Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies

• Bachelor of Arts
• Major

Stetson University's Russian, East European and Eurasian Studies (SPREES) program is 32 units and trains you to analyze and interpret the territory, peoples, history, languages, cultures and practices of the Eurasian region from a multidisciplinary perspective. You develop proficiency in Russian through coursework and a required immersive experience in the Russian-speaking world. The program includes weekly language labs, visiting lecturers, live Russian broadcasts, and international internship opportunities.

Why SPREES at Stetson University?

Joining SPREES places you at one of the oldest and most distinguished programs of its kind.  Established in 1958 during the early Cold War, this program has a long-standing reputation for excellence in the study of the history, geography, politics, economics and cultures of the former Russian Empire and the Soviet Union.

As a SPREES student at Stetson University, you will become proficient in the Russian language through a broad array of courses and by spending a semester or summer immersed in language study in the Russian-speaking world, including destinations like Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and Ukraine. You will benefit from weekly Russian-language labs, tutoring, visiting lecturers and artists, as well as cultural and culinary events. You may also have opportunities to study abroad and intern internationally with organizations such as Human Rights Watch in Moscow, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. In this program, the world truly becomes your campus.

Housed in the modern Russian Studies Center, SPREES offers rich resources like a dedicated library, computer lab and live Russian television broadcasts. Beyond rigorous academics, the program includes an active Russian Club and hosts various enriching activities such as lectures, concerts and tutoring. 

Related Programs:

• World Languages and Cultures
• Latin American and Latino Studies
• Africana Studies
• Asian Studies

“Take as many classes as possible so you can find what you really love.”

— Jonah Helwig '22

Career Outcomes

Russian language proficiency combined with deep regional expertise in the history, politics, economics, and culture of the former Soviet Union creates a credential that intelligence agencies, government, international business, and NGOs actively seek. SPREES graduates pursue careers in government, education, intelligence, journalism, and international business. Alumni have been admitted to Harvard's Davis Center, Oxford, Wisconsin, UNC Chapel Hill, Georgetown Law, and FSU College of Law. Career paths include:

• Government and Diplomatic Service Professional
• Intelligence and Security Analyst
• International Journalist and Correspondent
• Professor and Academic Researcher
• International Business and NGO Specialist
• Graduate student at Harvard, Oxford, Georgetown, and other leading programs

Meet the Faculty

As you begin your journey, you will work with some of our distinguished faculty and dedicated professionals who will provide you with personal attention and expert guidance to help you thrive academically and professionally.

• Martin Blackwell, PhD, Indiana University
• Mayhill Fowler, PhD, Princeton University; Director of SPREES
• Ekaterina Kudrayavtseva, PhD, University of Southern California
• Jelena Petrovic, PhD, University of New Mexico
• Elizabeth Plantan, PhD, Cornell University
• Daniil Zavlunov, PhD, Princeton University
• Snezhana Zheltoukhova, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Brochure

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

At Stetson, learning goes beyond the classroom. You'll have opportunities to build real-world experience through internships, research, community engagement and other experiential learning opportunities.

HATTER READY

Frequently Asked Questions

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