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Russian SLI 2025 - In Person
Russian is again emerging (after a lull in the last decade of the twentieth century) as a language of importance in the arena of international politics and business/commerce. It has never ceased to be such a language in the world of literature and culture. In the Russian Summer Language Institute, we’ll cover all the fundamentals of grammar necessary to meet the demands of language use and communication in everyday life, which include conversing (speaking and listening) and reading, the latter being essential for newspapers, completion of forms, etc. We’ll also introduce you to Russian history and culture (music, literature, film) and pop culture.
Pedagogy and Philosophy
We describe our program as intensive and accelerated. Our goal is to cover the fundamentals of Russian spelling, sound, and grammar, which are needed for speaking in simple and complex sentences on a variety of topics and for reading in the original. With regard to speaking/listening, we aim for Intermediate-mid on the ACTFL Scale, and with regard to grammar/reading, we aim for the ability to read and translate (with a dictionary) expository prose of the type occurring in everyday documents (announcements, advertisements, etc.) as well as in expository prose (newspapers, essays, novels).
Unique Features of the Program
The Summer Language Institute offers a comprehensive program that covers the equivalent of two full years of Russian, providing twelve credits to meet the University of Virginia's language requirement. No prior knowledge of Russian is necessary. Upon successful completion of the full eight-week program, students can expect to advance to Third-Year Russian at the University of Virginia or at their respective institutions.
In the summer of 2025, students also have the option to enroll in one of two halves of the program (4 weeks): the first half, which is Intensive Introductory Russian (1016-1026) for 6 credits, or the second half, Intensive Intermediate Russian (2016-2026), also for 6 credits. Students can choose the option that best fits their schedule, proficiency level, and learning goals. This program promotes a supportive peer environment, enabling students to quickly develop their Russian language skills.
What students say about Russian SLI:
"Thank you again for an incredible experience at the Summer Language Institute...If there's one lesson I took away from the summer, it is confidence; confidence that I can tackle this language, no matter how daunting it seems, if I want it hard enough. And now armed with a strong foundation of grammar, I am more confident than ever."
Required Textbook:
Robin, Richard M.; Evans-Romaine, Karen; Shatalina, Galina. Golosa: A Basic Course in Russian – edition TBD. Pearson, 2011
Program Structure
The Russian Summer Language Institute meets five days per week with three different Instructors. Students meet from 8 to 11:30 in the morning for grammar, reading, and listening with the primary instructor; the early afternoon class meets from 12:30 to 3:30 and focuses on speaking/conversation, writing, and additional work on grammar and listening with a native-speaker graduate teaching assistant. In the late afternoon class, from 4 to 5:30, students learn about Russian culture, review material and topics covered during the day, and participate in cultural activities outside class, such as cooking.
Tentative Daily Schedule:
The program meets five days a week.
Morning 8:30-11:30 Grammar-Reading-Listening
Afternoon 12:30-3:30 Speaking/Conversation-Writing-Practice
Evening 4:00-5:30 Cultural Activities
Check all the available options before applying
Students are strongly encouraged to register for the full 8-week program and complete the intermediate level. The option to apply for the first or second half is also available. The table below provides information on the available options.
| Application Options | Dates | Credits | Language Level |
| Full Program (8 weeks) | June 16 – August 8 | 12 credits | Intensive Elementary and Intermediate ( 1016, 1026, 2016, 2026 - 2 years of language) |
| First Half (4 weeks) | June 16 – July 12 | 6 credits | Intensive Elementary (RUSS 1016 and RUSS1026 - 1 year of language) |
| Second Half (4 weeks) | July 14 – August 8 | 6 credits | Intensive Intermediate (RUSS 2016 and RUSS 2026 - 1 year of language) |
2025 Costs
Students in all SLI programs, including the non-credit option, must pay the Institute Fee of $60.00 and the Comprehensive Fee. See Summer Session Housing for information on housing costs. See Dining for Information on meal plans.
| Virginia Resident | Non-Virginia Resident | |
Required Fees Institute Fee Comprehensive Fee |
$60 $475 |
$60 $535 |
| Undergraduate Student Tuition (12 credits) | $470 x 12cr = $5640 | $1,736 x 12cr = $20,832 |
| Graduate Student Tuition (12 credits) | $551 x 12cr = $6,612 | $1,117 x 12cr = $13,404 |
| Non-Credit Study Option Tuition | $5,640 (8 weeks) $2,820 (4 weeks) | $5,640 (8 weeks) $2,820 (4 weeks) |
Please note that graduate-level tuition applies to current UVA students who will graduate in May, before the start of the SLI.
Contact Information:
Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
Director: Professor Mark J. Elson
New Cabell Hall 261
(434) 924-6685
