The Russian language is spoken by around 258 million people in the world, with more than 150 million native Russian speakers.Â
Also, aside from Russia, it is the official language of many countries in East Europe and Central Asia, and the unofficial language of former Soviet countries. Â
Moreover, Russian is also spoken in other parts of the world, such as China, Israel, Hungary, and the US. With the many people speaking the language, it is obvious that knowing the language can also be advantageous in many ways.Â
Here are the different ways you can study Russian.Â
Outside RussiaÂ
If you live outside of Russia, or in other countries that use the language as an official language, there are two ways to study Russia, online, or through a Russian language school in your home country (or nearby countries).
Online
When it comes to studying online, there are also various ways to do this. Through a traditional online class, or a language program or application of language learning.Â
A traditional online class works the same way as a regular language class, but online. Here, you have the chance to learn from native Russians who are also language teachers at any time of the year.Â
In case you are not a fan of traditional classes, you can use various language websites or apps to learn on your own, including the following:Â
- DuolingoÂ
- FluentU
- Russian for Everyone
- LinguaLift
- Russian for Free
Russian Language SchoolsÂ
If you are not comfortable learning a new language online, you can check for Russian language schools in your area, or through institutions.Â
Many academic institutions usually offer language classes to individuals who are not students of their schools.Â
In RussiaÂ
In case you have the chance to go to Russia, especially as a foreign student, there’s a big chance that you have to learn Russian (unless your study program states that it is not needed).Â
Here are various ways you can learn Russian in Russia.Â
As a Preparatory Course
If you can get into a Russian university or want to get into one but you do not know how to speak the language, you can join your university’s preparatory courses for international students.Â
Generally, these courses last between 7 to 10 months and focus on teaching you the Russian language. These preparatory courses ensure you have enough knowledge of the language to help you with your university education in the country.Â
After 7 to 10 months, and after passing the exams included, you will receive a certificate proving you have enough knowledge of the language.Â
Summer and Winter SchoolÂ
If you enrolled in a study program that does not require you to study Russian, you may not have to undergo a language preparatory course. Instead, you can learn Russian through summer and winter classes.Â
Summer and winter language classes usually last three weeks to three months, and after that, students will get an official certificate.Â
 Those are the different ways you can study Russian, wherever you are.Â
If you want to learn more practical tips and information you can use to make your stay in Russia more fun and easier, you can check out our articles at MSM Unify.Â