Do you want to speak Russian like a native?
You can try to learn Russian online, but it’d be a better and more efficient solution to study abroad integrating into the local environment.
There are some good places in Russia to do that, but the most beautiful is Saint Petersburg and there are at least 7 reasons why.
1. Architecture.
You will never see anywhere else in Russia such a rich architectural diversity except in St. Petersburg. When walking in the heart of the city you can see almost all famous places such as the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, the Smolny Convent, the Moika palace. There are a lot of gorgeous palaces and castles, full of stories and mysteries. Try to walk in the massive halls of Hermitage and imagine how the former rulers had been spending their time within these walls. Or have a trip to Peterhof Palace to enjoy the views of this place surrounded by beautiful nature and fountains. In other words, be prepared to get a bunch of positive emotions while you are learning Russian language in this amazing city.
2. People.
Russian people may seem unfriendly from the first sight, but if you get to know them better it turns out that it’s an open, kind and hospitable nation. The real friendship with Russian is the friendship forever. They always help you if you get into trouble and support in any situation. Practicing and learning Russian in St.Petersburg is a great opportunity and an irreplaceable experience which you can get in a local environment.
3. Nature.
Saint Petersburg is beautiful at any season of the year, but usually people visit Russia in summer to enjoy it fully. As Saint Petersburg is placed at the head of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, the best option to spend time in summer is to go to the seaside. In the city you can do it by coming to the park of the 300th Anniversary Of St. Petersburg. Another option is to take a trip outside the city and visit the estate of Repin who was a famous Russian artist. This incredible place is located near the gulf, in a calmful and peaceful area amongst pine forest. There are a lot of similar places like this in St.Petersburg so it’s very nice and pleasant to study Russian in summer.
4. Different activities.
During your russian language course in St.Petersburg, you’ll find any activity for all tastes. You can walk all day exploring the city by yourself or take an individual tour with guide who can help you learn more about all the interesting local places. Try everything: from visiting museums and theatres to Supboarding by the rivers and channels! And while you are swimming, you’ll learn some russian useful phrases from your guide like “Be careful with those seagulls!”.
5. Big foreign student community.
St. Petersburg opens a lot of opportunities and travel abroad programs for students who want to learn Russian. In addition to a good and high-quality education, here they can find volunteering programs and russian language internship, meet other foreign students attending different language speaking clubs, especially English. For those who want to study Russian, there are a lot of Russian language schools in St.Petersburg. As for the cost then it’s possible to find a pretty cheap accommodation in St. Petersburg or host family accommodation.
6. Food.
Of course, for people who travel to Russia for the first time, russian national cuisine is one of the most interesting things to try.
It’s famous for Russian soups like borsch and shchi (cabbage soup), pelmeni, pies and pancakes.
The special thing you can try in St.Petersburg is pyshki, sweet puffs with powdered sugar.
7. National holidays.
To understand Russian culture and traditions, it’s not enough just to attend intensive Russian language courses, but also you have to see how people spend national holidays. Probably, there are two favourite holidays in Russia, 9th of May and New Year. Particularly, in winter St. Petersburg turns into a magic place with illumination and decorated Christmas trees.
Winter holidays last about ten days that’s why people wait for this time so much. Another important day for Russian people is Victory day on May 9th, the day of the end of the Great Patriotic War. Usually, people go to see a military parade and to lay flowers at the memorials, and in the night there are tremendous fireworks near the main square of St.Petersburg, Palace Square.
