Russian Baltics LSA+

The Russian LSA+ is run jointly by the Department of Eastern European, Eurasian, and Russian Studies (EEER) together with the Government Department. The program is based in Riga, Latvia. The Baltic countries, all EU member states, provide a fascinating learning laboratory for studying evolving governance strategies, energy transitions, and the dynamics of language and culture. The unique perspective of these Baltic nations results from their distinctive geographic location, positioned between Europe, Scandinavia, and Russia.

All students in the program will take a broad survey covering the history and culture of the Baltic region, incorporating guest lectures by a stellar range of local scholars. The history of the Baltic states is closely intertwined with that of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. Students studying Russian language in these countries will appreciate the long and complicated history of contacts with Russia, as well as the crucial perspective of a formerly colonized nation.

Riga is home to a substantial Russophone population and offers our students a multinational experience both within and without the borders of a single state. During the term, students on this program will spend time not only in Latvia, but will also visit Lithuania and Estonia. Each of these countries is distinct, with their own language, history, and culture, and each represents a society still in transition from decades of Russian/Soviet influence.

Students stay at Youthments, a dorm-style apartment building. Student live in single rooms with a kitchenette and bathroom. Shared large kitchens are available on each floor of the building. The building also has comfortable shared study and community spaces.For more information on Youthments, please watch this video.

A number of group meals are included into the program, but students normally cook in the dorm. Most meals are included during travel to Estonia and Lithuania. Students commute to class by public transportation (stops for direct tram, bus or train lines are steps from the dorm). Monthly public transportation tickets are provided. 

For more information, please see the department website.

We encourage students to engage with their SAS advisors and program faculty/staff during the exploratory, pre-application phase to discuss how disability-related accommodations and access needs can be supported in an off-campus environment. If you currently have approved accommodations at Hanover, SAS will review them to determine which can be provided at your off-campus location and what alternatives may be needed. On-campus and off-campus accommodations may differ depending on each program location's resources and accessibility features. We recommend beginning this discussion with SAS as soon as you are accepted and no later than at least one whole quarter before your program start date.

For next steps, review the Off-Campus Program Accommodations page on the SAS website. 

Budget Sheet Russian LSA+ Baltics LEAP

The fees charged by the College for a Dartmouth-sponsored off-campus term of study include regular tuition charges for a term at Dartmouth, service fees, as well as the specific costs established for each off-campus study locale. In many programs, the room and board costs tend to be higher than for a term in Hanover. You can view a budget sheet for each program by clicking on the appropriate term under "Financing Your Program". The cost of transportation to and from the site is the responsibility of the student.

In order that all qualified Dartmouth undergraduate students may have the opportunity to take part in study away programs, the College endeavors to adjust its normal financial aid awards for students already receiving aid. Tuition and expected family contribution for Dartmouth's study away programs are the same as for an on-campus term.

All costs, including airfare and spending money, are considered when determining the cost of a study away program. Any costs more than a typical term in Hanover are met with additional Dartmouth Scholarship Funds.  If you have a work expectation for the term, this will be replaced by scholarship funding for programs that span the entire term. 

Students are responsible for purchasing their own plane tickets and, in many cases, meals. Often this means that part of the expected family contribution is used towards these costs rather than for tuition. For help sorting out who pays what and how-- a visit to the Financial Aid Office is often advisable.  For more information please also review the study abroad section of the financial aid website.

Financing your program | Financial Aid | Scholarships | Budgeting & Costs