Most of EnjoyRussian students live with Russian host families. Russian homestay is the best way to improve your Russian, to practice speaking the language and to get a feel for life in Russia. 

Every year we have a common meeting with our host families to thank our hosts, to read out extracts from students’ testimonials, to remember pleasant moments of the previous year.

A week ago we had another meeting. Here are some extracts from the students’ testimonials about their homestay in Petrozavodsk in 2016:
«My host family was fantastic. They are now like my own family. We are definitely going to stay in touch» - Ellie, UK
«They made me feel at home right from the first day» - Kai Lin, Singapore
«I've appreciated the good balance between human involvement and respect of privacy of my host family. Tatiana and Liya were kind and hospitable» - Vito, Italy
«My homestay family was great. I was able to talk to talk with them over meals a lot. They made me feel welcome and it was great practice» - Christian, Canada
«I absolutely adored staying with my family. Everything was wonderful and I hope to keep in touch with them for a very long time» - James, Australia

We pick a family individually for each student according to different criteria so you shouldn’t worry about any possible misunderstandings. If you’re beginner in Russian, we’ll choose a family speaking a second language. If you have a special diet, the family will be prepared for this. If you travel with your family, there will be enough space for everyone. We work with our families for years, and they are really kind-hearted, experienced and tolerant people. So forget about any worries and just enjoy Russian with us! 

“It’s really fantastic to have the opportunity to stay with a Russian family while studying” – Rebecca (UK)

http://enjoyrussian.com/Russian_Homestay/

Movie, literature, discussian and music clubs for foreigners and Russians

Really good study program, and really nice teachers. Couldn't had asked for more.

 Anne Sofie (Denmark).

And we can offer more! Many of our students were interested in Russian music, literature, movie and had a lot of questions about different spheres of Russian life.

Now we are glad to announce 4 CLUBS for foreigners and Russians: movie, literature, music and discussion! Starting from OCTOBER Russia will become closer to you! 
Everything you want to know about Russia and Russians you’ll find in our school!

Read more about our clubs http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/19365/

Russian cartoons

Aksakov Sergey Timofeyevitch – well known Russian writer of the 19^th century.

He is the author of a famous tale «Red flower» («Аленький цветочек», the plot of the tale is almost the same you see in Walt Disney «Beauty and the Beast» ). When Sergey was a child he heard this story from one of the country people. So the tale is the excellent example of a folk art.  Being an adult he write it by memory. It was published for the first time in 1858.

Here you can watch favorite Russian cartoon «Аленький цветочек» (1952, Союзмультфильм). You’ll see merchant family in Ancient Russia (before 17^th and 18^th centuries).

In Russian:

In English:

Hugs and kisses!

Nowadays many young people in Russia use kisses and hugs to greet a person! They usually do it even if they are not close friends, relatives or a loving couple. Moreover they can hug and kiss you even if you get acquainted just a few hours ago.  

Of course not all the Russians are crazy about that! Some people express themselves discreetly. But don’t doubt! They are glad to see you!

Just don’t be surprised if a new acquaintance kisses you on the cheek or hugs you! Especially our old ladies fond of big hugs! Such a cordial hospitality is one of the national features.

But if it makes you feel awkward don’t be shy to say about that!

If not – let’s hug!

Join our friendly company  http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/18874/

The 23rd of February - this holiday is often referred to as Men's Day in Russia.
Officially the holiday celebrates people who are serving or were serving the Russian Armed Forces (both men and women, both military and civilian personnel), but unofficially, nationally it has also more recently come to include the celebration of men as a whole.
Women give small gifts to men in their lives, especially husbands, fathers, sons and brothers. As a part of the workplace culture, women often give small gifts to their male co-workers.
Come to Russia and learn more about Russian traditions.

APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

National Food Party
We had the first National Food Party in 2016 yesterday!:) We could taste Chinese sweets, Australian sandwiches, Swiss apple cake and chocolate, Russian salad Olivje and the vinaigrette, Russian cakes with rice and Karelian cakes called "kalitka". Also our students made presentations about their countries and gave cute gifts and beautiful postcards to Russian volunteers! Thank you all for a such cozy and friendly atmosphere!
APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Смайлик «smile»APPLY: http://www.enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Russians are insanely rude and crazy

99% of Russians live their daily life without being rude to each other. It only takes some openness, readiness to throw away some intercultural cliches and a strong will to understand. Besides, Russians are hospitable, outgoing and always ready to help.
Okay, Russians are very, very expressive. They may wave and shake their hands like they are having a seizure when they’re just talking about the weather. What’s more, they are pretty loud! And of course it doesn't mean that they are crazy!

Join us http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/

Fast progress, great teachers, delicious national food, and long conversations in Russian – that’s what you get in 2 weeks in the "Enjoy Russian" language school in Petrozavodsk

Level: basic
Dates: November 2 - November 13
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: October 4

Apply here: http://enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Could you guess what "having tea" in Russia means?

"It's the small differences and surprises, that make travelling so interesting. Having stayed in Petrozavodsk for a week now, I already got to experience several Russian peculiarities.
I found out that when my Russian host mother invites me for tea in the evening, "having tea" actually means having a small meal consisting of tea and all kinds of delicious food, like Russian pancakes (блины)" - Lisa (Austria).

Join and find out what surprise you in Russia http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3689_autumn_russian_courses/

Learn Russian in a mini-group! Apply for the program until August 9!
Level: elementary 
Dates: September 7 - October 2
Price: 900 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: August 9

Let's see what Gintare has noticed!

While staying in Petrozavodsk our students pay attention to everyday life habits which are different from the manners in their countries.
Let's see what Gintare has noticed!
1) People usually look at each other in the street

2) Sellers in shops don't take money from hands

Read more http://enjoyrussian.com/3661_useful_info/weird_russians/17633/

Spend the whole August in Petrozavodsk and get fast progress in Russian!
Levels: Basic
Dates: August 3 - August 28
Price: 900 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast for a month)
Deadline for applying: July 3rd

And would you like to experience Russian warm hospitality?

“While he is staying here he is my son!"
And would you like to experience Russian warm hospitality?
Let’s see what our host families say else:  http://enjoyrussian.com/Russian_Homestay/3657/

Last days to join our programs in early July! Last places in the groups of BEGINNERS, ELEMENTARY, BASIC AND 1 CERTIFICATE LEVEL!!! HURRY UP!
Levels: from beginners to 1 certificate level
Dates: July 6 - July 17
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: June 5
Apply here: http://enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Last days to join our programs in early July!
Level: 1 Certificate Level
Dates: July 6 - July 17
Price: 450 EUR (including tuition fee and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: June 5
Apply here: http://enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Would you like to become a TV star?!

One of our students Remi participated in local TV program "Hleb da Sol" (Хлеб да Соль). Watch how it was!

Join us http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/3688_choose_your_program/

Russian banya - you'll never forget it!

RUSSIAN BANYA is more than just washing – it is a special ceremonial!
Our proverb says «В бане намылся - заново родился»!
Would you like to know what does it mean?
Join us, study language and enjoy Russian banya!
Apply http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_p…/3687_summer_russian_courses/

12 useful tips on surviving in Russian family here

Learning foreign language through immersion is very efficient. At the same time it can become a real challenge. Students of Enjoy Russian language school stay with local host families. We carefully select all our families. After that they take part in the training program. But secret of warm and pleasant communication is that both sides should be prepared for host living. We present 12 useful tips on surviving in Russian family. We hope your experience will be enjoyable.

Learn more about our host families

1. Remember the famous Scouts’ motto – Be prepared.

Your host family is bound to be interested in you and your life. So why not bring along several postcards from your native country or some pictures of your family? This would make a great starting point for conversation., as you can describe the people in the photos and the places in which they were taken. Try to avoid short answers (да or нет) and instead try to develop your answers to make the conversation more interesting.

2. Don't forget that communication is a two-way thing.

If you want your host family to communicate with you more, don’t be shy –you take the first step! All it takes is telling them about your day. Even discussing your lunch menu may become a fascinating topic for conversation.

3. Keep asking questions.

Members of your host family will be glad to answer your questions about their life, customs, and traditions. Why not ask them how long they have lived in Petrozavodsk, whether they have any relatives nearby etc. Do they visit any clubs? Do they have any hobbies? Inquire about the city’s history. Try reading a local newspaper and discuss what you find out with your hosts.

4. Stay with the host family after dinner.

In some Russian families it is custom to stay together in the sitting room after dinner to drink tea, watch the news or discuss the day’s events. Don't feel afraid to sit with your hosts!

5. Offer to help with the housework.

Your host family will appreciate your help in laying the table or washing up. At the same time it’s a good chance to practise your Russian and to pick up new, useful words.

6. Share your food preferences.

Speak about which kind of foods you like and don't like, and be sure to let your host know that you enjoy their cooking, they'll appreciate the compliment! Your host will need to know what you like to eat and whether there are any foods you are allergic to. If you enjoy cooking, why not treat your hosts to a dish from your host company?

7. Respect the house rules.

Be sure that you know about any house rules and procedures there may be how, such as how to lock the door if you come back late at night, where you should leave your washing, whether you are allowed to use your hosts' computer etc. If you have any doubts or you think that you haven't understood something, don't keep silent. Ask for help!

8. Be ready for children’s curiosity.

Little children often get quite excited when they meet new people and are very curious about their things! It's probably best to keep all of your valuables away from young children. Inform your hosts if the children keep going in your room but try to be patient and tolerant – it is hard to explain to little children that your room is no longer there territory.

9. Try not to spend all of your free time with your host family.

Your host family understands that you meet a lot of new friends during  your stay in Petrozavodsk and will not be offended if you wish to spend your free time with them, and there is nothing stopping you from going out in the evenings.However, your host family is there to take care of you, so please let them know if you will not be having dinner at home or will be spending the night somewhere else.

10. Remember - Your host family is still a family.

Please do not feel rejected if your host family wants to spend weekends without you. Try to use your free time to relax at home or visit your new friends.

11. Go Shopping.

Do not be afraid of asking your host family to take you with them when going shopping. It will be great practice for you and the family will appreciate your help with carrying the bags.

12. Tell them about any problems.

If you have any problems, don't keep them to yourself. Discuss them with your host family. Alos, don't forget to inform the school administration about any trouble or worries you have. 

Three Enjoy Russian school students have finished their spring courses!

Three of Enjoy Russian language school students have finished their spring Russian language courses in Petrozavodsk, Karelia. We are happy to have opportunity to meet them and will wait to see them here again. Meanwhile another student from Austria Anabella Tsrepulia has arrived to Petrozavodsk. And John Dawton goes on exploring the city!

Read more news here

Thomas Stowell-Smith, David Hunt and Robert Hornsbi have received their Russian language certificates! David decided to visit St-Petersburg after leaving Petrozavodsk. He will spend there three days and then continue travelling by visiting Moscow as well. Thomas is staying in Petrozavodsk till next week to enjoy the city in relaxing atmosphere.

A new student from Austria Anabella Tsrepulia is arriving to Petrozavodsk. She spends the weekend in Moscow and starts learning Russian next week.

John Dawton goes on exploring the city! He is accompanied by his family who decided to join him during their vacation. They have visited historical museum where John was more than happy to have an opportunity to try Viking costume.”What a great weekend! Submitted my last two TEFL modules, Chelsea won, my drama club is amazing and I sang today in a concert! So tired but happy!” – John wrote on facebook.