Frequently asked questions about Russian course

INVITATION, VISA, ARRIVAL TO MOSCOW
1. I need a multi-visa. Is it possible to issue one through your Centre?
2. I have received the official invitation from your Center, issued in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. What documents should I submit in order to receive my visa?
3. In the Russian Consulate I was told that I need to submit the original of the invitation.
4. What is the customs order in Moscow and what customs documents will I have to fill in on the custom house?
5. Will I be picked-up at the airport?
6. I've heard that there was the reorganization in the Moscow OVIRs. So, was something changed, and what should I do for registration in Moscow after my arrival?

ACCOMMODATION
7. I`m plannng to come to Moscow to study Russian language. Please advise what types of accommodation are possible.
8. I would like to live in the University hostel. Is it possible?
9. Is it possible to move to another host-family if the one I live in, does not correspond to my personal needs?
10. How far are the host-families from the University? What are the lodging conditions in the family?


11. I would like to know about electric cost and water cost. It's included in accomodation cost, isn`t it?

TUITION
12. Tell please what types of courses your russian language school offers.
13. Tell please about your school.
14. I would like to study in a group because it is cheaper and because I can get acquainted with other students.
15. Who will be my teacher?
16. I do not speak Russian at all. How will I be taught?
17. I speak Russian fairly well already. I would like to study some aspects of Russian (business, politics, culture, art, etc.).
18. Can I change the teacher if the one appointed by the Centre is not good for me for this or that reason?
19. What textbooks will I use?


20. Do your courses coach for the entrance to the Russian institutes of higher education?


21. Does your Centre foresee preparation for Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL) within group tuition? How much time do I need to study to get ready for a successful pass of TORFL?

GENERAL QUESTIONS
22. Where can I go in for sports?
23. Is Moscow a safe city?
24. What transportation tickets are in use in Moscow?
25. Where can I eat in Moscow?
26. Is it easy to obtain cash from a credit card? Where can I find an ATM bank machine?
27. I have Traveler's cheques. Where can I receive cash?
28. Where are currency exchange points situated?
29. How can I get paid for my language course?
30. Medical insurance.
31. What happens with the hours that I have already paid up, if I need to go home earlier or if I miss some lessons because of illness?
32. What should I do for visiting your Center to study Russian? (steps).
33. Can I find friends if I choose individual tuition?
34. Is it possible to take several special offers? How should I pay in this case: I mean do i need to cover the whole period of booked accommodation at once, if I want to combine 2 special offers?

YOU`VE ASKED... FIND OUT MORE
35. I am actually working in 4 stars in Paris as a concierge. ...I would like to know do you provide housekeeper for cleaning bed sheet, and own clothes? If not do you provide machines for them? Is Internet provided in the room or do you have internal access? Do you have security provided with safety box in a room or Main office? Is it easy to go out, and meet russian people? Does the student visa allow to work?
36. When do long term group courses begin?

INVITATION, VISA, ARRIVAL TO MOSCOW

1.I need a multi-visa. Is it possible to issue one through your Centre?
Yes it's possible, we can arrange multi-visa from 4 till 12 months (only if you study at the Centre during all this period). But for all that, we arrange multi-visa only in the presence of paid-up contract for the whole Russian language course.

2. I have received the official invitation from your Center, issued in the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. What documents should I submit in order to receive my visa?
Russian visas can be obtained at local Russian Embassies (Consulates), the nearest Embassy (Consulate) is available on www.traveldocs.com.

3. In the Russian Consulate I was told that I need to submit the original of the invitation.
Indeed, Embassies (Consulates) in some countries can demand the original of the invitation. That is why it is always reasonable to call to the Embassy (Consulate) beforehand in and to obtain the list of necessary documents. You should send us inquiry about the original of the invitation, and we shall send you it via express mail DHL. You will receive the original of the invitation in 1-4 days, depending on the country you live in. Cost of express-mail delivery is $50 or more, depending on the country.

4. What is the customs order in Moscow and what customs documents will I have to fill in on the custom house?
You are allowed to bring no more than $1500 in cash without declaration.
We recommend you to fill in the customs declaration in any case. You will also be offered to fill in a migration card, giving the Moscow authorities information on the stream of tourists and visitors.

5. Will I be picked-up at the airport?
If you want us to arrange airport pick-up, please, inform us of your flight number, time of your arrival and the airport in Moscow, shortly after purchasing of air tickets. Our representative will wait for you in the Arrival hall with your nameboard. The representative will bring you to the hotel or to the family where you will be accommodated.
Cost of this service can be found out here.

6. I've heard that there was the reorganization in the Moscow OVIRs. So, was something changed, and what should I do for registration in Moscow after my arrival?
Yes it's true . But you should not worry. As usual after your arrival you should give your passport to the RLC's manager and she will register you. Pay attention: it's possible only if you have the RLC's visa.

ACCOMMODATION

7. I`m plannng to come to Moscow to study Russian language. Please advise what types of accommodation are possible.
Our russian language school provides the following types of residing: dormitory in the Main building of MGU and homestay (in Russian family). The position - not far from the courses.
Dormitory This type of residing is ideal for self-dependent students, which don`t want to tie themselves with the rules of the homestay. You`ll live in separate room (closed on key) in a two-room block (one shower on a block).
Homestay The advantages of this type of residing are in usage of telephone, refrigerator, kitchen and practising of Russian language through the communication with Russian family. Russian people are very friendly and hospital.

8. I would like to study in your Centre and to live in the University hostel. Is it possible?
Yes, it is possible to live in a hostel of the Moscow State University. For this purpose you`ll need the invitation letter from our Centre. You can look cost of residing in section "Costs and discounts". We pay your attention, that residing at a hostel is already included in some our special offers.

9. Is it possible to move to another host-family if the one I live in, does not correspond with my personal needs?
Yes, it is possible. If you consider that the family for any reasons is not appropriate for you, we shall offer you other family or in hotel.

10. How far are the host-families from the University? What are the lodging conditions in the family?
We know all the host-families very well as we work together for several years. It usually takes 20-40 minutes on public transport or on foot to get from the family to the University. You will live in a separate room where there will be everything necessary. Our students use kitchen and bathroom together with the members of the family.

11. I would like to know about electric cost and water cost. It's included in accomodation cost, isn`t it?
Yes, electric and water cost is included in accomodation cost.

TUITION

12. Tell please what types of courses your russian language school offers.
Our russian language school offers the following programes: intensive group russian course (20 ac.hours per week, 16 ac.hours per week), individual training, combination of individual and group programes, courses for entrance to Russian University, preparatory course for TORFL (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language), confirming knowledge in Russian language.
The program of russian course includes the theory (mastering of grammatic rules and norms) and practice (development of skills of speech); the level of russian language is defined by the test which is given on the first day and according to results, we determine suitable group (elementary, basic, advanced, etc.)

13. Tell please about your language school.
Russian Language Centre was established by Moscow State University. It was founded in 1990. Every year about 500 foreign students study russian in our Centre. Our Center offers foreigners intensive russian courses: we successfully train in Russian people of all ages and skills. Within the limits of individual and group training pupils have an opportunity to choose: general colloquial russian course, business-rate, preparatory course to pass exams (TORFL). Our teachers are professors and graduates of philological faculty of Moscow State University. They possess the advanced techniques of russian language training of foreigners. The program of russian courses is founded on the basis of the communicative-personal approach.

14. I would like to study in a group because it is cheaper and because I can get acquainted with other students.
Please, write us in order to learn, whether a group for the period of your stay in Moscow is planned. You also can use our offer to take part in the seasonal Programs designed for group training. Another opportunity is to invite a friend with you to be together in a group of 2.You may get acquainted with other students during excursions, organized by the Centre on weekends.

15.Who will be my teacher?
All our teachers are philologists, expert professors of the Moscow University. They have big experience in teaching Russian as a foreign language and have adequate diplomas. Please, visit the section "Photo gallery" to look at them.

16. I do not speak Russian at all. How will I be taught?
Our consultants, professors of the Moscow State University, advise us to use common language at the initial stage of training. For this reason you can specify in your Application form that you would like that your teacher mastered a foreign language. Practically all our teachers speak one or several main European languages.

17. I speak Russian fairly well already. I would like to study some aspects of Russian (business, politics, culture, art, etc.).
We can give you an opportunity to do so. We have either qualified teachers, or appropriate manuals. Regardless of work experience, our teachers prepare for each class with the student, thus providing the highest quality of education. More about our specialized Russian language course you can read at our Individual tuition page.

18. Can I change the teacher if the one appointed by the Centre is not good for me for this or that reason?
Of course, you can. Our training group staff will invite another teacher for you.

19. What textbooks will I use?
On the first class you will have a placement test, conducted by your teacher. Then the teacher will compile your personal program on the basis of you Russian language level. The teacher will recommend you certain textbooks. You will be able to take these books on the security of $10 at the Centre or buy them at the bookshops.

20. Do your courses coach for the entrance to the Russian institutes of higher education?
Our teachers, professors of MGU philological faculty, will coach you for a successful pass of TORFL-1 (Test of Russian as a Foreign Language. First Certificate Level). Obtaining such a certificate is a prerequisite for entering Russian universities.

21. Does your Centre foresee preparation for Test of Russian as a Foreign Language within group tuition? How much time do I need to study to get ready for a successful pass of TORFL-1?
Our Centre will offer you programmes, coaching for a successful pass of TORFL, within individual as well as group course. With the intensity - 20 ac.hours per week, it is possible to get ready for First Certificate Level under tuition - 8-9 months (beginning from zero level).

GENERAL QUESTIONS

22. Where can I go in for sports?
There are a lot of gyms and sports grounds in Moscow and at MSU in particular. We will be glad to help you choose a suitable variant for you. There are the following sports grounds in the campus: football, basketball, tennis court. It is also possible to get a season ticket for aerobics and swimming (in winter operates the swimming pool of the Moscow State University, in summer - in the swimming pool of the stadium " Luzniki ").

23. Is Moscow a safe city?
Moscow is as safe, as any other large European city. As any tourist in any city of the world, you should observe elementary safety rules: keep your money and documents in a belt bag, not take night walks alone. Look also "Tips and tricks " on the site of our partner Ziegler and Co. from Switzerland.

24.What are transportation tickets in Moscow?
You can buy a ticket underground, a trolley bus, a tram, the bus, valid for one month. Such tickets are sold at stations the underground also cost(stand) 500р., that is equaled approximately $16,5. These tickets refer to "uniform". Look also "Advice(Councils) to the tourist" on a site of our partners from Switzerland.

25. Where can I eat in Moscow?
You can have lunch in University cafes after lessons. It will cost very about $2. More detailed information about Moscow restaurants and cafes see at "Tips and tricks" on the site of our partners from Switzerland.

26. Is it easy to obtain cash from a credit card? Where can I find an ATM bank machine?
There are a lot of bank machines in Moscow. You will undoubtedly find them in large shops and supermarkets. The only problem you might face is that you might have a limit for the sum which you can drive off at one time, for example, no more than $100. Usually people get their money without problems, and if there are ones (for example, a bank machine does not accept a card), it is necessary to try another bank machine or to go to a bank.

27. I have Traveler's cheques. Where can I receive cash?
You can obtain cash in one of the Moscow banks. There is a State bank in the University campus, where you can order the required sum of money, if it is large, and receive it the next day.

28. Where are currency exchange points situated?
There are currency exchange points everywhere in Moscow. Please, do not change money at private persons, even at more favorable rate. Unfortunately, there are cases of swindle.

29. How can I get paid for my language course?
You can pay for your Russian language course, accommodation and other services in cash (dollars, rubles or euro) within 1-2 days after arrival in Moscow at our office.

30. Medical insurance.
We advise you to buy an insurance in your country. More detailed information you can see at "Tips and tricks" on the site of our partners from Switzerland.

31. What happens with the hours that I have already paid up, if I need to go home earlier or if I miss some lessons because of illness?
It is necessary to call to our office to tell us that you are ill. The missed hours will be given to you or any of your friends later according to your desire.
If you have to leave Russia before your contract expires, your hours will be given to you during your next visit to Russia. You are also free to transfer your hours to any of your friends.

32. What should I do for visiting your Center to study Russian? (steps)
First of all you should fill the application form and send us. Also we need the scan copy of the front page of your passport. Then manager of the study department will contact with you.

33. Can I find friends if I choose individual tuition?
Of course, if you plan to have individual lessons you will be able to find many friends from different parts of the world. The Russian Language Center organizes regular parties, where there is an opportunity to meet students from our groups, as well as all our teachers. Also some of our teachers involve students in different activities, including excursions and visiting Moscow clubs.

34. Is it possible to take several special offers? How should I pay in this case: I mean do i need to cover the whole period of booked accommodation at once, if I want to combine 2 special offers?
Yes, it is. In this case you can pay for each special offer separately, to pay for the whole period in accommodation is not obligatory.

YOU`VE ASKED... FIND OUT MORE

35. I am actually working in 4 stars in Paris as a concierge. Being in a close guests relation, and with a constante increase of russian guests in our hotel, and for these reasons, I would like to learn russian in order to satisfy their guests in their own language. I might be interested in an one year intensive program course + accomodation in your University. I would enjoy a private room even with shared facility. I would like to know do you provide housekeeper for cleaning bed sheet, and own clothes? If not do you provide machines for them? Is Internet provided in the room or do you have internal access? Do you have security provided with safety box in a room or Main office? Is it easy to go out, and meet russian people? Does the student visa allow to work?
There is a laundry in the Main Campus, that`s why you`ll not have problems with washing clothes. There is also a possibility to get Internet connection in the room. Hostess on duty at your floor will advice you those who provide connection to the Internet in the Campus. Unfortunately there are no safety boxes in Campus. There are lot of opportunities to meet Russian people and students even within Moscow State University. Student visa doesn`t give permission to work in Moscow.

36. I am writing to find out more information about the availability of a group long term Russian course that begins in or near the month of September. I am interested in studying Russian at the center for either 22 or 36 weeks. I checked your website but it does not give information about when long term group courses begin.
Our courses work all the year around. Due to constant overflow of students we provide flexible start dates allowing to begin tuition any time that suits. It also refers to long-term programes. We always have several groups for each level, that`s why there are no problems with joining the group.