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1. LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION

Are there many English-language Masters programs in Russia which teach in the social sciences and humanities?

Unlike countries like the Netherlands, Russia does not cultivate international programs in a most international language. EUSP remains the only university in Russia offering social sciences Masters in the medium of English. Even after 13 years of IMARES being the only such program, when a second English-language MA program was introduced in Russia, it again happened in EUSP.

What’s the approximate percentage of native English speakers among the IMARES students?

Normally more than a half of our students are native English speakers, most of which come from the United States.

Is it possible to take Russian-language classes in politics, history etc while being enrolled into a EUSP English-language program?

Up to two courses per year can be taken from the other EUSP Master’s programs that are taught in Russian. You can do the written work for them either in Russian or in English. This is for credit transfer. If you want to audit courses, there is no limit.

2. RUSSIAN LANGUAGE TRAINING

What instruction, if any, students get in Russian while doing various EUSP programs? Can they enroll in language classes? Is that a standard part of the program?

The EUSP international programs provide every student with the opportunity to do 8 hours of Russian per week during the 14 weeks of a semester. These are not credited and the students are free to attend without extra charge. Most of them do attend as this is an additional benefit to what the program provides. In some cases more than 8 hours of Russian per week are possible, but this involves a small additional fee.

Can I have extra Russian language classes and take an official exam like TRKI?

Additional Russian language classes can be arranged for an extra small fee also covering the preparation to a TRKI (TORFL) test if needed.

3. DEGREE RECOGNITION

How is the Masters Degree recognized in the United States?

Unlike most degrees from Russia, EUSP MA degree is universally recognized in the United States. This is because our university was set up in the mid-1990s as a model of a new university complying with the highest international standards. In fact, EUSP was the first in Russia to introduce MA programs, course selection and ECTS credits.

4. DURATION, CURRICULUM, STUDY CREDITS

How long does it take to complete the MA degree?

EUSP international MA programs are based on the UK system of one year of intensive study. Note: this system is also being introduced in some American universities. It is enough for our alumni to immediately enter PhD programs in various universities like the University of Washington, Princeton, Heidelberg, Oxford etc. They can also directly proceed to advance their careers with employers like Shell, Bloomberg or the US Department of State.

Is it possible to start an MA program in the spring and continue study in the fall?

Yes, it is possible. The deadline for respective applications is 30 October.

Are courses subject to change from year to year?

Answer:The core of the programs remains the same. At the same time, one or two new courses are introduced every year.

What determines how many contact hours you have per week? I need to work on my Russian so I would like as much intensive studies as possible and would prefer a quick pace in general.

EUSP became the first in Russia to introduce the credit hour system. Normally one course weighs 8 ECTS (4 American credits). The minimum load for a student per week is 20. Three subject courses make 12 (4+4+4) plus the language gives 8. However, the standard tuition fee may cover up to 2 more subject courses (plus another 16 credits or 8 hours per week).

5.TUITION PAYMENT AND LOANS

When is the tuition payment due?

The tuition payment should be made within four first weeks of a given semester.

I would like to take out a loan to assist in my tuition costs. I discover that Russian universities are not approved by the US lenders. How about your university?

We are proud to have become the first university in Russia to be approved by the US Department of Education and private lenders. Now you can use the loans to study at EUSP.

6. STUDY PREREQUISITES

While I feel like I have a strong background in Russian Studies in general, I haven't taken any Russian history or political science classes, and I would like to know if this would present a problem.

There is no strict prerequisite of Russian politics or history classes to enroll into IMARES or other programs. You are expected to become a successful student as long as you have a good academic record, and a strong statement of purpose and recommendations.

7. COOPERATION WITH AMERICAN PROGRAMS

Do you cooperate with American universities?

We have agreements with some MA programs in the US when the EUSP credits can be transferred to the home university. Also, according to our agreement with the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, DC, one year at EUSP is considered as their first year of MA. Therefore, the student becomes entitled to complete this prestigious American MA program in one year.

8. VISA ASSISTANCE

How does the European University help international students obtain visas? Is there a fee for doing so? How long does the process usually take?

EUSP makes the visa issue process much faster than most other universities. Besides, we do not charge for our assistance. Once the student is admitted, our visas and registration officer sends her or him the visa questionnaire. After we gets the answers, a visa invitation application is submitted to the local immigration office. It takes the office up to one month to issue the official visa invitation. Then you should allow time for the invitation delivery and your application to the local Russian consulate office. This may add another couple of weeks.