Q. What does this program offer?
A. MU offers an intensive Russian-langauge, summer, seven-week program at Saratov State University (SSU) in Russia. Founded in 1909, Saratov State is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Russia. It is a multi-profile institution with approximately 18,000 students. There are nine academic divisions, three research institutes, a botanical garden, five museums, and an excellent library. SSU will provide transportation between Moscow and Saratov upon your arrival and departure. Also, SSU provides a 5 day Volga river boat cruise during which you can study as you tour the beautiful Volga region. For an additional cost, students may elect to stay an optional eighth week at the end of the program for a five-day excursion to St. Petersburg/Moscow.

Q. What is it like there?
A. Saratov, which translates from the original Tatar as "Yellow Mountain," lies on the Volga River halfway between Moscow and Astrakhan in south-central Russia. Saratov has a population of more than 1 million, yet it manages to retain a distinctly provincial feel. Saratov is the home of 12 universities and institutes, making it a true "university town" with a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. Saratov has many of the advantages of a large city with a wide variety of cultural events and offerings. Saratov also has a well developed rail system with daily service to Moscow, Warsaw, and Berlin.

Q. What will I study?
A. MU Summer in Saratov is an intensive language program for students at the intermediate level, with an emphasis on speaking and grammar. (On consultation with MU Russian faculty, students at the beginning level may be accomodated as well.) Students will spend 3.5 hours in class Monday through Friday for seven weeks, with the occasional afternoon excursion in the Saratov region. Upon arrival, SSU will administer a language placement exam to place students in the appropriate Russian language course.

Q. When can I go?
A. The tentative dates for this program are early June - early August. Please double-check the program dates with your advisor or on the program website.

Q. Where will I live?
A. Students will stay with host families carefully selected by the International Office in Saratov. Your host family will be located within walking distance of the campus or you will have easy access to public transportation to reach the campus. Host families will provide two meals daily for the duration of the program.

Q. Will I get academic credit?
A. For each summer of academic work completed abroad, you may earn up to 8 credit hours. Although you are guaranteed to receive credit for successfully completed courses, you must work with your academic advisors to get pre-approval for how the courses you take might fulfill specific degree requirements.

Q. Can I afford to go?
A. MU attempts to make the costs of studying abroad affordable for you, however this is a fee-paying program, where MU students pay the tuition and fees for visiting students set by the host university. You will pay MU educational fees, non-resident fees (for non-Missouri residents), the information technology fee for 6 hours and a $350 study abroad fee to cover MU administrative costs. Additional expenses for this program include MU optional health insurance, international airfare, some meals, and other miscellaneous expenses. Estimated costs for this program are listed below.

Q. Can I get financial aid?
A. Most financial aid that you normally receive for your classes at MU should apply to the cost of the program. If you are not a Missouri resident, you will be billed for MU non-resident fees and so remain eligible for any non-resident scholarships you receive from MU. Additional grants, loans or scholarships may be available to offset the extra costs incurred on this program. Please see the advisor for study abroad financing at the MU Financial Aid Office for more complete information. The International Center offers study abroad scholarships as well. Scholarship applications are included in the MU Study Abroad Application.

Q. Am I eligible?
A. Students with sophomore, junior or senior standing, a GPA of 2.7 or higher, and a minimum level of Russian I and 2 or higher (or its equivalent) prior to departure are eligible to attend this program.

Q. How do I apply?
A. See the Study Abroad Application Instructions on this web-site for more information.

Q. Where can I find out more?
A. In the Study Abroad Resource Room at the International Center, you will find additional information on this and other overseas opportunities. Peer Advisors will be on hand to answer any questions you may have, and Study Abroad Advisors are available by appointment. You can also visit the Saratov State University website for more information about the program.