Individual Russian as a Foreign Language in Daugavpils, Latvia

Learn Russian in the European Union

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Course description

“Learn Russian in the EU” provides intensive one-on-one courses in Russian as a Foreign Language. These courses help students improve general skills in reading, listening, speaking, and grammar at target Russian proficiency levels up to ACTFL Advanced Mid/ CEFR B2.

Students can focus on developing practical communication skills, refining the grammar, preparing for an upcoming university exam or particular test like DLPT, OPI or TRKI (TORFL).

Each student can maximize training outcomes by customizing major course parameters: the proficiency level, start and end dates, number of lessons, areas in grammar or communication topics to be covered, and others. Living with a Russian-speaking host family and full language and cultural immersion in Daugavpils, the most Russian city in the European Union, will help students make a rapid progress.

For students at lower proficiency levels, we recommend taking up to 5 individual lessons daily. We can also ensure that teachers are fluent in English.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
1-60 weeks
Start dates
Every Monday
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 45 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
23 Dec 2024 - 04 Jan 2025

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Daugavpils.

Class size

Average 1 student
Maximum 1 student

Student age

Age range 18 - 70 years old
Average 28 years old
(25 in the summer)

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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Photos

  • Students of Learn Russian in the European Union 1/14
  • School logo 2/14
  • City of Daugavpils 3/14
  • City of Daugavpils 4/14
  • City of Daugavpils 5/14
  • City of Daugavpils 6/14
  • City of Daugavpils 7/14
  • City of Daugavpils 8/14
  • City of Daugavpils 9/14
  • City of Daugavpils 10/14
  • Learn Russian in the European Union 11/14
  • Learn Russian in the European Union 12/14
  • Learn Russian in the European Union 13/14
  • Learn Russian in the European Union 14/14
reviews

Reviews

100% recommend

based on 13 reviews
5 stars
11
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Very competent teachers"

Terje Nilsen, student from Norway

I had four school hours one-to-one teaching five days a week for 10 weeks. Three of the lessons with a very experienced and competent teacher and one lesson with a so-called communication partner. The teacher was experienced and found the right level related to my level of knowledge. My communications partner was also a very knowledgeable journalist, and this part also worked very well.

The school was centrally located in the city, I rented an apartment nearby. I only attended one of the cultural events and it was interesting.

I have no objections to this teaching plan - it worked as expected for me.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
5 weeks
Date of study
13 Mar 2024 - 17 Apr 2024
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Excellent school and great location."

Samantha Tracht, student from USA

Teachers were excellent, facilities nice, everyone was friendly. I was only there two weeks but I would definitely recommend.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
2 Oct 2023 - 13 Oct 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Excellent program"

Dan Singleton, student from Germany

The teachers were all excellent and the lessons crafted to my personal needs. The city is very friendly-- quiet but has everything you need within a short walk.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
9 May 2016 - 20 May 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"If you want to party learning Russian, you are wrong to study at Daugavpils; if you want to enjoy learning Russian, you are right with Daugavpils."

Anne Maier, student from Germany

I particularly liked the interaction with two teachers, taking advantage of the different qualities and methods of the two teachers for my individual classes. All were very well balanced between the overpowering character of the grammar teacher and the gentle character of the teacher for conversations.

I learned a great lot, improved my grammar, writing, reading and of course above all, speaking.

The location of the University was very good; the classrooms were okay and perfect for individual classes. Due to construction work at the University and lack of spare rooms, I did make clear that students did not like that some staff of the University shared the classroom.

The facilities were not so much – the classrooms were okay. It was excellent to get a welcome package with a phone for local calls, business cards with all important addresses, information about Daugavpils, etc.

Given that I had 6 lessons a day and some 3 hours of homework, there would not be really time for activities. As a student, you make choices, so you would rather learn than do other things.

We had our city tour one week after arrival, which in a way was nice but not so helpful. The lady who did the city tour was nice, but after one week in Daugavpils, it seemed that the students knew more or at least what she knew about the city. The tour was on a Monday, and no special effort was taken to visit churches, the synagogue or the two local museums. A city tour for showing the important restaurants or shops is not really enough.

I was lucky with the housing. The room was perfect, calm and not hot in the summer. The lady I stayed with was very nice. We had fun and the stay was pleasant. For sure it would have been even better if the lady had included me more in her family, and had shown me more of the city than just the city center. I might have liked conversations after homework, or more conversations. But, I was really pleased.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
27 Jul 2015 - 7 Aug 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"The first week was overwhelming, but the teachers were patient and excellent; the home stay was critical, and also excellent."

Robert Babcock, student from USA

Again, the initial experience was overwhelming -- so much Russian, so fast, after such a long flight. It might help students adjust, for instance, if the written material introducing the student to the rights and responsibilities of the program, and to Daugavpils, were in English as well as Russian (or at least had English subtitles). I would have appreciated, too, to have known what materials would be available when I arrived (I bought a phone in Riga, for instance, only to find a phone waiting for me when I arrived as part of my program materials).

However, everyone - from the director to the instructors to the family - with whom I stayed, was patient with me and supportive as I adapted to the immersion experience. The homestay was perhaps the most crucial: Ilga and Valerii were extraordinarily patient with me, put up with my limited vocabulary and adjusted to my level. Six hours of instruction a day was exhausting, and I hadn't expected the one-on-one instruction, but each instructor -- Alena, Marina, andLarissa -- was very perceptive in recognizing when to relax their expectations, when to give me a break, when to turn on the screws. I would have liked the catharsis of another student in the class, someone to have a beer with and say to each other "Wow, this is really hard!," but Alena came to fill that role for me.

Duagavpils is an extraordinary place, absolutely manageable and, despite my Latinsoft minders' concerns, very safe. There was enough to do and see that I was never bored, but not so many distractions as there might have been in Riga (or St. Petersburg, or Moscow). I hope I have made friendships there, and I hope to return.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
25 May 2015 - 12 Jun 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Rai"

Narina Towle

I was impressed by the quality of instruction offered throughout my experience. Instructors were well-qualified to teach the selected subject and were sensitive to the needs and questions of their students. As my linguistic skills were higher than the skills of the bulk of the group, myself and another student were offered personalized, one-on-one training. Teachers took into account the linguistic ability and interests of their students and were able to impart a large amount of construction in a very short period of time.
I was also impressed with the host family as they were very respectful and tried to assist me with all of my endeavors.

As instructions were carried out at Dougavpils University, I found the location and facilities to be implacable for learning.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
3 weeks
Date of study
3 Jun 2013 - 28 Jun 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"An excellent immersion experience for those seeking to learn about the Russian language and culture."

Spencer Cleveland Smith

My hosts, the Semenov family, were very kind and welcoming. They ensured that I had comfortable bedding and closet space, and made great food. They were always willing to talk to me and include me in their daily activities at home. I practiced speaking Russian much more often than I would have if I had not stayed with a host family. The school is very close to the apartment where I stayed, so it was an easy walk in the morning. The school is located in the center of town, near most of the shops and restaurants on Rigas street. The city itself has a lot to offer despite its size, including great dining opportunities, a bowling alley, a movie theater, two fitness centers, and a thriving night life. Larissa and Alyona, my language instructors, taught each lesson effectively, using teaching methods that helped me learn. Dimitri, my regional studies instructor, was clearly very knowledgeable about the history of the Baltic region, and my excursions with him helped me understand Latvia's place in 20th century history. Overall, the experience was great, and I would definitely recommend it to a friend.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
27 Jan 2014 - 7 Feb 2014
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Extremely well organized in a beautiful setting."

Jim Andersen

This program was one of the best organized language immersions I have done. The guide books stated Daugavpils was not a very scenic town but I was very impressed. The historic parts of town are very pretty and the history of the area is amazing. We were able to spend time in Riga as well as a weekend trip to Lithuania (Vilnius, Kaunas and Trakai). The family I stayed with took the experience very seriously and treated me as a guest and friend. The instructors were also very friendly, to the point that I am still in contact with several people there.
In addition to the classes, there were many different activities available for evenings. I went fishing, motorcycle riding, and even saw a moose (European Elk) that crossed the road in front of us.
I hope to go back in the future for another immersion.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
11 Jul 2010 - 31 Jul 2010
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Welcoming"

Harriet Cartledge

I had one on one classes which helped me to progress quickly with teachers who were both incredibly kind and helpful. Living in Daugavpils was a really pleasant introduction to Russian life; the town was big enough to have things to do but small enough to be a safe environment when you are unsure of the language. My host family talked to me at every meal and fed me traditional food, so I was totally immersed. The classrooms were just over five minutes walk away, which was very convenient. At the weekends and at points during the week, trips were organised to various parts of Latvia, which I enjoyed a lot. There was a lot of homework and it was very intense, but that enabled me to progress very quickly and ultimately improved my Russian immensely. I would happily return.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
8 Sep 2013 - 28 Sep 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Beyond all my expectations"

Natasha Kopyltsova

I had an absolutely positive experience in every aspect. Teachers were very knowledgeable, very approachable and mainly patient. As a native Russian speaker I needed a bit higher level of training, so I got to take some classes at Daugavpils University led by their best staff. Nice and cozy school building, I mentioned drinking green tea once, and a box of it appeared in the kitchen the very next morning. Location couldn't be any better; I could walk from my apartment to school, and anywhere in town to get dinner or some toiletries in a few minutes. There is a movie theater in town and a great sports complex. I had a blast with my host families; most nights I hardly had time to do homework because of long, interesting conversations we had. Not to mention all the great food I got fed; healthy, organic, and delicious. And be ready to do lots of walking and picture taking, there will be many educational, historical, and just fun excursions. I would definitely go back at the first opportunity!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
9 Jun 2013 - 29 Jun 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Learn Russian in the EU put together an excellent 2 week program to facilitate my Russian language development and to broaden my cultural understanding."

Paul Dean

From start to finish, my experience with Learn Russian in the European Union was absolutely fantastic. All of the teachers were highly qualified and always demonstrated the utmost professionalism. Each day, my instructors had a thorough lesson plan and their teaching style was marked by patience and enthusiasm. In addition to the academic program, the classes were complemented by frequent excursions outside the classroom. Each trip offered valuable insights into the history and culture of the area. Furthermore, the housing conditions were excellent as well. My host family was always prompt in providing entertainment and meals, and they remained cordial for the entire duration of my stay. Honestly, I am hard pressed to find any criticisms of the program at Learn Russian in the EU. The only negative point that comes to mind is that I sometimes found it hard to keep up in some of the more rigorous history classes. My Russian ability at the time I took the course was not effective enough to comprehend a sufficient amount of the material. All in all, my time spent there is unmatched by any other language program I've taken so far. I would highly recommend it to any aspiring Russian language students.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
2 Sep 2013 - 16 Sep 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Sergey and his professors are professional, helpful, and extremely caring."

Philip Bailey

The teachers I worked with were phenomenal. I was very rusty upon my arrival, and their English was excellent. Not something I have encountered at every school. My classes were very customizable to my needs. My teachers paced really well off my needs.

Sergey, the course director, took care of everything I could possibly want or need. He is very involved and very helpful in the whole process. He is a man that is very excited to facilitate others' success.

My home stay was really great. They were adamant about me using my Russian, which I needed. They were also very inclusive of me in their trips to the dacha and other things.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
3 Sep 2013 - 16 Sep 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes

"Excellent course of study, however, very long days."

Cala Ratliff

The instructors for this course were outstanding. They were obviously experienced and were able to bring culture into the mix to make our studies very interesting. The facilities were not climate controlled, so it did get hot/cold in the class often, however, the classes were able to accommodate our needs. There were numerous interesting excursions and activities that we did, however, sometimes it took several more hours than intended, which could affect our sleeping patterns. My host family was excellent, kind and excited to help us out!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
9 Jun 2013 - 29 Jun 2013
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
housing

Housing

Learn Russian in the European Union offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

240 €
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Daugavpils
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, and heating
Distance to school: 5 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
240 €
We recommend staying in a private room in a typical local Russian-speaking family, where students can take advantage of a friendly atmosphere to practice using Russian in a relaxed and natural way.

Our carefully selected Russian host families always have time to talk to students, are patient, understanding, attentive, and prepared to provide help with any problem that may arise during the student’s stay in Daugavpils. Being treated as a member of a family gives students an ideal opportunity to practice Russian in an authentic environment and to experience firsthand the Russian way of life. A home-stay does not always mean a traditional married couple with children. Above all we look for hosts who are sociable, like to meet new people, and can give a warm welcome to our students.

“Learn Russian in the EU” chooses potential host families very carefully. They must meet our requirements and high standards. We look not only for comfortable and clean living conditions, but for the family’s friendly attitude towards a new potential ‘family member’ as well. Before signing a contract with a potential host family, we inspect both the apartment and the prospective hosts. Thus, we ensure that a student living in that family will be safe and comfortable. Of course, we may inspect the family at any point during a student’s stay and are always willing to listen to respond to any complaints or special student needs.

Host Family Living Conditions:

Separate room;
Bed, table, chair, place for personal storage;
Bed linen, pillow, blanket, set of towels provided;
Space in refrigerator available;
Washing machine available;
Free Internet access;
Dietary requirements, if any, will be respected;
Kitchen and kitchen appliances can be used to make personal food;
Bathroom will be shared with the family members.

When placing a student with a host family, his/her wishes and needs such as non-smoking/smoking, allergies, vegetarian food, etc., will always be taken into account. We expect to make all the details of the accommodation and host family available to the student within 1-2 weeks before the beginning of the course.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. The school is also not authorized to issue documents to support your visa application. If you need a visa, you have to apply for a visitor or tourist visa on your own.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Daugavpils based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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