5 Reasons to Learn Russian

1. For studies

Russian higher education is highly rated around the world, especially in mathematics, natural sciences and medicine. The Russian government is also interested in attracting foreign students to the country's many universities, so it annually allocates a free education quota for foreign students. In addition, there are various grants and scholarships, as well as the opportunity to enroll at a university based on the results of international competitions, such as “Open Doors.” You can even qualify for free tuition quota at a conservatoire or ballet school.

However, the first step in obtaining a specialized education is always the study of the Russian language. For this purpose, special courses and preparatory departments are organized at universities. Foreigners coming to study usually study solely Russian for the first year in order to be able to start a major course.

2. For work

Russian opens up new career opportunities. Russia is an important global player in many industries. In addition, Russian is important as a language of business communication across the CIS countries and international organizations (UN, SCO, BRICS). Proficiency in Russian will set you apart from your competitors in international business, diplomacy, trade and finance. Even if you don't plan to work in Russia, your knowledge of the language will be an advantage in large international companies.

3. For living in Russia

Russia is an attractive place to live for many people. For many people, the relatively low cost of living, quality and free medical care, as well as the opportunity to get free higher education and a good job are serious reasons for thinking about moving to Russia and obtaining citizenship.

However, even in this case, the first step in this direction should still be learning Russian. You will need it not only to deal with taxes and bureaucracy, to receive medical care or use public services, to talk to your neighbors and find a job, but also to obtain citizenship (you will need to pass a Russian language exam).

In Moscow and St. Petersburg, you can get by with basic knowledge, but Russian is essential for a full life in Russia.

4. For travel

There is a lot to see in Russia! There are 33 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square, Lake Baikal, the Golden Mountains of Altai, the volcanoes of Kamchatka, etc. Millions of tourists visit Russia every year. And, if you want to get out to the countryside, you can’t do without Russian. It would be good to master at least the basic expressions necessary for elementary communication. 

Besides, Russian can be useful to a traveller in other countries, especially in post-Soviet countries. Today, many people there still speak or at least understand Russian.

5. For reading Russian literature in the original & understanding the mysterious Russian soul

If you know Russian, you can read Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Chekhov and Pushkin in the original. Yes, this is an ambitious, but very worthy goal. Even high-quality translations sometimes cannot fully convey the full depth of meaning, rhythm and beauty of the original text. This is especially true of poetry. For example, the poems of Pushkin, whom Russians consider their greatest poet, are virtually untranslatable into foreign languages and lose their depth and charm.

In addition, the Russian language also makes it possible to read books in other languages of the world, as they are often not translated into minor languages, but are translated and published in Russian.

Besides literature, Russia is famous for ballet, classical music, theater and cinema. Knowing Russian will give you a deeper understanding of this rich, cultural heritage.

Knowing Russian will also allow you to better understand the Russian mentality and worldview. Proverbs and sayings, Russian humor, untranslatable Russian words – all this will help you to feel the uniqueness of the Russian worldview.

“Gateway to Russia” Project

Text: Gateway to Russia

Pictures: HED