Russian Language Immersion in Wintertime Riga
Spend one or two weeks of winter break focused on Russian language and cultural immersion in Riga. Intensive small-group instruction emphasizes conversation and practical communication, while a Russian-speaking homestay provides additional opportunities to use the language in daily life.
Outside the classroom, explore Riga during the winter holiday season through cultural activities, neighborhood visits, and traditions connected with both Latvian and Russian-speaking communities. The program coincides with Orthodox Christmas, providing an opportunity to learn about holiday traditions while experiencing the city at a distinctive time of year.
Language in Context
Latvian is the national language and the language of public life, while Russian remains widely understood and spoken within parts of Riga’s population. This multilingual environment offers students an opportunity to use Russian while also observing how language, identity, and history intersect in contemporary Latvia.
Russian instruction and homestay immersion provide a consistent language-learning environment, while daily life in Riga introduces students to the broader linguistic and cultural context of the Baltic region.
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.
Past the deadline? Contact us to check if there is space.
Program Details
Students receive 20 hours of intensive Russian language instruction per week in small groups. Instruction emphasizes conversation and practical communication while developing vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading, and speaking skills.
The program welcomes students at multiple proficiency levels, with placement based on prior study and language proficiency.
Partner School
Liden & Denz is a private language school founded in 1992. Its communicative approach combines practical language use with systematic study of grammar and vocabulary.
Cultural programming complements language study by introducing students to Riga, Latvian culture, and the city’s Russian-speaking communities. Activities may include exploration of Old Riga, the Art Nouveau district, Maskavas Forštate, Orthodox Christmas traditions, and a holiday cooking workshop.
The exact schedule may vary according to local events, weather, and seasonal opportunities.
Opportunities to Explore
You will have a weekend entirely free to explore Latvia or to take a short trip to Tallinn or Vilnius. Both are easily visited in a weekend – so why not? The bus system throughout the Baltics is very well developed and inexpensive. You can easily play things by ear and let either the weather or some new friends abroad help you with such decisions.
Weather
Temperatures in January in Riga are cold, averaging around 31°F during the day. Snow is possible. You will want to bring a warm winter coat and winter boots so you do not get chilled exploring Riga during this magical time of year!
Extend Your Stay
Students with a longer winter break may add one or two additional weeks of Russian language study and homestay accommodation.
If you have a longer winter break, you can add up to two weeks to your stay, inclusive of tuition, home stay (with half board), insurance, and SRAS support.
- 1 additional week: $950
(your program will run Jan 2-24) - 2 additional weeks: $1800
(your program will run Jan 2 – 31)
Academic Credit
The standard program is non-credit bearing. Students who require academic credit may opt to receive a transcript from Stetson University, SRAS’s U.S. School of Record.
- Transcript fee: $600* Two- or three-week program: 2 credits Four-week program: 4 credits
*Transcript is issued by our School of Record, Stetson University (Florida, USA). Transcript fee is waived for students who have had a transcript issued by Stetson University within the past year.
If you would like to add additional weeks or take the program for credit, indicate that in your application.
Students stay with Russian-speaking hosts, with breakfast and dinner included. Homestays provide additional opportunities for conversation and language practice outside the classroom while introducing students to daily life in Riga.
Most homestays are approximately 25–50 minutes from classes by public transportation. Hosts may include families, couples, or individuals and are selected for their experience hosting international students.
Riga, Latvia’s capital on the Baltic Sea, combines medieval charm with a vibrant modern culture, making it an ideal place to study Russian while experiencing Northern Europe. Centuries under the Russian Empire and Soviet rule means Russian remains widely spoken, with about 55% of Riga’s residents using it on a daily basis. Riga is also a fascinating place to witness Latvia’s own strong traditions, which survived centuries of occupation by multiple empires. Riga’s city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site in its entirety, is famed for its art nouveau architecture, cobblestone streets, and lively cafés and markets. The Latvians are among Europe’s most secular peoples, with traditions deeply tied to their pagan past and to reverence for the lush, green nature of their homeland. Although reserved, Latvians hold a deep respect for all those who hold respect for Latvia. Affordable and highly walkable, Riga offers much to explore, with unspoiled coastlines, forests, and medieval castles just a short trip away.
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 may be applied toward eligible future SRAS programs and study tours.
Group Discount: Participants who bring two or more friends on a program of two weeks or longer 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.