Spend spring break building your Russian language skills while exploring Latvia’s multilingual culture and society.
Spend spring break in Latvia combining intensive Russian language study with cultural exploration in Riga and Daugavpils. With 20 hours of Russian instruction, a Russian-speaking homestay, and opportunities to use the language outside the classroom, the program offers a concentrated boost to your Russian in just over a week.
In Riga, explore the city’s historic neighborhoods, markets, architecture, and cultural life while learning more about Latvia’s complex linguistic and historical landscape. An overnight trip to Daugavpils, Latvia’s predominantly Russian-speaking second city, provides a contrasting setting for language practice and a closer look at Russian-speaking communities in contemporary Latvia.
The program is open to students who have completed at least one semester of Russian or the equivalent. Educators and others with a serious interest in Russian language and the region are also welcome.
If you are a current student: It is your responsibility to check the academic calendar of your home institution to ensure you do not miss class and/or have the necessary approvals in place for participation. Applications received after the session deadline will be considered on a space-available basis.
Program Details
Students receive 20 hours of intensive Russian language instruction in a small-group setting, with an emphasis on practical communication. Classes are complemented by opportunities to use Russian with host families and during activities in Riga and Daugavpils.
Students should arrive with at least one semester of college-level Russian or equivalent experience.
Partner School
Liden & Denz is an award-winning private language school founded in 1992. Instruction follows a communicative approach, combining practical language use with systematic work on grammar and vocabulary.
Cultural programming is designed to complement language study while introducing students to Latvia’s history, culture, and multilingual society. Activities in Riga may include exploration of the Old Town, Art Nouveau district, markets and neighborhoods, along with a cooking workshop and other opportunities to experience everyday life in the city.
The program also includes an overnight excursion to Daugavpils, where Russian is widely spoken. Students explore the city and its distinctive history and cultural environment while gaining additional opportunities to use Russian outside the classroom.
Students stay with Russian-speaking hosts and receive breakfast and dinner each day. Homestays are generally 25–50 minutes from classes by public transportation.
Hosts vary from families to individuals living alone, but all are experienced in hosting international students and provide an important opportunity for regular Russian conversation and engagement with daily life in Riga.
Riga, Latvia’s capital and largest city, offers an especially interesting setting for studying Russian. Latvian is the country’s official language, while Russian remains widely used within the city, giving students opportunities to practice the language while observing how language, identity, and history intersect in contemporary Latvia.
Riga itself combines a UNESCO-listed historic center, renowned Art Nouveau architecture, markets, museums, cafés, and distinct neighborhoods within a compact and highly walkable city. Its location on the Baltic also makes it an excellent base for experiencing Latvia beyond the classroom.
This program uses a short application and a simplified payment schedule. A $50 non-refundable application fee is due when you apply and is applied toward the total program cost. Once your participation is confirmed, a $450 non-refundable deposit is due within seven days to reserve your place. The remaining program balance is due 45 days before arrival.
Cancellation: If SRAS receives written cancellation at least 20 days before the program begins, 20% of the total program cost is refundable. For cancellations received fewer than 20 days before the program begins, no refund is guaranteed.
If SRAS is able to recover costs or fill a vacated place, we will endeavor to refund additional amounts where possible. Participants are encouraged to consider travel insurance that provides appropriate cancellation or interruption coverage.
Funding & Discounts
SRAS Ambassadors awards and SRAS Online Research Internships awards may be applied toward eligible future SRAS programs and study tours.
Group Discount: Participants who bring two or more friends may each receive a $150 discount. All participants must identify one another in their applications. The discount does not apply to participants already receiving special group pricing, including affiliate discounts.