodsk!

2-week course: 04.03-15.03.19

Program cost: 470 euro (40 Russian lessons + homestay with breakfast)

4-week course: 04.03.-29.03.19

Program cost: 940 euro (80 Russian lessons + homestay with breakfast)

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

E-mail: info@enjoyrusian.com

Karelia is beautiful all year round! 

In February you’ll have a great opportunity to feel the magic of the Russian North during the annual International Winter festival “Hyperborea-2019” in Petrozavodsk!

“Enjoy Russian” language School invites you to get immersed into Russian language and culture with your friend on dates: 04 Feb – 17 Feb, 2019. Study Russian in a one-to-two group, stay in a Russian host family, practice Russian with locals and explore Karelia!

Tuition fee: 400 euro / 40 lessons in a one-to-two group

We’re here for you! info@enjoyrussian.com

Apply: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/one-to-two/

Have you heard that there are about 4500 cultural heritage sights on the territory of Karelia?

Enjoy Russian student from Luxembourg Eleanor came to Karelia about 3 weeks ago. She successfully combines learning Russian in Petrozavodsk and discovering new places all over Karelia (the Republic in the Russian North-West). A few days ago Eleanor and a group of students came to the most outstanding sight - Kizhi museum which is located in 50-min water-ride from Petrozavodsk. 

“I’m eternally grateful to the school for organizing the whole thing for me, which meant that I got a tour of the island with a group of Russians, led by the very lovely Evgeniya.” What are the secrets of traditional nineteenth-century constructions? How do the craftspeople live on the island full time? Let us give the floor to Eleanor.

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READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE by Eleanor and think about coming to Petrozavodsk to open up Russia and its culture! Choose a course HERE

A trip to Russia is always a good idea!

Enjoy Russian Students from Italy and Great Britain, a trip to Kizhi

We do love when students share the experience about Enjoy Russian school cultural program. This summer more than 70 students have visited famous Kizhi island, an open-air museum which is located in Karelia. 

Its landscape makes you feel at your granny’s cozy country house where you can walk on the grass, stroke a horse and get on the swing. The Museum has been researching, preserving and popularizing culture of the native peoples of Karelia for more than 40 years. The gem of this collection is the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration of Our Savior.

Almost every testimonial touches upon Kizhi excursion. 

"Yesterday we went to Kizhi Island, one of the most interesting place near Petrozavodsk city. ☀️ beautiful nature and amazing people!" says Isabella Martina from Italy.

"The cultural program was also beautiful. We went to Kizhi Island, with whom I feel in love at first sight, and we learnt how to cook typical Karelian kalitki", says Clara. 

Can you imagine how beautiful the island could be in winter? Come to Russia to find out!

Winter trip to the most famous Russian open-air museum

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU TO RUSSIA

If you happen to travel to Petrozavodsk (and want to start learning Russian with Enjoy Russian language school) then you should know what to expect from the weather. The most significant thing is that the weather in Karelia is as unpredictable as in Iceland.

In winter it's very snowy and the temperature might be up to 25 below zero. So you should definitely take with you earmuffs or beanie, scarf, waterproof winter jacket and boots. It's also quite slippery everywhere you go even though we put sand all around the road.

If you are about to take a summer trip, then pack some faves you wear in chilly weather as well - jeans, cardigans, sweater or even a scarf. But be ready to face unbelievable heat (especially if you take a course in July), so don't forget a swimsuit, shorts, sunscreen, sunglasses etc. 

Read the whole post here - https://enjoyrussian.com/weather-in-russia/

FIFA WORLD CUP: THE FACTS WHICH ARE NOT COMMONLY KNOWN

• The FIFA World Cup is the tournament held every 4 years for men’s teams of member associations of FIFA. The 21st edition is being held this year in Russia.
• There are two teams that have qualified for the first time- Iceland and Panama.
• Zabivka, a wolf is the mascot for the World Cup.
• The oracle for this world cup is Achilles who lives at the world famous Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg.
• The official song is called “Live it up” with vocals by Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi.
• This is the first World Cup VAR (video assistant referees) are being used.
• The winners of the World Cup from 1930-1970 won the Jules Rimet Trophy (named after the FIFA President).
• After 1970, the trophy was changed to the Fifa World Cup Trophy.

Read the whole interview with Nick - https://enjoyrussian.com/mundial2018/

amazing facts about Russia

We bet you know this! 

Some stereotypes about Russia are not even close to reality! Make sure you know Russia better than Google:)  Here is the presentation that hopefully will make you want to come to learn Russian in Karelia! See you soon in Petrozavodsk!

3 breathtaking lighthouses in Russia

Enjoy Russian School blog is not only about the language, education and advice. It is about traveling and possible ways to explore Russia. There is a saying in Russian: ученье – свет, а неученье – тьма (knowledge is light and lack of knowledge is darkness). In this sense, lighthouse may be the symbol of education and self-realization. Do you know this feeling when you come to a new place and thing number one you should do is to check out the nearest lighthouse? Then you will like this post! Get ready to read about the most beautiful lighthouses in Russia and start backpacking for the amazing trip!

1

Tarkhankutski Lighthouse. 200-year-old lighthouse is a unique historical monument of architecture carefully preserved by the government.  Breaking through the wires is not recommended but even without this, you will definitely take some nice pictures. Sailors and locals call this place Storms Cape.

2

Egersjöld lighthouse. Founded in 1876, it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Far East of Russia. It can be reached on foot. The trip there will take quite a long time, but it’s worth it because it is a chance to enjoy the view of the strait, the Russian island, the Vladivostok port and the sea. You can also get there by water transport, for example, on a mini-ferry.

3

Osinovetsky lighthouse, Lake Ladoga. It is one of the highest in Europe and the closest one to Enjoy Russian School. Many people call it the Ladoga lighthouse, named after the lake. On the shore of the lake, you can not only stay with a tent for the weekend but also spend a few days at one of the recreation centers. In the afternoon you will definitely want to visit local attractions and walk along the beach but wrap yourself up in a soft blanket first.

Why is autumn the best time to explore Russian lighthouses?

Simply because the forests by the water are amazingly beautiful. They make the landscapes more colorful, add some magic and create a story around each lighthouse. Want to combine studies and traveling?  Choose a course at Enjoy Russian school! Autumn starting dates – 3 September, 14 October.

7 Facts about Everyday Life in the USSR

Welcome to MATRYOSHKA’S DIARY, the weekly column about Russia, its history and people. Today our author Elena Kiliakova tells us about some amazing and even shocking facts about everyday life in the Soviet Union. If you want to know more about pioneers, Artek and unbelievably huge lines in front of the shops in the USSR just keep reading!

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1. People in the Soviet Union took recycling seriously.

Back then we had no options other than to be environmentally friendly. Dairy products (such as milk, sour cream, and other traditional Russian dairy products were packed in glass bottles of different shapes and forms). We never threw them away, but reused! Another mainstream thing was a net tote bag – even though I was born one year before the USSR collapsed I still remember my grandparents using them. These days it is a must-have for those caring for the environment.

2. Did I mention that we took recycling seriously?

Back then we had special competitions – people who collected a set amount of paper (magazines, newspapers and old books) got a very special prize for reaching the goal. What was the award? Those who won the competition were granted an opportunity to purchase a book or a towel or something that was next to impossible to buy in the shops. My mum told me a story how she got a set of towels.

3.Food stamps

It is probably different to imagine it now, but back then we did get food stamps or vouchers which could be exchanged for a set amount of food/goods. Back then you could not just go to the supermarket and buy anything you like from any country you can think of. We had stamps for groceries which were allocated at work (everyone back then had a job). Everyone was given a set amount of goods (groceries)– so the stamps were used to buy some necessities. Some real numbers to get a feeling what was it was like to live in the USSR: one got food stamps that were sufficient to buy one kilo of sausages a month (among other groceries).

4. A legendary Artek camp

In the Soviet era, Artek was a landmark of the USSR. Located in Crimea, the camp was the first resort for young pioneers — the Soviet equivalent of Boy or Girl Scouts. Unlike other recreational facilities for children and youth, Artek was (and still is) open not only in summer, but all year round. The camp attracted children from the USSR (and all over the world really), and was visited by internationally recognized people, like Indira Gandhi.

 5.The 15 sisters

During the Soviet era, the 15 member states had strong ties and economic relationships. The states of the USSR were called 15 sisters. You can experience the special connection which existed back then if you visit the VDNKh or the Exhibition of achievement of the national economy in Moscow. There is a pavilion for each of the member states showcasing the best of what the member state (or I should say an ex-member) had to offer. Some of the main features include the Friendship of Nations fountain and the Cosmonauts’ alley.

6.Take me to…

We had a strong social welfare system which was funded by government. A special feature of it was resorts. Back then a concept of unemployment did not really exist – everyone wanted to work (and was given an opportunity to work) and contribute to the economy. This meant that if you were a member of a union, you could get a heavily subsidised or a free holiday package for yourself and your family members. What a luxury!

7. The Pioneer movement

The Pioneer movement was an equivalent of the Scout movement in western countries. Children and youth were accepted to the organization based on academic merit and other achievements. There were three stages depending on the age:
– Octyabryata– from year 1 to4(Primary School) – were given a pin-shaped like a star with a portrait of Lenin.
– Pioneers – from 5 to year 8(Secondary School) had distinguishable red neckties.
– Komsomoltsy– from year 8 to 10 (High School).
During the existence of the Soviet Union, thousands of camps and palaces (an alternative of a community youth centre) for members were built. These were exclusive only for Young Pioneers/Octyabryata/Komsomoltsy, which were free of charge, sponsored by the government and trade unions

Check out other posts here and follow the news! Some other facts are coming soon:)
And if you want to learn Russian and ask more info about the Soviet era, best teachers are here to teach you by Skype!