FLAS Summer School in Russian Language & Culture
Study serious. Beach every day
Eight weeks of Russian language and culture in Montenegro
Eight weeks of Russian language and culture in Montenegro
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June 12 - August 7 -
Budva, Montenegro -
$6000 for the course
Quality education doesn’t require sacrificing your summer. Study Russian and innovative approaches to Russia studies with the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences in Montenegro (FLAS), the first licensed university created by leading Russian scholars in exile, in cooperation with The Russia Program at The George Washington University. Earn 12 ECTS credits while immersing yourself in life on the Adriatic coast. Academic excellence, principled scholarship, and cultural experience, all together in one transformative summer.
Why Our Program Works
Language learning thrives on immersion and engagement, not just textbooks and drills. You'll study Russian through cultural activities, authentic conversations, film discussions, and real-world practice that makes the language stick. This is how language acquisition actually happens.
Your Experience
We organize students into up to four proficiency-based groups. Whether you're a complete beginner or already conversational, you'll learn at the right level for you and make meaningful progress. Morning intensive classes with experienced FLAS faculty are followed by cultural activities, organized excursions to Montenegro's historic sites, hiking through breathtaking mountain trails, and time to enjoy the beautiful Adriatic beaches.
Bring a friend with you or find new ones—friendships forged during intense language immersion often last for life.
The Result
In 8 weeks, you'll make genuine, measurable progress in Russian. Build foundational skills, hold real conversations. The experience goes beyond language acquisition—you'll gain the confidence and cultural understanding that comes from living and learning in a new environment.
Early registration discount available!
Make this summer count. Join us on Montenegro's Adriatic coast and take your Russian to the next level!
Intensive Russian Language Program
8 weeks | 160 academic hours | 12 ECTS credits
The program includes 160 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of homework and assignments. Upon completion, you'll receive an FLAS certificate documenting your academic hours—recognized credentials for your language proficiency.
Complete Russian Immersion
Every class is taught exclusively by native Russian speakers with extensive academic experience. From day one, you'll be surrounded by the language, thinking and communicating in Russian throughout your time in Montenegro.
What's Included:
- Small group classes tailored to your level
- Four hours of daily instruction
- Personal tutor support
- Complete on-the-ground support in Montenegro
- Accommodation and meals
- Airport transfers
- Curated excursions
Flights and travel insurance not included
Your Summer, Your Way
We customize the experience to match your interests. Film screenings, book discussions, masterclasses with FLAS professors, cultural workshops—tell us what excites you and we'll work it into the program.
About us
The Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the first independent Russian university in exile, now based in Budva, Montenegro. FLAS brings together educators and researchers committed to academic freedom and international collaboration. Our experienced faculty specializes in teaching Russian as a foreign language and Russian Studies. The institution traces its roots to Shaninka, founded in 1995 by renowned sociologist Teodor Shanin. The Russia Program at George Washington University is the leading program for innovative approaches to Russian studies, training the next generation of scholars through cutting-edge digital methods and evidence-based research on Russian language, culture, and society.
Together, FLAS and the Russia Program combine decades of expertise to create a summer school experience that is both academically rigorous and culturally transformative.
Our team
- Aleksei StekhovAleksei is a teacher of Russian as a foreign language and a philologist with over 15 years of experience in education.
He holds a degree in Russian Language and Literature (RSUH), a distinction-level qualification as a Teacher of Russian as a Foreign Language (Moscow Institute of Open Education), and a Master’s degree in Psychology (HSE University). He has taught and coordinated academic programs for international and English-speaking groups in Russia and Europe. - Maria ShmelevaMaria is a linguist. She graduated from Moscow State University and specializes in teaching foreign languages and Russian as a foreign language. She worked as a Russian language instructor in the Math in Moscow program at the Independent University of Moscow. Currently teaches Russian as a Foreign Language at FLAS.
- Alexey ShmelevAlexey studied Linguistics in the Moscow State University. He worked as a bilingual assistant for Middlebury College's Summer School of Russian, developed an educational program of Russian course for Moscow based Khoroshkola (Хорошкола), provided private tutoring for courses of Russian both to Russians and foreigners learning Russian. He also created educational quizzes for Gramota.ru.
- Marina KalashnikovaMarina Kalashnikova, PhD in Philology, Dean of FLAS. Her first education was as a teacher of Russian language and literature, anthropologist, and specialist in Russian folklore.
- Ivan GrekIvan Grek is Director of the Russia Program at The George Washington University, where he focuses on the application of digital tools and innovative methodologies for scholarly and policy research on Russia. His research examines ideology, corporate structural power, and geopolitical transformation in the emerging world order, combining political theory with data-driven analysis
About our venue
Montenegro offers a unique combination: stunning Adriatic coastline, breathtaking mountain hiking trails, rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere. Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, combines medieval architecture with modern amenities and beautiful beaches. It's an ideal setting for intensive language study—removed from English-speaking environments yet accessible and comfortable for international students.
Our home base is Hotel Lobo, just a six-minute walk from classrooms and fifteen minutes from the beach. Double and triple rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Budva is one of the Adriatic's most popular destinations, known for its mild climate (average summer temperature of 72°F) and crystal-clear blue waters. This intimate coastal town of 27,000 residents hosts regular theater and music festivals throughout the summer. The capital city of Podgorica is easily accessible—just 70 minutes by car or 90 minutes by bus—offering additional cultural and travel opportunities.
In recent years, a significant Russian-speaking community has taken root here. You'll find bookstores with modern Russian books, public lecture venues, and casual spots to connect with locals and expats.
Montenegro offers a unique combination: stunning Adriatic coastline, breathtaking mountain hiking trails, rich history, and a welcoming atmosphere. Budva, one of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic coast, combines medieval architecture with modern amenities and beautiful beaches. It's an ideal setting for intensive language study—removed from English-speaking environments yet accessible and comfortable for international students.
Our home base is Hotel Lobo, just a six-minute walk from classrooms and fifteen minutes from the beach. Double and triple rooms are equipped with air conditioning and free Wi-Fi.
Budva is one of the Adriatic's most popular destinations, known for its mild climate (average summer temperature of 72°F) and crystal-clear blue waters. This intimate coastal town of 27,000 residents hosts regular theater and music festivals throughout the summer. The capital city of Podgorica is easily accessible—just 70 minutes by car or 90 minutes by bus—offering additional cultural and travel opportunities.
In recent years, a significant Russian-speaking community has taken root here. You'll find bookstores with modern Russian books, public lecture venues, and casual spots to connect with locals and expats.
This harmonious mix of natural beauty and cultural immersion makes Budva an exceptional choice for focused, enjoyable language learning.
Application & Pricing
We accept applications through April 30, 2026. Enrollment is limited to 40 students, so we encourage early application.
The program costs $6,000, which covers instruction, housing, meals, excursions, and full support throughout your stay. Flights and travel insurance aren't included, but we're here to help—just ask and we'll guide you through booking.
Save with Early Payment
Pay by March 15 and take $500 off your program fee.
Refer a Friend (starting March 16)
Know someone who'd love this program? When they register and pay based on your recommendation, you'll both benefit—you and they receive a $250 discount. Refer two students, save $500. Already joined through a referral? You can still help friends get their discount, though you won't receive additional savings yourself.
We accept applications through April 30, 2026. Enrollment is limited to 40 students, so we encourage early application.
The program costs $6,000, which covers instruction, housing, meals, excursions, and full support throughout your stay. Flights and travel insurance aren't included, but we're here to help—just ask and we'll guide you through booking.
Save with Early Payment
Pay by March 15 and take $500 off your program fee.
Refer a Friend (starting March 16)
Know someone who'd love this program? When they register and pay based on your recommendation, you'll both benefit—you and they receive a $250 discount. Refer two students, save $500. Already joined through a referral? You can still help friends get their discount, though you won't receive additional savings yourself.
Note: Early payment and referral discounts cannot be combined.
