U of T

[nightseas.livejournal.com]

Hi

I was just wondering if anyone knows anything about the quality of University of Toronto's Russian language courses? Here is the website http://www.utoronto.ca/slavic/index.html

I want to apply as a non degree student, which means I would take each course on its own instead of as part of a program. Some people were telling me it would be better to go througha private language school but U of T looks good to me.

Any help would be appreciated. I am a super beginner, became interested in the language after I found out the majority of my dads family was Russian (great grandfather was adopted by an Irish family, who knew?).

Thanks :)

Comments

[vikathoria.livejournal.com]

The best program in Canada, probably. Julia M. is super. You will have a great time!

[nightseas.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much for the reply. I'm glad to hear that, too btw! :)

[fiachasorcha.livejournal.com]

I've heard it's a great program (I looked into doing an MA there). And honestly, I would definitely say take classes through university vs. a private language school if you're interested in history and culture as well. The school will get you talking, but the university will give you context.

[nightseas.livejournal.com]

Great, thank you! :)

At the end of it all, I might end up doing a study/work abroad thing if I am as fluent as this program seems like it will make me and maybe go to St Petersburg for a couple of months.

Very happy to hear, I was really feeling good about U of T versus a private school, too. It doesn't hurt that the coordinator has the same first name as me (Julia).

:)

[fiachasorcha.livejournal.com]

If you want to do a study/work abroad thing - check out some of the summer camps available. As long as you go through a reputable organization (the university can tell you) some of those camps are SWANK. I worked at two camps in the US and I have to say that the one that my host mother's kid went to sounds a heck of a lot better.

[joliecanard.livejournal.com]

UofT's Russian program is excellent. I definitely recommend it. Also, it's good to have peers learning with you at the beginning stages, I feel. Practicing speaking with peers is much less stressful than with your instructor and builds confidence.