Study Abroad in Belarus
If you’re looking for an affordable, beautiful country in which to study abroad and learn Russian, don’t overlook Belarus. Tucked below Lithuania, Russia, and Latvia and bordered by Poland and Ukraine, this former Soviet country is often (undeservedly) overshadowed by its more notable neighbors. The advantage to studying Russian in Belarus is that it’s much less expensive in comparison to countries like Russia and Latvia. You also have the opportunity to learn another language while you’re there—Belarusian, one of their two official languages.
If you’re considering studying abroad in Belarus, consider the fact that the level of English that’s found in in Belarus isn’t as high as it is in other Eastern European countries. In addition, some programs are only offered in Russian and Belarusian. Will you be comfortable living in a city or region where English isn’t widely spoken? Would you prefer to live in a larger, more multicultural city or to study at a university where you can find other English speakers? Or are you ready to be fully immersed in another language?
Program Types
Language Courses at Belarusian Universities – If you are an undergraduate or graduate student who is interested in taking a language class for a semester, a year, or possibly even longer, several Belarusian universities offer courses in both Russian and Belarusian. Certificate programs in both languages are also available.
Postgraduate Studies – Through programs such as the Boren Fellowship program and the Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program, eligible graduate students who are studying certain languages or disciplines have the opportunity to undertake postgraduate studies in Belarus.
CollegeScholarships.org lists different scholarships which are available for undergraduate and graduate students who want to study abroad in Belarus. Also visit our list of 65 study abroad grants and scholarships for more information.
