Middlebury Language Schools: Davis School of Russian

Recognized as one of the world's best Russian language programs, the Davis School of Russian has been offering its unique blend of cultural and language immersion for 68 years. As a student in the School, you'll live the Russian language and culture for eight intensive weeks—from interpreting poetry to learning to play the balalaika, from discussing post-Soviet politics to mastering Russian etiquette. In the classroom, our faculty will guide you in discovering a language that is alive and ever-changing, helping you gain both the confidence and tools necessary to take your skills to the next level. Outside the classroom, you'll choose from cocurricular activities that explore the range of historical and contemporary Russian culture—from the slings and arrows of slang to the finer points of fine art, each activity designed to help you build new vocabulary while developing cultural fluency.

Each summer, the Russian School offers an 8-week session and a 6-week graduate session. The two programs differ in structure and focus. The 8-week session is primarily a language program, designed to improve Russian language proficiency as rapidly as possible. The graduate program aims to provide rigorous graduate instruction in certain content areas, with Russian as the language of instruction. 8-week students are assigned to level of study, based on their language proficiency; 6-week students take graduate content courses on topics in Russian culture and civilization, language and linguistics, and literature.

Choose a program based on your Russian language proficiency and goals of study. Each program is open to undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students at other institutions, and professionals. Although the graduate session does not requires a BA for admission, you must hold a BA or the equivalent in order to pursue an MA degree at the Language Schools.