Year Abroad
Looking back, many students consider the Year Abroad, between levels 2 and 3, as one of the best, if not the best of their life! Read what they say about it here!From an academic point of view, you will use your time in Russia, Poland or the Czech Republic to become a fluent and confident speaker of the language you are studying. The focus of the year abroad is on expanding your comprehension and communication skills. This happens both in class, on the intensive language course you will be taking, and outside of class, in day to day interactions with native speakers of the language. You will also learn about the host country´s history, culture, literature while working on your personal project (one per semester). |
Our Year Abroad students are always happy to talk about their experiences and pass on tips via email to first and second year students who are already wondering what life will be like in Russia. First-hand and up-to-date information from those who are out there is the best way to be prepared for your study abroad. |
How long will I be abroad?
If you study one language to degree level, i.e. Russian, or you combine Russian with another non-language subject, you spend 9 months (2 semesters) in Russia. The total length of stay in Russia must be at least 30 weeks.
If you study 2 languages to degree level, you spend a semester in each country, e.g. if you study French with Polish, you spend one semester in France, and one semester in Poland. The total length of stay abroad must be at least 30 weeks.
If you study 3 languages, minoring in Polish or Czech, you are strongly encouraged to spend the summer in the country of your minor language. Through the Polish and Czech Embassies the department offers studentships that cover accommodation and tuition. You can read more about this on the Polish/Czech pages and your tutors will have the latest information on how and when to apply.
Going to Russia
The year abroad offers the same programme, whether you came to Sheffield with a Russian A-level or studied with us as a beginner.
During your year in Russia, you will have a choice of a variety of programmes in Moscow, St. Petersburg and other smaller cities. You may choose to remain in the same city for the entire year, or spend a semester in each of two different cities.
Our Year Abroad scheme is organised through the Russian Language Undergraduate Studies Consortium (RLUS), which supplies practical and pastoral support to students during their stay in Russia. For more information on our approved courses, please see the RLUS website.
Going to Poland
Students on degrees with Polish spend a semester on an intensive course (20 hours per week!) of Polish for foreigners at the Department of Polish Studies of the Jagiellonian University in Cracow, Poland. The program is designed for students who are interested in studying Polish or improving their command of it while learning about various aspects of Polish culture, history and society.
You can find some general information here. (You can download and application form here. Please note that our university covers the tuition fees. ).
Going to the Czech Republic
During the semester in the Czech Republic, you can attend one of our partner universities, either Charles University in Prague or Masaryk University in Brno.
You will take Czech language, literature and culture courses tailored specifically for foreign students as well as other modules alongside Czech students.
As Erasmus exchange students, you have a wide choice of courses as well as access to support services and benefits.