Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv is the capital of Ukraine, with a population of about 3 million. Geographically and historically, Kyiv sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and the city is home to many different ethnic and religious groups. As an important industrial, scientific, and cultural center in Eastern Europe, Kyiv is home to many high-tech industries, educational institutions, historic landmarks, and cultural venues such as museums and theaters. As the capital city of a country that has experienced a dramatic transition to market economics and political democracy following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Kyiv is a fascinating place to study language and to learn more about political and social identity, ethnic conflict, international history and politics.
About the Program
This program, offered through Hobart and William Smith Colleges' affiliation with SRAS, is hosted by the NovaMova Language School. Students will take classes at NovaMova with other study abroad students and with Russian and Ukrainian language-learners from around the world.
HWS students may enroll in either of the two program tracks offered through NovaMova, Identity and Conflict in the Post-Soviet Space and Russian as a Second Language, both of which focus on enhancing students’ linguistic proficiency.
The Identity and Conflict track is designed for students seeking to improve their written and spoken Russian while also learning about general theories of conflict and conflict resolution. Case studies focus on the conflicts in Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. The program explores the links between state policy and conflicts, conflict resolution, and conflict prevention.
The intensive Russian as a Second Language track offers courses at all levels (beginning through advanced) that focus on writing, oral expression, vocabulary, and grammar. NovaMova utilizes well-tested language immersion pedagogy that will involve students in actively using speaking and listening skills, both in the classroom environment and outside of it. Opportunities to volunteer and to participate in activities such as the Cooking and Singing Clubs provide more options to build both your linguistic competency and to connect with Russian-speaking Ukrainians.
This program is open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors in good academic and social standing who have a minimum GPA of 2.5. While more previous Russian language experience is preferred, all students admitted to this program must successfully complete at least one semester of Russian language study at HWS prior to going abroad.
All students will reside in a homestay arranged by SRAS with a local Russian-speaking family. The homestay will serve to enhance the student's linguistic skills and to facilitate immersion into the local community and culture.
Students enrolled in the Identity and Conflict track will participate in excursions to Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and Russia (when possible.) The Russian as a Second Language track includes excursions to locations in and around Kyiv, as well as to Odessa and Moldova.
Students will be charged standard HWS tuition and fees, room fees, a 2/3 board fee, and a $600 administrative fee. This will cover tuition for a four-course semester, health insurance, housing with partial board, and program-related activities and excursions. Students should plan to bring the remaining 1/3 board fee (about $1000) to cover meals not included.
Additional expenses not covered include airfare, books/course materials, and personal expenses (laundry, entertainment, ground transportation, and independent travel). We estimate airfare for this program at $1200-$1400 from the East Coast and books/course materials at $100. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of personal expenses because student spending habits differ considerably. We would suggest a minimum of $1000 above and beyond meal expenses. However, students on a tight budget may be able to manage with less. If you are concerned about finances we strongly encourage you to talk to the CGE staff who can offer information and advice based on your specific situation.
HWS students must complete all components of the Global Education application in order to be considered for admission to this program.
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This program is offered every semester.
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All components of the application must be submitted online by the published deadline. Specific deadline dates are set each semester and typically will be in late September/early October (for Fall programs) and late February/early March (for Spring programs).
Program Handbook
IMPORTANT: The handbook(s) below is/are the most recent handbook(s) published for this program. A new version, with updated information, will be made available each semester. Program participants will receive their updated handbook approximately 2-3 months prior to their program’s start date.
HANDBOOKS COMING SOON
Please DO NOT MAKE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS until you have received final confirmation of the program start/finish dates for the specific semester you are attending. Dates included in versions of the program handbook intended for previous semesters do not necessarily apply to future programs.
NOTE: The information above is subject to change. Please see the CGE for more information.
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