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.

Full Russian immersion course in February of 2018: 

- Intensive Russian course (from 4 lessons a day); 
- Professional, experienced and creative native speaking teachers; 
- Interesting and diverse lessons with games, videos, projects and lots more;
- Russian homestay with caring and talkative Russian families;
- Cultural activities – events, parties, excursions, trips, craft shops;
- Support of Russian volunteers, speaking practice.

Duration: 2-4 weeks
Starting date: Feb, 05
Cost: from 320 euro (2-week tuition fee for 40 group lessons)

Apply here: https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/standard/
Get more details: info@enjoyrussian.com 

HOW TO PACK FOR YOUR RUSSIAN WINTER TRIP

Essentials you need to spend perfect Russian holiday

For those of you who prefer a real trip to Russia instead of taking Russian lessons by Skype (that are also possible to sign up for) we made up a list of things you should definitely pack into your bag before you are on your way to Russia.

• Warm clothing. Be ready to dress warmly and put on 3-4 layers. Do not forget earmuffs or hat and mittens, winter boots (waterproof are more preferable) that would not be slippery and grab maybe a blanket scarf. The temperature might be close to -25C. But anyways check the weather forecast before you go.
• Don’t forget about some dressy outfits especially if you are going to be here during the festive season (ссылка на программу праздничную). You can be invited at Christmas or New Year dinner by your host family or Russian friends, or go to theatre performance one day. So be sure you have something beside your super-cozy winter essentials.
• Your camera. 100% – you will see many cool places during your trip. At least you should take a picture of snowy landscapes and Russians eating icecream outsideJ
• Prepare a list of commonly used phrases – even if you are a total beginner in learning the language make sure you know some words to find your way even before you start you Russian language lessons: Здравствуйте – Zdrastvooyte – Hello, Извините – Eezveeneete –  Excuse me, Как добраться до_____ ? (kak dabratsya do) How do I get to _____ ? Спасибо – Spaseeba –  Thank you
• Dostoevsky, Tolstoy and Chekhov novels. Or anything you would love to read in Russian. In comparison to Europe where distances are not that small and you can cross several countries in a day in Russia it will take you hours to get to another city. That is why it’s better to have something to read.

What to do in Russia during winter time?

Enjoy Russian language school organizes some exciting winter activities for the students depending on their interests and recklessness!

• Ice fishing
• Snowmobile driving
• Dog sledding
• Skiing, skating and snowboarding, outdoor winter games
• Annual festival of ice and snow (Hyperborea)
• Cooking class “New Year traditional dishes in Russia”
• Moreover: Russian banya any time you want, street festivals, Nothern lights!

Join us in winter! Choose individual or group courses and the dates you want to come to Petrozavodsk and spend magic holiday in Russia! And if you are not ready to wait for the program starts, feel free to sign up for our Skype course!

International women day congratulations!

It is time to speak about Russian women! What do you know about them?

Read some facts about Russian women
http://enjoyrussian.com/3661_useful_info/weird_russians/17617/russian_women/ 

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/

ESL TEACHERS POSITIONS IN SUMMER 2016

If you want to get new intercultural experience and improve or learn Russian language for free – WELCOME to the International English language summer camp “ENGLISH NON-STOP” in Petrozavodsk (Karelia, Russia).

We are looking for creative, talented and disciplined young person aged 25-35 for the position of English teacher at the International  English language summer camp “ENGLISH  NON-STOP”.

Read more  http://enjoyrussian.com/3686_programs/18787/

Dear friends! Hello from snowy Petrozavodsk!:)
We are happy to announce that 5 students from different countries are here to study Russian!
And they really enjoy Russian nature and winter activities!

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

Dear friends!:)
Russian Language school «Enjoy Russian» wishes you a Happy New Year!
May all your dreams and wishes come true during these miraculous days!
You are welcome to visit us any time in the coming year!:)

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

Last students of this year!

Apply http://enjoyrussian.com/3719/

Hey everybody!

If you want to join the course in January or February keep in mind that our long New Year vacations start from December 28 and last 'till January 10!
The group classes schedule remains the same.
THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN THESE DATES!

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

Are you still hesitating? Join the mini-group and see the real Russia!

Level: 1 Certificate
Dates: December 7 - December 18
Price: 450EUR (including tuition fee for 40 hours of Russian and homestay with breakfast)
Deadline for applying: November 8