My last visit to Vladivostok was in 2013, not long after the city hosted the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) conference. Then, considerable investment was being made in infrastructure. The airport had been refurbished and a new bridge stretched to Russkiy Island, where a new campus for Far Eastern Federal University had been built. Then, I… Read More
SRAS Blog
New Visa Application Procedures for Applicants Under 21 Years of Age
The Russian embassy in Washington DC has announced new rules for those applying for Russian visas who are under 21 years of age. In addition to the regular materials and procedures, those under 21 will need to submit: Copy of birth certificate Copy of both parents’ passports (data pages) – If one or both parents’… Read More
SRAS Publishes Updated Materials
SRAS is pleased to announce the publication of our new materials, showing our lineup of 2020 programs for individual students and services for faculty led groups heading abroad. You may download these below. If you would like to request copies of these for your university/college department or study abroad office, you may use this form…. Read More
New Russian Law on Hostels: SRAS Advice to Travelers
Travelers to Russia and especially those planning to lead groups abroad should take note that Russia has recently passed new legislation that bans hostels in residentially-zoned buildings. Many Russian cities have seen a boom in recent years in hostels opened in former communal apartments as Russia’s tourism sector has developed. However, some long-term residents of… Read More
SRAS Students Participate in Student Conference in Russia
Every spring, Herzen State Pedagogical University hosts a conference where international students are challenged with articulating themselves using solely the Russian language for a five to ten minute presentation. Students can choose any topic relating to cross-cultural communication and then collect information through interviews, research, and observations. In addition to the oral presentation, students also… Read More
Visa News: Russian Visa Fees, Services Changed
We just received notification that the consulate fees have been increased, effective March 4. For single-entry this is a hike of $70, for double, only $16, and for the multi, it is actually lower now. It’s a good time to get your multiple-entry visa! It seems as well that there will no longer be any… Read More
Evolution of Study Abroad in the Uncommon Destinations of Eurasia
SRAS recently celebrated our 20-year anniversary. We’ve also recently developed a new family of websites and a new system for managing increasing enrollments. All these developments have inspired me to take a look at the “evolution” of study abroad and faculty-led study abroad to Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The Beginning of the Post-Soviet Era:… Read More
Deadline for $10,000 Study Abroad Scholarship: May 1
The deadline for SRAS’ Home and Abroad Scholars program is fast approaching: May 1! This scholarship program, worth up to $10,000, combines an intensive internship with a study abroad program to Russia or Kyrgyzstan. We especially encourage students interested in history, anthropology, environment, military, and/or culture to apply. Study abroad while building your resume… Read More
What Students Gain in Bishkek (SRAS Site Visit)
On a chilly day in late October, I found myself on the back of a horse slowly crisscrossing up a mountain and looking back at the breathtaking view of the pristine Lake Issyk-Kul stretching across the horizon. This is how I started my site visit to our location in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Having worked with our… Read More
The School of Russian and Asian Studies Changes Name, Launches Fully Updated Website
The School of Russian and Asian Studies has outgrown its name and has made some significant changes. When we first formed, we were based in Moscow and looking mostly eastward. We established programs across Russia, in Siberia and the Russian Far East, as well as Central Asia. We introduced students to the wide diversity of… Read More