An Invitation to Study in Russia

If you are looking for a challenging environment in which to pursue your academic studies while advancing your Russian language skills, we invite you to consider studying at Smolny College in St. Petersburg -- Russia’s first liberal arts college.  By choosing the Bard-Smolny Study Abroad Program, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and ambitious undertaking in international liberal education.

One of the most appealing advantages of the Bard-Smolny Program is students’ ability to enroll directly in classes alongside Russian students in Smolny’s academically rigorous, seminar-style classes.  Students are also drawn to the program by the opportunity to strengthen their Russian language skills through our outstanding Russian as a Second Language (RSL) program and through academic coursework in Russian.

The Smolny curriculum is multi-disciplinary and flexible.  Students choose from a vast array of courses in subjects ranging from art, architecture, film, and music to history, philosophy, and political science.  Many take courses that fulfill requirements toward their majors while also exploring new academic interests.   Students can expect small classes and personal attention from our accomplished faculty.

We are especially proud of Smolny’s RSL program.  Students in the Bard-Smolny Program take an intensive language course prior to the start of the semester and continue their language training throughout their time at Smolny.  Our language instructors have extensive experience teaching students from North American institutions and are familiar with American teaching methods. 

In sum, our program offers students an unparalleled and unique study abroad experience.   This website will give you a more complete idea of what Smolny does, who we are, and what we aspire to be.  If you are interested in learning more, we encourage you to fill out our interest form and we will contact you shortly. 

We hope that you will be impressed with all that our program has to offer and choose to study with us.  We look forward to welcoming you in St. Petersburg!

Cordially,

Dr. Darya Pushkina

Associate Dean of International Students; Associate Professor, International Relations, Political Science & Human Rights Program

Smolny College