Russia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow
Russian studies is an interdisciplinary major designed to develop knowledge in Russian language, literature, culture, history, politics and society. The Russian studies major prepares students to live and work in a global environment. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, study abroad and exchange programs to compliment and strengthen their classroom experiences. The Russian and Eastern Studies department offers a study abroad program in Saint Petersburg, Russia and maintains a relationship with the American Council of Teachers of Russian program in Vladimir, Russia. Students can develop greater language competency as well as a deeper understanding of how Russia continues to contribute to the global community while studying abroad for a summer, semester or full year.
Students interested in Russian may also pursue a degree in International Studies – the foreign language and international economics (FLIE) track. The FLIE program builds the foundation for a career in international business, international law, foreign relations and diplomacy. For more information about the FLIE-Russian program visit http://www.uky.edu/AS/FLIE/.
What skills does studying Russian develop?
- listening, speaking, reading and writing abilities in Russian to manage daily interactions in the largest country in the world
- understanding of the magical, complex land that is Russia through its culture, literature, folklore, geography, political structure and history
- a new way of looking at the world through the eyes of a society that shares so much with the United States -- revolution, ethnic diversity, civil war, debates over human rights -- and yet is quite different
- preparation for advanced study in area studies on Russia or in areas of the former Soviet Union, such as the strategic Central Asia region.
- thinking critically about issues and problems, a skill necessary in any field
Undergraduate education requirements
http://www.as.uky.edu/Russian/
Career Opportunities
The Russian studies major follows the liberal arts tradition in preparing students for employment in a variety of professions and organizations including business, technology, research, non-profit organizations, education, politics, travel and tourism, libraries, health care, government and international relations. Students are also prepared for graduate programs in area studies, business and law. Proficiency in another culture and language is imperative for success in a global economy, and students often combine Russian studies with other academic areas of interest. Although this list is not comprehensive, UK Russian studies graduates have been successful in the following occupations:
- U.S. secret service
- establishing the Internet in Russia
- chief of staff to a United States Senator
- medicine
- exchange programs for Russian professionals
- immigration offices
- translator/interpretor
- lawyers
- financial and economic corporations
- international security analysis
- scientific and mathematical research
- agriculture and environmental studies
For more information about careers, go to the following:
Human Resources On-line
http://www.hro.ru/
International Jobs- Job Vacancies
http://intjobs.org/
Transitions Abroad
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/
VistaWide: World Languages and Cultures
http://www.vistawide.com/careers/language_major.htm
International Job Opportunities: The Riley Guide
http://www.rileyguide.com/internat.html
For more information about career opportunities, contact career counselor Nicole Keenan at nicole.keenan@uky.edu or (859) 257-4023.