New Berkeley Summer Abroad Program in Montenegro
Russian Language & Diaspora Studies in Budva
Explore Russian language, culture, and diaspora communities on the Adriatic coast!
The Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures is excited to announce a new Berkeley Summer Abroad program in Budva, Montenegro, focused on Russian Language & Diaspora Studies.
This five-week program will combine intensive Russian language study at all levels with courses (100 contact hours) and experiential learning exploring Russian-speaking communities, migration, culture, identity, and the rich multilingual environment of Budva, Montenegro and the Adriatic region.
Russian Language at Every Level
Russian language courses will be offered at all levels, from beginning Russian through advanced Russian. Whether you are starting Russian for the first time or already have advanced proficiency, you will have the opportunity to develop your language skills in an immersive and engaging environment.
Students will learn both inside and outside the classroom through cultural activities, community engagement, excursions, and encounters with the region's diverse linguistic and cultural communities.
Program Dates
Tentative: June 7 – July 9, 2027
Location: Budva, Montenegro
If arriving through Dubrovnik, students will spend one day there and then take a ferry to Budva.
Summer Course Offerings
- Russian 1 — Elementary Russian (5 Units)
Prerequisite: None
- Russian 3 — Intermediate Russian (5 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian 1 and 2 (or equivalent), or placement by departmental placement test
- Russian 103 — Intermediate-Advanced Russian: Russian Through Art and Film (5 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian 1, 2, and 3 (or equivalent), or placement by departmental placement test
- Russian 120 — Advanced Russian: Russian Through Media and Social Sciences (5 Units)
Prerequisite: Completion of Russian 1–4 (or equivalent), or placement by departmental placement test
- Slavic 50 Russian (Literary) Emigration As Device: 1923-2023 (1 Unit)
This course is taught in English and it is mandatory for all participants
Prerequisite: None
Montenegrin/Serbian Language and Culture (2 hours per week, no credit)
Learn the language and culture of the Host Country. For the first two weeks of this course all students are required to participate.
Prerequisite: None
Program Host – Adriatic College
The classes will be offered through Adriatic College —local Russian-Montenegrin school.
The school will provide air-conditioned classrooms, Wi-Fi, on-site Medical Doctor, conversational partners and cultural programs.
Accommodations
Students will stay at Hotel Aleksandar, which will provide air conditioned rooms and three meals per day. Students will be able to use the hotel gym, pools and have access to the private beach.
Cost of the Program and Financial Aid
The projected cost of this program is under $6 000. Financial aid is available to undergraduate Berkeley students. Please contact Berkeley Summer Abroad office for more information.
Other costs:
airfare $1500
pocket money $100 per week
How to get to Budva
Option A — simplest
SFO → Munich/Frankfurt → Tivat → Adriatic College shuttle → Budva
Option B — potentially more economical + cultural experience
SFO → Munich/Frankfurt/Amsterdam → Dubrovnik → ferry or group transfer → Budva
Application Timeline
February 3, 2027 — Applications open
March 4, 2027 — Applications close
March 19: Students notified of admission (at the latest)
March 31: Deadline for students to withdraw without incurring full program fees
May 3–7: RRR Week and pre-departure orientation