HC Study Abroad

Learn Russian in the EU

Russian Language Immersion Program

The College of the Holy Cross partners with Learn Russian in the European Union. Studying abroad in Daugavpils, Latvia, for a Russian language immersion program is an enriching experience that offers undergraduates a unique blend of educational and cultural opportunities. Daugavpils, with its significant Russian-speaking population, is an ideal location for students looking to enhance their language skills in a real-world setting. Unlike more traditional destinations, this Latvian city provides a distinctive, immersive environment where Russian is spoken in everyday interactions, allowing for practical language practice that goes beyond the confines of a classroom. The city itself is safe and welcoming, with a friendly atmosphere that makes students feel at home. Exploring Daugavpils is an education in itself, with numerous historical and cultural sites such as the Daugavpils Fortress, the Mark Rothko Art Centre, and the Latgale Zoo. These attractions provide students with a deeper understanding of the region's history and culture, enhancing their study experience. Finally, Daugavpils is a gateway to the broader Baltic region. Its strategic location allows students to easily travel and explore neighboring countries like Estonia and Lithuania, making their study abroad experience even more comprehensive.

Current Sophomores can apply to study abroad during their Junior year at sa.holycross.edu

PROGRAM DATES

Students can attend Learn Russian in the EU for the fall or spring semester, as well as for the full academic year. Examples of program dates are listed below:

Fall semester:

Start date
September 2, 2024

End date
December 20, 2024

Spring semester:

Start date
February 3, 2025

End date
May 23, 2025

Please note that you cannot apply for the Optional pre-semester Russian program.

All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.

Photo credit: Learn Russian in the EU

Check out Holy Cross Study Abroad Blogs

Admissions and Pre-requisites

Completed Russian 202 (301 preferred)

GPA before departure: 3.0

Resolve any academic deficiencies before departure

One Letter of Recommendation and a Russian Language Evaluation by your current Russian language professor

Learn Russian in the EU is a program for juniors and first-semester seniors

Daugavpils was founded in 1275 and was originally known as Dünaburg. In the 17th century, Russian Old Believers, who had separated from the Russian Orthodox Church, began settling in the area to practice their ancient traditions. In the 18th century, Daugavpils became part of the Russian Empire and grew into a key military, railroad, and industrial hub.

Due to its turbulent history, the Daugavpils region has developed a rich ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity. This small area has been home to various communities, including Russian, Latvian, Latgalian, Jewish, Polish, Belarusian, and Roma.

Daugavpils has been a part of both the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, giving it a significant historical connection to Russia and Russian-European relations. The city's environment and atmosphere are similar to many Russian cities, providing students with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Russian culture, traditions, and lifestyle.

Learn Russian in the EU offers extensive study trip and excursion opportunities, as well as a social program. The program's goal is to introduce students to the ethnic, historical, and cultural diversity of Daugavpils and Latvia in the context of their historical and contemporary relations with Russia.

The semester abroad program include different study trip destinations. Typically, the program offers long weekend trips around Latvia and neighboring Lithuania and Estonia. There are also many short excursions on weekdays.

Weekday excursion samples:

Welcome to Daugavpils tour

Multicultural Daugavpils: Church Hill

Russian House in Daugavpils

Daugavpils Regional and Art Museum

Dinaburg Fortress

Mark Rothko Art Centre

Jewish Community Museum

Military memorials (WW1, WW2, Afghan War, and more) and the Holocaust Memorial

Russian banya

Long weekend and full-day study trip samples:

The Basilica of Aglona, World War II collection, and Devil’s Lake in Aglona