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Russia: Education, Weather & Stay in Russia

Introduction

Russia is the largest country in the world with a landmass that is 17, 075, 400 sq km in area. The country stretches over a vast area of Eurasia and is bordered by a number of countries that include (counter-clockwise from NW to SE) Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Russia is also close to the United States and Japan. One of the interesting points to note here is that two most distant points in Russia are located about 8,000 km apart. In spite of its comparatively high population, the population density in the country is low due to its vast size.

Russia has been one of the most dominant players in the erstwhile Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). After the break up of the Soviet Union Russia’s domination in the region was challenged as several new states took birth. However, a newly formed Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) gave Russia the much-needed influence over its neighbors. In diplomatic matters, Russia is considered to be the successor state of the Soviet Union.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russia is further trying to disembark on a market-based economy, with the overall objective of notching up a consistent economic growth and thus wiping off the slowdown.

Climatic Conditions in Russia -

Russia is the coldest country in the world and has a largely continental climate because of its sheer size. However, due to its vast expanse, climate in Russia differs widely from region to region. The annual temperature averages –5.5o C. The severity of cold in Russia can be gauged from the fact that the average annual temperature in Iceland is 1.2o C and in Sweden it is 4o C. Number of regions in the country experience extensive snow cover. The average yearly temperature in almost whole of Eurasia is below freezing point. Most parts of the country experience only two seasons – summer and winter. Due to the influence of the Pacific Ocean, far eastern Russia experiences monsoonal climate. Verkhoyansk, in north-central Siberia is the coldest place on the planet. Summer temperatures in southern most regions average 20o C.

Education Scenario in Russia -

Russia is long credited with having a tradition of high-quality education. The institutions of higher education in the country have therefore placed a greater emphasis on providing excellent education to the citizens as well as those coming from abroad to pursue higher education. The mass education system in the country has succeeded in pushing up the overall literacy rate to as high as an impressive 98 percent. In fact, at this rate Russia leaves most Western European Countries far behind.

Both the state and the accredited private institutions in the country provide higher education in a number of fields. However, there has been a clear emphasis on science and technology. Also, Russian medical, mathematical, scientific, and space and aviation research have attained reputation over the years as increasing number of students from foreign countries have come to the country to pursue these programmes. Competitive entry requirements have also ensured that intake of students is quality-based.

With the changing times, the Russian higher educational institutions have devised their programmes to suit international needs. Cost factor has been another reason why students in increasing numbers have come to the country. Compared to other European countries cost of education in Russia is fairly low as tuition fees for degree programmes can range between $2000 and $8000 per year.

Staying options in Russia –

There are a plenty of options available for students so far as staying options are concerned. These include dormitories provided by universities, home stays or renting an apartment alone or sharing it with roommates. Generally, programme organizers assist students in getting dormitories or home stays. However, it is recommended students first stay at the dormitories and then go on searching for home stays or apartments as they deem fit.

Student dormitories are the most preferred accommodation option for students who arrive in Russia for higher studies. While they are cheap, they also provide an opportunity to meet new people. However, the quality of dormitories depends on the university. Yet, it is worth mentioning here that dorms in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg are in good conditions and can be compared to the ones in American Universities.

Home stays give students the flexibility of experiencing Russian life from close quarters. However, home stays can be relatively expensive as most home stay owners charge $10 - $15 per night for a room. Renting an apartment can be good option for those who want complete privacy. However, renting an apartment could be an expensive affair. A one-room apartment in Moscow suburbs would cost no less that $300 per month. Candidates might have to cough up 70 to 100 percent of the rent as commission to real estate agents. Students can also be in the lookout for advertisements in local newspapers.