Tallinn castle flowers
Tallinn, Estonia

Summer Intensive Russian Language

Study Program

Tentative Dates

-

8 weeks

Costs

Credit

8 semester hours

12 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your summer improving your knowledge of the Russian language and fast-forward your skills to the next level! Designed for students at an intermediate or advanced level of Russian, the Tallinn Intensive Language program offers students an eight-week-long in-depth language training that is valued at a total of eight (8) credits.  

By immersing yourself in a city where 35% of residents have Russian roots, this unique summer program offers you the chance to practice your language skills in real-life situations and understand the shared history and culture between Estonia and Russia. By the end of the program, you’ll have a strong network of fellow students, local residents, and other international residents to carry into your future personal and professional endeavors. Whether you aim to work in international relations, business, language translation, or another related field, your experience living and learning in Tallinn will be highly transferrable to wherever you take your career. Open doors for yourself with a summer in Estonia! 

Unique Experiences

EXPLORE THE MEDIEVAL UNDERGROUND BASTION PASSAGES

and visit UNESCO World Heritage sites

WALK THE ROOFLINE

of the Tallinn TV Tower

VISIT NOBLESSNER SEAFRONT QUARTER

and become familiar with Estonian sauna culture

2,222

islands in Estonia

35 %

of Tallinn citizens have Russian roots

75 %

of Estonia is covered by forests and bogs

Experience
  • Tallinn
  • tallinn harbor view

Your Destination

Fondly named the “Gem of the Baltic,” Tallinn is Estonia’s capital and largest city. As a leader in technology and the major political, financial, cultural, and educational center of Estonia, Tallinn is full of rich culture and history that’ll captivate you as soon as you arrive. This enchanting city boasts a cozy and relaxed vibe while preserving its medieval Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), historical legacies, and rich nature. From its historic main square to its medieval architecture, Tallinn is an incredible place to live and learn abroad. 

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Tallinn.

The Culture

Tallinn Tartu cathedral

Excursions & Activities

  • Tour major Estonian cities, such as Pärnu (the summer capital of Estonia) or Tartu (the City of Good Thoughts)  
  • Visit local startups and the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses  
  • Canoe, kayak, hike, or cycle in Estonia’s pristine and unspoiled landscape  
  • Explore Tallinn’s old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, one of Europe's best-preserved towns from the Medieval Period  
  • Network with the Baltic American Freedom Foundation alumni businesses and other local startups  

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Students Meet U.S. Ambassador George P. Kent at the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

Insights from Ambassador George P. Kent and Public Affairs Officer Michael Snyder We had an amazing visit to the U.S. Embassy in Tallinn, where our students had the incredible opportunity... keep reading

From CIEE

Reflecting on My Experience with CIEE in Tallinn - Peace & Diplomacy Program

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

Meet Vara: An Alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace Program in Tallinn Vara, an alumnus of the Diplomacy and Peace program in Tallinn, Estonia, has an inspiring journey to share... keep reading

From CIEE

A Journey of Peace and Diplomacy Program in Tallinn

By CIEE Tallinn at CIEE

A Journey of Peace and Diplomacy in Tallinn: Reflecting on an Unforgettable Experience Greetings from Tallinn, Estonia! As the first session of our Peace and Diplomacy program for high school... keep reading

Housing
Academics

Academics

The Intensive Russian Language Program is designed for students looking to learn or improve their Russian language skills while experiencing life in Estonia and the Baltic region.

This program gives students a strong foundation in Russian through an intensive and Russian language environment. Designed for intermediate to advanced Russian students, the program includes 2 course levels to develop your listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills, and to elevate your language skills, communicating with accuracy, fluency, and sophistication. In-class work is augmented with co-curricular visits to the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering.  

GPA

2.5 

Language Requirements

  • Intermediate (2-3 previous semesters of college-level Russian)  
  • Advanced (4-5 previous semesters of college-level Russian)   

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

Students are required to enroll in: 

  • Two CIEE Russian language classes (Russian Conversation and Russian Grammar) at either the Intermediate or Advanced level 

Program Credit

Total Credit: 8 U.S. semester/12 quarter credits 

Course Credit

CIEE Courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. Accelerated language courses are demanding due to the fast pace of course content, and participation is essential. Attendance is required, and students should avoid scheduling travel during the week. In class, language instructors introduce new content and focus on improving students’ language accuracy and consistency through drills. Outside of class, students visit the city’s rich variety of cultural institutions and organizations relevant to the course offering. 

Class Format

To facilitate effective learning, the course can offer small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention and a conducive learning environment. Classes taught at CIEE Tallinn are for CIEE students only (usually up to eight people). Classes are held Monday through Friday. The courses will be conducted by qualified and experienced instructors who are skilled in teaching Russian to non-native speakers. This ensures that students receive quality education and guidance.  Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class participation, homework, project work, presentations, and midterm and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.    

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

Russian

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Summer 2025

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • CIEE STEM Scholarship

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing

Program Summer 2025 8 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $8,550

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $6,160**

Housing = $1,890***

Insurance = $200

Total Fees = $8,550

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $238

International Airfare = $1,500††

Local Transportation = $30†††

Books & Supplies = $50††††

Personal expenses = $160†††††

Total Costs = $1,978

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

*non-refundable

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

For students in homestays, families provide 2 meals a day. For students in residence halls, you should budget approx. $335 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure

†††Public transportation Card

††††Russian textbooks

†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Evelyn Müürsepp

Center Director

Evelyn has 15 years of experience in Estonian Government and two years of experience at CIEE, where she supported the launch of the new CIEE Tallinn Center. Tallinn is Evelyn's...

Mari Prok

Student Life Manager

Mari holds a Master's degree in Social Sciences, blending a multicultural background with over four years of hands-on experience in marketing & IT project management, event planning, and client relations.

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.

3

Contact Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info