Update as of March 07, 2022 SRAS does not currently recommend travel to Russia or Ukraine. Our other locations continue to operate as usual. SRAS has successfully implemented an evacuation plan for its students in Russia. SRAS programs in Kyiv began remotely this semester due to geopolitical tensions. Thus, we had no students on the… Read More
Travel Alerts
Moscow Under Quarentine: Moods and Measures
The mood in Moscow is calm. We are now entering week four of quarantine. Measures have been gradually introduced. The initial closing of universities, most schools, cafes, bars, and nightclubs, was announced on March 17 and put into place on March 21. Since then, a similar pattern of broadcast-then-implement has followed with closing parks and… Read More
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
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
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
The State of Study Abroad in Russia – 2018
Our fifth annual State of Study Abroad in Russia follows a fairly quiet year in Russia. The economic changes that came in 2015 and 2016 have been absorbed and turned into a new normal and slow economic growth. This condition is expected to continue throughout 2018, along with a stable political environment. The main changes… Read More
Summer Study Abroad: Update on Recent Diplomatic Events
SRAS is looking forward to welcoming students to Russia for summer study abroad programs. It is certainly an interesting time politically to be studying in Russia and we would like to reconfirm SRAS policies that place student safety as our first priority. Recently, 60 American diplomats were expelled from Russia and the U.S. Consulate in… Read More
Official Statement on St. Petersburg Explosion, Summer Programs
There was an explosion on the St. Petersburg metro on April 3rd, 2017. SRAS contacted and verified that all students and staff are safe. We are also reviewing and stressing safety procedures with all students on the ground. We are additionally reviewing and updating all safety procedures for all locations. Our thoughts are hearts are… Read More
The State of Study Abroad in Russia, 2017
an update on safety concerns and educational opportunities – February, 2017 – As I sit to write my fourth annual State of Study Abroad in Russia, it feels again like the Russia in which I sit is a completely different place from the Russia in which I sat last year. Last year at this time,… Read More
The State of Study Abroad in Russia, 2016
an update on safety concerns and educational opportunities – February, 2016 – This marks the third year that I’ve done a “state of study abroad” on Russia. I find it amazing that every time I’ve sat down to do one of these, it seems like I have an entirely different landscape to describe. Russian… Read More