How Much Russian Should You Learn Before Studying in Russia
For studying at a university in Russia, having a foundational understanding of Russian is highly recommended. While many universities offer courses in English, being able to communicate in Russian can significantly enhance your experience as it helps with daily interactions, cultural immersion, and navigating life outside of campus. Here’s a breakdown of what would be ideal:
Basic Conversational Skills
Level: A2 to B1, Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR)
Topics: Greetings, shopping, ordering food, asking for directions, public transportation, and everyday social interactions.
Reason: Basic skills in Russian make daily tasks easier and help you connect with locals.
Academic Vocabulary If Your Courses Are in Russian
Level: B1 to B2
Focus: Specialized vocabulary related to your field of study, understanding academic instructions, reading textbooks, and writing basic reports or essays in Russian.
Reason: If your program is partially or fully in Russian, you’ll need to follow lectures and engage with coursework in the language. Many universities offer preparatory Russian language programs to help international students reach this level.
Advanced Proficiency for a Full Russian-taught Program
Level: B2 to C1
Skills: Advanced grammar, listening comprehension, academic writing, presenting in Russian, and complex conversation.
Reason: A higher proficiency will allow you to fully understand lectures, participate in discussions, and complete assignments if the instruction is exclusively in Russian.
Immersion and Practice
Use language apps like Duolingo or Memrise to watch Russian movies, and listen to Russian music or podcasts. This can help with pronunciation and listening. Consider intensive language courses or tutoring to speed up your learning, especially if your university offers a preparatory Russian course.
Starting with an A2 level before arrival is a great goal as it will give you a foundation that can be quickly built upon with immersion.
Considerations for Language Proficiency
The amount of Russian you should learn before going to Russia for university largely depends on the language of instruction and your personal goals.
Russian-Taught Programs
For programs that are fully in Russian, aim for at least a B1 or B2 level on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). This will allow you to understand lectures, participate in discussions, and manage daily life in Russia.
English-Taught Programs
For programs that are in English, basic conversational Russian (A1 or A2 level) might suffice. However, knowing more can enhance your experience and integration.
Daily Life
Learning basic phrases and vocabulary, such as greetings, directions, and food-related expressions, can significantly improve your daily interactions and help you navigate life in Russia.
Cultural Integration
Understanding the language can help you connect with locals, make friends, and immerse yourself in the culture, which can enhance your overall experience.
Preparation Time
Ideally, you should start learning Russian at least 6 months to a year before your departure. Consistent practice through classes, language apps, or immersion experiences will be beneficial.
Resources
Consider using language learning apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or even enrolling in online courses or finding language exchange partners to build your skills.
In summary, if your studies will be in Russian, aim for an intermediate level, while basic conversational skills are helpful for English programs. Starting early and practicing consistently will make a significant difference.