The School of Russian and Asian Studies (SRAS) provides a unique array of study abroad and educational opportunities in Eurasia. SRAS has worked within the Russian educational system and closely with institutions for several years to identify programs of interest and value to international students.
The often-exclusive curricula at SRAS are designed with Western credit transfer requirements in mind. Partner institutions administer the programs, providing classrooms and teachers. SRAS provides those services that international students need but these institutions can’t or historically haven’t provided. These now include local orientation, insurance, visa support, 24-hour in-country support, preparing documentation for credit transfer, cultural programs, travel options, and arranging internships, among others.
SRAS focuses on effectively encouraging the study of Russia and those states formerly a part of the Soviet Union. This vast stretch of the globe is resource rich, politically strategic, and poorly understood in the West. SRAS believes that encouraging a better understanding among the next generation of diplomats, business persons, UN and NGO employees, academics, and voters is of vital interest to us at home and in the global interest.
SRAS offers a wide range of programs on many topics, organized and hosted at universities and schools in various Eurasian cities. They currently offer semester-long programs in the following locations:
The London School in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (LSB)
Students wishing to combine serious language, history, and cultural studies with crafts lessons, village home stays, hiking, horseback riding, and swimming are especially drawn to The London School. Located in the politically turbulent capital of one of the United States' strongest allies in the strategically invaluable region of Central Asia, future diplomats and state department workers also frequent its programs. The London School is a private language school operating since 1998 and has also served clients such as the UNDP, the US Embassy, and USAID projects.
Central Asian Studies in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Central Asian Studies provides an intensive study of the fascinating region of Central Asia, combining intensive Russian as a Second Language course with a range of language, linguistics, and regional studies courses. The semester program addresses geopolitics, history, and culture and takes you to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Russian as a Second Language in Riga, Latvia
In Riga, Latvia, an intensive and supportive environment for Russian language study is paired with the option of a home stay to provide you with an immersive language and cultural experience. Out-of-classroom experiences as well as special lectures and workshops will give you ample opportunity to use the Russian language while introducing you to local Latvian identity, history, and current issues in Latvia today.
Russian as a Second Language in Tbilisi, Georgia
In Tbilisi, Georgia an intensive and supportive environment for Russian language study is paired with home stay to provide you with an immersive language and cultural experience. Out-of-classroom experiences and special lectures and workshops introduce you to local Georgian identity, history, and current issues in contemporary Georgia.
Identity and Conflict in the Post-Soviet Space in Tbilisi, Georgia
As the Soviet Union crumbled, it left behind successor states, each with an ethnically, linguistically, and culturally diverse population. As these states tried to form domestic policies and governing institutions, the interests of their various populations were (and often still are) often in conflict. Civil war erupted in Tajikistan and Georgia. Riots swept Kyrgyzstan. Armed conflicts broke out in Moldova and Russia.
While based in Tbilisi, Georgia, you will travel extensively throughout the country and also to Armenia and Azerbaijan to discuss the conflicts in these states, both past and present, with local experts. Learning of the historical background and the interests of groups involved, including foreign interests, you will critically consider the governance problems that face modern multiethnic states. You will search for pragmatic solutions using the experience you gain on the ground. This program provides invaluable experience for anyone interested in diplomacy or policy making.
Security and Society in the Information Age in Warsaw, Poland
Security and Society in the Information Age is a project to present global topics from the unique perspective of Central and Eastern Europe. This is through educational programming in the form of study abroad, faculty-led programming, and symposia. Courses are designed with the region serving as a case study. They are taught in English and are aimed at ambitious students who are eager to really engage in and out of the classroom. For more information, please visit: https://securityandsociety.org/
Ensure you meet all the requirements for this exchange, listed below, before starting an application.
• Sophomore Standing
• 16 Stetson credits completed at time of application
• Russian 201 completed at time of departure (for language program)
• 2.5 cumulative Stetson University GPA at time of application and departure
• 3.0 Stetson Russian GPA at time of application and departure
• Good academic, judicial, and financial standing at time of application and departure
• All students are expected to enroll in the equivalent of at least 12 credits while abroad
If you are ready to apply, click on the "Apply Here" button at the top of this screen.
Should you wish to secure more information on this program, please click the "Request Information" button at the top of this screen.
The Stetson Exchange program is competitive. Enrollment is limited in all programs.
Meeting the requirements does not guarantee admission to a given program in a given semester.
NOTE ON SRAS SUMMER PROGRAMS:
Please note that SRAS also offers several summer programs. These are separate from Stetson's exchange program. If you wish to apply for a summer program with SRAS, please be sure to fill out our application for a non-Stetson study abroad program in addition to applying directly through the SRAS webpage.
Students are responsible for the cost of their own transportation to the site, including visas and ground transportation if required.
Specific arrival and departure dates will be shared with students admitted to the program.
Academic Calendar must be obtained through program desired. Students, please be aware that each program has its own individualized academic calendar.
We strongly encourage you to check out SRAS's website to learn more about the programs they offer: www.sras.org/programs
SRAS webpage
SRAS Program Descriptions
For Students: Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: Airfare, transportation, as well as students' visas, and other documentation required by the study-abroad country is the financial responsibility of the student.
Food, housing, excursions, local transportation and any other other personal costs are the responsibility of the student and not included in the tuition fee paid to SU.
While SU and the foreign institution may produce documents required for students to secure a visa; the processes, cost and responsibility of securing a visa are the student's alone.
SU cannot secure visas for students per the requirements of consulates.
We encourage students and their families to begin researching the visa process, and requirements, at the point of application.
