Volunteers from all over the world come to Petrozavodsk to teach kids and teenagers

Meet our new volunteer from Great Britain. Her name is Catherine and she arrived to Petrozavodsk (the capital of Karelia. Enjoy Russian School is situated here) 2 weeks ago and already improved her Russian with our teachers. Now it is time for her to teach kids! 

International Summer Camp in Karelia is a great opportunity for foreign students to practice Russian and get involved into some cool activities. Some show the games, create performances, others arrange dance battles and sport competitions for the enthusiastic kids.

Nowadays Frederik from Denmark and Giulia from Italy volunteer at the Camp as well. 

See more about the program and feel free to ask questions!

https://enjoyrussian.com/courses/volunteering/

WANT TO PASS FOR RUSSIAN? EAT FISH!

Kalakunda: traditional Fish holiday in Karelia

We all know that tastes differ. Dutch people are crazy about stroopwafels, French can’t imagine themselves without camembert and Russians are believed to eat caviar daily. But actually, here in the North-West of Russia we love fish more than caviar! As you know Enjoy Russian School is situated in the land of lakes and the “fish tradition” of Karelian people goes back to the settlement times when people had to take the advantages of generous Mother Nature. In August 2018 Russians living in Karelia will celebrate the Fish holiday KALAKUNDA. What does it mean and how do we celebrate it?

Traditional Russian activities to enjoy the fish fest

Karelia is well known for its fishery. First and foremost Kalakunda holiday is a fishermen competition. About 150 professionals compete in trout hooking on the river Lososynka. Last year winner has caught 2 trout with the total weight of 3 kg (approximately 6.6 pounds).

The holiday program offers a variety of activities for adults and children. Of course, everything is connected with fish – you can buy fish, can make souvenirs from fish, cook the traditional pie, enjoy the performances in which fish is the ultimate superhero. But one of the most important things is that you may listen to the ancient tales and sagas about Karelian heroes.

What else can you do here?

• Take a picture of the reindeer
• learn traditional Karelian dance;
• play outdoor games;
• take part in the workshops and learn how to make woodenware and furniture, fish bones jewelry!

One fish-idiom to sound like a Russian

One of the most common idioms in Russia is connected with the fish: как рыба в воде (kak ryba v vad’e)

Literal translation – like a fish in water. It means to feel comfortable somewhere.

Example:  Хотя он приехал в школу Enjoy Russian всего две недели назад, он чувствовал себя как рыба в воде. (Even though he came to Enjoy Russian school just two weeks ago he felt very comfortable)

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Want to feel the taste of Russia? Come to Enjoy Russian school to experience full Russian immersion! Choose a course here

RUSSIAN TRAINS: SECRETS OF SURVIVAL

Russia is a huge country, but we still like to travel by trains. In this article you’ll find out all pros and cons

First, let’s talk about why many people prefer travelling by trains. Of course, planes are faster and more comfortable. But plane tickets cost more than train ones, and there are many places in Russia, where you can’t get by plane: there are no airports, aircompanies close some destinations, because they are not popular, and etc. Another reason is that Russians like night trains, where you can sleep. You take a train at night, sleep on it, and in the morning you arrive – so easy, and convenient, and no need to pay for a night at a hotel, if you travel like this.

Some foreigners are really surprised to hear that in Russian trains there are berths that people lie, and sleep on. Well, it’s all because of the distance. You must agree that it’s not so comfortable to sit for 8, 12, and more hours. We have trains, where people just seat, but mostly those are electric suburban trains or fast trains for short distances, for example there is a 5-hour train from Saint Petersburg to Petrozavodsk, super cozy and fast.

Russian long-distance trains have different compartments

1st Class (SV)

First is the most comfortable and expensive option: the SV ticket. This is a first class compartment for only two people and contains two lower couches that convert into beds and a table next to the window. Also sometimes on some Russian trains which run a long journey there are showers in those SV compartments that also adds some comfort to your journey. If you would like to travel by yourself there is a possibility to buy two tickets for the couches at the same compartment. So this could be almost the VIP traveling.

2nd Class (coupe)

The next option is a less expensive class (2nd class) that is organized in compartments, each of which contain two lower and two upper berths. These are called coupes in Russian. Just like an SV, coupes have a door which locks from the inside, and thus privacy between the four people is kept inside the compartment.

3rd Class (Platzkart)

The next class is cheaper still and is called Platzkart in Russian (3rd class). This means that the entire wagon is open and there are no closed compartments or curtains. There are two lower and two upper berths, a small and narrow corridor and another two berths that are located on the opposite side near the window. So instead of a compartment there are six berths and no doors, thus there is no possibility to lock anything or for people to have any privacy. Platzcart tickets are convenient tickets if you have a short journey or if you are not interested in comfort but want to save money.

Can I buy a train ticket online?

Buying tickets for trains is very easy. You should go to the website of Russian railways, find your destination, choose dates, and seats/berths, and pay with a VISA/MASTER CARD. Sometimes you don’t even need to print out the tickets – just save them to your smartphone. To get on the train you usually just need to show your passport.

Have a nice trip, and share your train experiences with us!

3 MONTHS IN RUSSIA. HOW WAS IT LIKE?

Students about long term Russian language course in Petrozavodsk

Enjoy Russian language school seems to be a place for making a sitcom! An international one of course, because the students come to Petrozavodsk from Singapore and China, the USA and Romania, Germany and India and from almost all the corners of the Earth. Guys find themselves not only totally immersed into the Russian language but also visit all the cultural events, meet hospitable Russians, explore the city of Petrozavodsk and travel around Karelia. From September till the end of November we hosted a group of students brave enough to stay in Russia for three months and to attend long-term Russian language course.

Did you like Russian language course with native speaking teachers? Share your results!

• I came knowing nothing almost and I am leaving with a lot of knowledge. Time will tell how well I may have done!
• I really enjoyed the program and felt that it really helped my language skills. Teachers used the variety of different methods which kept lessons interesting.
• The teacher made a very good job  and showed sincere interest in the needs of every single student!

How did you like the content of the cultural program?

• I found heaps of culture in the 3 months I have beem in Petrozavodsk. Concerts, museums, dance classes, as well as visits to Kizhi and Kivach waterfall.

What about Enjoy Russian school volunteers?

• The volunteers have been excellent. Their standard of English is outstanding!
• They were amazing and really helpful! I think I have made good friends!

Russian homestay. Did you feel comfortable with your Russian family?

• The host family were very helpful and nice and it was great living with them. I felt very at home with them and they made an effort to talk with me and make me feel welcome!

Anything to add?

• I really enjoyed the program and felt that it really helped my language skills. Everyone is really nice, the classes are small and you really get a chance to learn but also feel at home.
• I enjoyed everything! I will definitely recommend the school to other students.

If you want to have your own unique experience af living like a real Russian, choose our long-term Russian language course and come for the brightest memories!