The Bard-Smolny Summer Language Intensive

We highly recommend that students participate in a summer language program before entering the Smolny College semester program.  There are many programs to choose from, both in Russia and the United States. The Bard-Smolny Summer Language Intensive (SLI) is designed for those who want to have an immersion experience after having completed between two and six semesters of college-level Russian language. Both four- and eight-week programs are offered.

The program emphasizes vocabulary acquisition, speaking, listening comprehension, and grammar. Coursework in the upper language groups includes a thematic workshop that focuses on language learning through content-specific instruction. Past workshops have included Russian politics, literature, and art history. A total of twenty-two hours of instruction are offered weekly.

The academic program is intense. You will spend twenty-two hours in class per week, and will be expected to complete at least two hours of homework daily. In addition, you will engage in informal conversation practice with your instructors through a daily "Russian Table." You will be asked to take a pledge to speak only Russian while in the Smolny buildings and during Smolny-organized cultural activities.

Highlights of the extensive cultural program include visits to St. Petersburg's incomparable museums, concerts, architectural monuments, and environs, as well as an overnight trip to an historic town in Northwestern Russia.

We encourage students planning to participate in the Bard-Smolny semester program to enroll in the eight-week course, which allows for a two-week break before the beginning of the Fall Semester.

Sample Daily Schedule

Program Dates for Summer 2008

Applications for the Bard-Smolny Summer Language Intensive are due March 15th.

Program Costs - Summer Language Intensive 2008

Bard College has limited scholarship funds available for students demonstrating need.  Students requesting financial aid should include a copy of their most recent FAFSA and their home institution's financial aid award letter for the current semester with their application.

The program cost includes the group flight from New York to St. Petersburg, a program orientation, academic instruction, daily peer tutoring with Russian students, daily Russian table lunches, health insurance, Russian visa expenses, accommodation and board with a host family, and our extensive cultural program.

Application deadline: March 15th, 2008

Please contact Bard/IILE for more information.