This program offers students the opportunity to study Russian language and Russian and Georgian literature in an immersive environment. Students will gain unique perspectives on speaking Russian in a post-colonial landscape and engage with local community members by staying with host families and participating in peer tutoring. Participants will take Russian language classes and a literature in translation course taught by a Wake Forest faculty member. The literature course will foreground Russian and Soviet works from and about the Caucasus, examining texts that reflect the region’s diverse cultural heritage and complex geopolitical history. Special emphasis will be placed on understanding the legacy of empire in Georgia and fostering critical discussions of identity and power in a post-Soviet space. This program is open to students with no previous knowledge of Russian, as well as those with intermediate and advanced proficiency.

Explore Tbilisi, the vibrant capital of the Republic of Georgia, where history, culture, and modernity converge. Nestled in the picturesque valley of the Kura River and flanked by rolling hills, Tbilisi is a city of contrasts, where ancient architecture seamlessly blends with contemporary urban life. Beyond its historical and cultural treasures, Tbilisi is a dynamic and modern city. Experience its lively arts scene, bustling cafes, and diverse nightlife. The city’s public spaces, such as Rike Park and the Peace Bridge, provide stunning backdrops for relaxation and socializing. Friendly locals and a welcoming atmosphere make Tbilisi a place where you’ll feel at home while exploring its unique character.

Students will earn a total of 6 credits on this program. Every student will take RUS 341: Russian Literature in Translation for 3 WFU credits and then a language course from the options below which will be worth 3 to 4 credit hours each. The language courses will be transfer credits from NovaMova language school and will transfer back as the WFU course codes described below. 

Each student will take the following course:

RUS 341 (3hr) (D): Russian Literature in Translation

• Fulfills: Russian major/minor elective; Will count as Division II requirement 
• Prerequisites: None 

Each student will enroll in one of the following courses of their choosing/language level:

RUS 111 (4hr): Elementary Russian

• Prerequisites: None

OR

RUS 153 (3hr): Intermediate Russian 

• Prerequisites: RUS 112 or equivalent 

OR

RUS 321 (3hr): Advanced Russian Conversation & Composition 

• Fulfills: Russian major/minor elective; 200-level Language course 
• Prerequisites: RUS 210/212, placement test, or permission of instructor

Dr. Kit Pribble
Assistant Professor of Russian Language 
Phone: (336) 758-3070
Email: pribblek@wfu.edu

Students will live in homestays with Russian-speaking host families. Host families will provide breakfast and dinner each day.

NOTE: All students participating in the Summer Tbilisi Russian Language program are required to live in program-provided housing. Housing accommodations you may have on campus do not automatically transfer to abroad and certain housing accommodations (single rooms and private bathrooms, for example) may not be available.

Potential excursions and site visits will include (subject to change): 

• City walking tour 
• Cooking masterclass + traditional Georgian supra (feast)
• Visit to the National Gallery 
• Polyphonic singing and/or Georgian dance class
• Weekend trip to Batumi with tour of the botanical gardens
• Day trips to Kakheti and Gori/Uplitsikhe

The faculty director is responsible for selecting each group based on the following criteria:
* Academic suitability
* Social and emotional maturity
* Seriousness of the student in pursuing the academic and cultural aims of the program
* Applicability of the program to the student’s interests and studies
* Any applicable language course prerequisites as listed in the “Academics” section

The total cost of summer study abroad can be broken down into four categories:
Program Fee – Usually covers room, in-country travel, excursions, some meals and other costs associated with the program.
Tuition – Students on WFU summer programs pay WFU summer school tuition per credit hour. The previous summer rate for 2024 was $950/per credit hour. 
Airfare (estimated) – Varies per location. Students are responsible for their own airfare unless otherwise noted.
Personal Expenses (estimated) – These will vary depending on the students’ spending habits, cost of living in the destination country, and the number of meals included in the program fee. This may also include visa fees, vaccinations, academic supplies/books and other miscellaneous daily expenses.

Program Fee (Estimated) – $7,410
WFU Tuition (3 hrs) – $2,850
Airfare (estimated) – $1,700
Personal Expenses (estimated) – $1,620
Estimated total cost – $13,580

*Program fee is subject to change based on number of confirmed students.

Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies.

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 6 months after the program’s end date.

Students going on a summer program need to make sure their passport is valid through at least mid-February of the following year.

US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.

Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your summer abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country’s embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not.

Dr. Kit Pribble
Assistant Professor of Russian Language 
Phone: (336) 758-3070
Email: pribblek@wfu.edu

Tyler Favale 
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
Phone: 336-758-4072
Email: favalet@wfu.edu