Andrej Novak (IMARS 2002): «A broad perspective of social sciences»

International programs

November 12, 2011

For those seriously interested in studying Russia in a broad perspective of social sciences and humanities and in being there to experience (urban) Russian life themselves, the European University at St. Petersburg is a great place to go and do exactly that.

While those already proficient in the Russian language can choose from a variety of classes taught in Russian, those less advanced can take 10 hours of Russian at three levels a week (beginner to advanced levels) plus elect courses offered in the International MAsters in Russian Studies Program where classes are taught in English. For the most part, professors are young and dedicated with a very good academic background. Most have Ph. D.s from top Western European or North American universities and teaching experience in the west. In addition to that, an American professor with a focus on Russia is visiting each semester.

The national library in the city offers unique resources open to EUSP students. I definitely recommend staying for a full academic year and completing the IMARS program, because in this fashion one can gain the most insight into Russian studies and hope to maintain contacts in this stunning city (architecture, opera, ballet, museums, restaurants, nightlife, etc.) afterwards. From my experience I can also tell that students completing the IMARS program tend to be the most dedicated and form a close group during the year. Most students come from the US, Finland, Britain and Germany and overall some 7 or 8 nations are usually represented in each class.

Graduate students doing research not specifically linked to St. Petersburg might find the perspective too broad or the school too small and miss the resources a top western university can offer. Yet in this small university one no doubt can find some of the best and most dynamic teachers in Russia along with excellent students from all over Russia and the CIS countries in the masters and ph. D. programs, most of whom have won grants to study there for their academic performance.

During the year at EUSP I have gained a great deal of knowledge and improved my judgement of not just Russia, but theoretical thought and sociology (to name only two areas) in general. I am very comfortable speaking Russian next to fluently and with only a slight accent. I wish to continue to pursue the bond I have formed with Russia and its old capital both personally and professionally and utilize my skills in a career that includes the country and its people in some way.

Andrej Novak,
M.A. (Russian Studies), IMARS class of 2002 Free University-Berlin, Political Science.