Stanislav chernyshov and his team present

Learn Russian in Riga 2025

Поехали!

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Special price:
20 academic hours - just €280/week

Join offline intensive mini-group courses with Stanislav, Alla, and our team in Riga.
We deliver effective and fun lessons, provide cultural activities and immersion experiences!

Special offer for groups!

The next courses are scheduled for:

New Year 2025 (28.12-05.01) - learn more here
Easter holidays 2025
Summer 2025 (end of June - end of August)
On the low season, whenever convenient for you*

*see the enrollment form

Our immersive courses will have you chatting in no time. Fun process, fast results!

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Perfect language trips for groups

Special Group Deals Await – Immerse Your Students in Russian in Riga!

Discover Group Offers

From 1 to 4 weeks

Discount for the dedicated students is applied starting from the 3rd week!

Accommodation

You can choose to stay in the host family, hostel, or hotel of your choice. Click on this icon or header to see the detailed information with prices and links to the hotels' websites.

Price per person for 1 week group course - from €280

Mini-group Russian language courses - 20 lessons per week (accommodation and cultural activities not included).

Details, terms and conditions

Experience a magical New Year in Riga while mastering Russian!

Our intensive course (28.12-05.01) combines language learning with cultural immersion and unforgettable celebrations.
Join us for a unique adventure!
Book your seat now!

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Three good reasons to learn Russian in Riga with us

Why should you master Russian in Riga with us?

Quality

Our experienced instructors are dedicated to providing you with the tools and techniques you need to excel in Russian.
Immersion communication practice

Develop your speaking, listening, and comprehension skills through engaging activities that will prepare you for real-life interactions in Russian
Price-to-value ratio

Our immersive courses provide a cost-effective way to achieve fluency and proficiency in Russian, ensuring you get the most out of your learning experience

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About us

Baltic Center

Baltic Center is a Russian studies and Russian as a foreign language learning center in Riga, Latvia. We are present in Latvia since 2015 and provide a wide range of on-site programs (online during the Covid lockdowns), that include home-stay with Russian speaking families in Riga, academic classes with university level teachers. Most of our teachers have degrees in teaching Russian as a Foreign language. We have significant experience in setting up structured peer activities for some of our programs. In partnership with Free University we offer a number of academic speakers and lecturers in different aspects of Russian studies, including International relations, sociology, history, literature, etc.. The lectures can be delivered in English.

Our partner universities are Brigham Young University, Georgia Tech, University of Georgia, Wharton Business School, etc. We have close ties and collaborate on Russian Studies component with Free University (Russian University in exile).
Baltic Center organizes in Riga various educational events, open lectures and conferences in order to bring top speakers and top experts to facilitate human capital development in the Baltic States. Baltic Center has a proven record (through OPI tests) of strong progress of students’ language competencies in a short time. Baltic Center offers its programs round the year, starting from a few weeks to semester long programs.

Stanislav Academy

Extra Class language center (est. 2002)

Stanislav Academy, previously known as Extra Class language Center (2002-2022, St.Petersburg, Russia), offers exceptional Russian language courses to international learners. With 25+ years of experience and a team of expert teachers, we've guided thousands from over 40 countries to fluency. We have taught students from the IMF, the WHO, the UN, The BBC, The Times, Siemens, Der Spiegel, Credit Swiss, students, and lecturers from leading universities.

Stanislav Chernyshov, Stanislav Academy director, is a Russian as foreign language teacher and textbook author with 30 an unparalleled expertise in his field. For over 30 years, he has honed his skills as a Russian language instructor, textbook author, program creator, and lecturer in Russian studies. His highly acclaimed "Poekhali!" series of textbooks has earned international recognition and consistently ranks among the best-selling Russian language resources globally.
Currently, Stanislav Chernyshov's diverse professional activities include teaching at the Institute for Slavic Studies at Graz University (Austria), leading immersive courses in Riga (Latvia), conducting training courses for Russian language teachers from European and US institutions, and delivering workshops for Russian teachers across Europe.

Through our diverse range of online and offline classes, courses, and learning formats, Stanislav Academy empowers you to reach your language goals while fostering a deeper appreciation for Russian culture.

Adventures await: embark on thematic excursions, informal park lectures, cultural activities, and enjoy friendly gatherings with fellow students!

Watch a short video

What makes our Russian immersion course in Riga so special?

Some curiosities and fun facts on Latvian history and connections with Russia

Latvia was originally settled by the ancient people known as Balts. In the 9th century, the Balts came under the overlordship of the Varangians, or Vikings.

Riga has been founded by crusaders known as “knights of the sword” who joined the famous Teutonic knights in 1237. Why? To be converted to Christianity and establish a new outpost for Christian expansion to the east. In the 12th century AD crusaders were sent to convert one of the last Pagan nations in Europe: Latvia. Missionaries had been sent into the country before, but their efforts had been in vain. The Latvians just refused to be Christian. Finally, it was decided that Latvia would have to be converted by force.

In the following centuries, Riga flourished, becoming a large trading city, selling things such as furs, honey, and wax to larger countries. After the conquest, the Germans formed a so-called Livonian confederation, which lasted for more than three centuries. This feudalistic organization was not a happy one, its three components - the Teutonic Order, the archbishopric of Riga, and the free city of Riga - were in constant dispute with one another. Moreover, the vulnerability of land frontiers caused frequent wars. The Latvians, however, benefited from Riga's joining the Hanseatic League in 1282, as the league's trade brought prosperity, which later lasted through 200 years when it was run by the Russian Empire.

Latvia was then controlled by Poland (1561), Sweden (1629), and the Russian empire (1721). The rulers of Muscovy had failed to reach the Baltic shores of the Latvian country in the 15^th century, though Ivan III and Ivan IV had tried to do so. The Russian tsar Alexis renewed the attempt without success in his wars against Sweden and Poland (1653-67). Finally, however, Peter I the Great managed to "break the window" to the Baltic Sea. The Great Northern War concluded the struggle for influence in the Baltic Sea with the victory of Russia. On Riga’s capitulation in 1710 it was incorporated into the Russian Empire and the city became the administrative center of the province.

The second half of the 19th century in Riga was a period of rapid change. The Russian Empire exercised a number of administrative reforms. New urban development plans resulted in the modern visual image of Riga. The defense ramparts were taken down and, on the site, high-rise public and apartment buildings formed the Boulevard Circle. During the 19th century, the program of Russification brought an end to the privileged status of Germans in the regions of Estonia and Latvia. Czar Alexander III, in 1885, instituted Russian as the compulsory language of government. It also led to the large-scale migration of Russian peasants into Latvia and Estonia.

Riga was at the epicenter of the Latvian fight for independence in the early 20th century. After the Russian Revolution of March 1917, the Latvian National Political Conference convened at Riga, and asked for complete political autonomy in July. By 1919 Latvia had a functioning sovereign government. A Latvian constituent assembly, elected in April 1920, met in Riga on May 1; and on August 11 a Latvian-Soviet peace treaty was signed in Riga, the Soviet government renounced all claims to Latvia, which didn’t prevent its annexation by the USSR in 1940.

Under the Soviets, Latvia experienced the greatest influx of ethnic Russians of all the Baltic republics. By 1989, the Russian population accounted for 34% of the total population, and ethnic Latvians 52% (the rest came from other Soviet republics). One of the reasons for this colonization was the country’s strategic location and extensive militarization. Riga was the headquarters of the Baltic Military District and the whole country was full of military installations. Most of the coastal area was under military control.

Riga has the highest concentration of wooden architecture among European capitals. Excellent examples of architectural fantasies in wood can be found all over the city. Riga and Latvia have historically always had access to high-quality timber. In Riga the traditions of Russian craftsmanship met with the best of Western architectural building traditions. A must for lovers of wooden architecture is Kipsala Island.

Riga is like a museum of architecture, covering periods from Gothic to Classicism. But the real treasure of the city is the largest and best-preserved collection of Art Nouveau buildings in the world. This fact was corroborated by UNESCO in 1997 and now the central section of Riga is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Riga is sometimes called the “capital” of Art Nouveau thanks to the heritage of 800 Art Nouveau buildings.

Riga Old Town has remarkable sites like St.Peter’s Church with its famous rooster, St.Jacobs Church, Dom Square, and Dom Cathedral, home to one of the world’s most valuable historic organs. The Powder Tower and city walls will make you feel the breath of the Middle Ages. There are also the oldest stone residential dwellings: the Three Brothers, the Great and Small Guilds, and the fortification wall of Riga with the Swedish Gate as the last surviving gate in the wall. The guide will introduce you to the intriguing story of the Cat House and show you Town Hall Square with the beautiful and elegant Blackheads House.

Reviews

In August 2024, I spent 2 weeks immersed in Russian language classes at the Stanislav Academy in Riga, Latvia. It was a truly wonderful experience! Stanislav is an enthusiastic and passionate teacher who brings so much energy to the classroom. His ability to explain the nuances of the Russian language in a fun and engaging way made learning not only effective but also enjoyable. I learned so much and saw a significant improvement in my Russian-speaking skills. Each session felt dynamic and interactive, and Stanislav’s teaching style kept everyone motivated and excited to participate. If you’re looking to improve your Russian language skills, I highly recommend the Stanislav Academy!

Caitlin, USA

I studied for a month at the Baltic Center/Stanislav Academy in the summer of 2024 and can honestly say that I've been thrilled with my experience here. Stanislav is a very educated and passionate teacher who always does his best to encourage his students to learn Russian to the best of their ability. The environment was very informal, allowing everyone to freely participate whenever they wanted to and there were plenty of opportunities to socialise both in and outside the classroom. It's a great place to learn not only the language but about the culture and the people that make this language so captivating. Would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their Russian skills within a short period of time and doesn't mind doing a bit of homework along the way too!

Daniel, UK

Stanislav, having just completed 4 weeks of study with you in Riga, Latvia, I want to thank you for such a memorable experience. Over the past 20 years I have studied Russian with 9 teachers. For me, your teaching format and abilities far surpass any Russian Language School I have attended! You have a gift for enabling your students "to feel" the language. Not one time did you tell me or any other student: "you just have to remember it." You inspired us to feel the language and recognize the under-lying principles. There really is a logic to the Russian language! Though I already had a fairly good grasp of grammar, I struggled to speak Russian. Over the last month, I was daily given the opportunity and challenge to speak Russian, both within class and outside of class. Our daily coffee breaks, as a group, as well as our numerous lunches, tours, museum visits and even trips to the beach required us to speak Russian. An added benefit was the opportunity to make new friends from all over Europe and the United States.
Weather and politics permitting, I definitely plan to participate in your next Russian language seminar and will keep my eyes open for the publication of your new book. Thanks again, Ed

Edward, USA

Курс был прекрасен. Станислав рассказывал потрясающие истории о городе и людях, которые там жили. Он так много знал, что нам никогда не было скучно ни на уроках, ни на лекциях, ни на экскурсиях. Мне понравилось путешествие в Ригу, было весело!

Stanley, Australia

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Prices

1 week trip, total: from €840!

1 week of mini-group courses, enrollment fee, hotel accommodation at Rixwell 3* double room (breakfast included), transfer upon arrival, public transportation ticket, basic cultural program included.

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Why wait for your trip if there are great possibilities to boost your Russian right now and prepare yourself for your next immersion course? Try our online-formats now!

Active Russian Grammar

Master all Russian cases (and more!) with videos, concise explanations, audio recordings, and automatically checked exercises (ranging from zero to B1 level) by Alla and Stanislav Chernyshov.

Visit our self-study platform, subscribe, start learning at your own pace anywhere, anytime, and enjoy your progress!

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US

+43(664)99891819 activegrammar@proton.me

Learn Russian in Riga 2025

Join offline intensive mini-group courses with Stanislav, Alla, and our team in Riga.
We deliver effective and fun lessons, provide cultural activities and immersion experiences!

Details, terms and conditions

Experience a magical New Year in Riga while mastering Russian!

Three good reasons to learn Russian in Riga with us

Quality

Immersion communication practice

Price-to-value ratio

About us

What makes our Russian immersion course in Riga so special?

Reviews

Join us for the best language trip of your life!

1 week trip, total: from €840!

Want to learn online too?

Active Russian Grammar

Online-lessons

Speaking club with Stanislav

Webinars

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US

Learn Russian in Riga 2025

Join offline intensive mini-group courses with Stanislav, Alla, and our team in Riga.We deliver effective and fun lessons, provide cultural activities and immersion experiences!

Details, terms and conditions

Experience a magical New Year in Riga while mastering Russian!

Three good reasons to learn Russian in Riga with us

Quality

Immersion communication practice

Price-to-value ratio

About us

What makes our Russian immersion course in Riga so special?

Reviews

Join us for the best language trip of your life!

1 week trip, total: from €840!

Want to learn online too?

Active Russian Grammar

Online-lessons

Speaking club with Stanislav

Webinars

FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US

Join offline intensive mini-group courses with Stanislav, Alla, and our team in Riga.
We deliver effective and fun lessons, provide cultural activities and immersion experiences!