Russian Language Undergraduate Studies (RLUS) is an educational charity based in the UK, which arranges intensive Russian language courses in three countries – Estonia, Kazakhstan and Armenia – where Russian is widely spoken. The courses, which run for one semester or a full academic year, are for students at UK universities who are studying the Russian language and who are required, or who choose, to spend the third year of their degree programme abroad. RLUS consists of a Committee made up of members of staff of the various UK Universities which send students on RLUS courses; an Operations Consultant (Dr. Lynne Attwood); and a Finance, Administration and Compliance (‘FAC’) Officer (Kathryn Royle). RLUS works in partnership with Language Link; together they provide high-quality academic teaching, immersion in Russian-speaking communities, and comprehensive student support across all locations.
RLUS courses in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
For more than forty years, RLUS has provided high-quality, immersive Russian-language study experiences in collaboration with academic partners abroad. Until 2022, the courses took place in universities and language schools in Russia. However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February that year, and the sanctions against Russia which followed, meant this was no longer possible. We had to establish new Russian language courses in countries where there was a large Russian population, where Russian was widely spoken, which were not bound by any sanctions, and which played no part in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Rob Jensky, an American citizen whose company, Language Link, had run our very successful courses in Moscow for almost two decades, has relocated to Estonia, and in partnership with Language Link we now offer courses in Tallinn (Estonia), Astana (Kazakhstan), and, as of the 2026-27 academic year, Yerevan (Armenia). As former Soviet republics, these three countries have large Russian populations and Russian is, in effect, the second language. Hence each centre provides an authentic Russian-language environment.
Tallinn, Estonia
Courses in Tallinn are organised by Language Link Estonia, under the direction of Rob Jensky, Director of Language Link Estonia and Director of Academic Development.
Classes take place at Keeltekool Tarkus, a multilingual language centre located in the heart of the city. Tallinn offers a vibrant, safe, and culturally rich environment with a large Russian-speaking community, making it an ideal base for linguistic immersion.
Accommodation is arranged by Anna Karboinova, Programme Coordinator, who places students with carefully selected Russian-speaking host families. Students seeking greater independence can opt for private rental accommodation or Airbnb options nearby.
Astana, Kazakhstan
RLUS courses in Astana are organised by Language Link Kazakhstan, directed by Altynshash Utaleeva and managed locally by Timur Tatiyev, RLUS Programme Coordinator.
Classes are held at Maqsut Narikbayev University, one of Kazakhstan’s leading higher-education institutions.
Students may stay with Russian-speaking Kazakh host families arranged by the local coordinator or, if they prefer more independence, arrange private rentals or Airbnb apartments. Astana combines modern infrastructure with extensive opportunities for cultural engagement and Russian-language practice.
Yerevan, Armenia
From 2026, RLUS is offering courses in Yerevan, organised by Language Link Armenia and coordinated by Herutyun Arayi Sakakyan. Classes take place at the joint campus of the European and French Universities.
Accommodation is arranged locally with Russian-speaking host families, though students who prefer greater freedom may choose to rent private apartments or use Airbnb. Yerevan’s rich cultural heritage and strong academic tradition make it a rewarding new addition to the RLUS portfolio.
About the courses
The courses in Tallinn, Astana and Yerevan follow the same syllabus format that had proved so successful in Moscow.
- Grammar (4 academic hours per week)
- Translation (4 academic hours per week)
- Reading, Vocabulary, Phonetics OR Literature (4 academic hours per week)
- Conversational practice (4 academic hours per week)
- Essay writing (2 academic hours per week)
Please note that an ‘academic hour’ is actually 45 minutes! This is in accordance with the standard university system used throughout the region.
There are currently discussions underway concerning the number of face to face hours of tuition, and the possibility of exchanging two hours per fortnight of face-to-face tuition for project work.
- Please note that Literature is not taught as it is in UK universities. It might be better described as ‘analytical reading’ – i.e. analysis of literary language
- Please also note that although students are divided into different groups according to the level of their Russian, there may still be some small differences in ability; accordingly, the syllabus might occasionally be adjusted to meet the overall needs of the class. However, all of the teachers strive to meet the language course fulfilment requirements.
Safety
RLUS is extremely concerned about student safety and support, and so visits each Language Link school on a regular basis. These visits are undertaken either by the RLUS Operations Consultant, Dr. Lynne Attwood, or a member of the RLUS Committee.
Students can expect attentive local support and close coordination between RLUS, Language Link, and their home universities throughout their time abroad.
About this website
You will find on this website general information about Tallinn , Astana and Yerevan and; course dates and course fees for the 2026-27 academic year ; important information which you must read when applying for a course – Booking Form Notes, RLUS Terms and Conditions and Statement of Information – and the Booking form itself.