Deadline for application: March 15, 2018 (tentative)
Founded in 2010, Crossroads Eurasia is a project to get more students to discover Russia directly, via a work experience. Our summer internships take students away from Moscow and St. Petersburg and maximize daily exposure to Russian speakers at work, at home, and during free time. The result is language practice and a truly personal perspective on Russia and its people. Crossroads interns also come away with friendships and relationships with colleagues, peers, and host families that last well beyond the end of the program.
For students aspiring to integrate the Russian language or regional expertise into their careers, the program is a natural stepping stone into internships, jobs, fellowships, and graduate study.
Crossroads Eurasia has about 100 alumni, many of whom have gone on to do Russia-related work in the policy, business, and NGO communities, and we are proud to say that one in ten is a Fulbright scholar.
At Crossroads, you are offered three internship options — camp counseling, teaching English, and doing translation work. The English language is your ticket to all three. You know what sounds natural and can bring the local perspective. Away from an English-speaking country, these skills are unique.
No past experience is required. The internships are structured to leverage what you have done in your academic or extra-curricular work. You will have clear instructions on what to do and support from your Russian colleagues. All you need to bring is enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
Qualify for academic credit. Crossroads has some flexibility in how they structure the internships. If you require academic credit, let them know your requirements and they will try to accommodate.
A work experience worthy of your resume
With Crossroads, you are at work every workday. You get to know your Russian co-workers. Your responsibilities are arranged in advance. You have a manager and you get feedback. On your resume, your internship is evidence that you can thrive overseas, that you are committed to understanding Russia and the region, and that you speak Russian — all critical for future work or study. If you’re thinking of working overseas after graduation, our program is perfect for a test run, as it’s similar in terms of independence, immersion, and type of work.
Relaxed vibe of a Russian provincial city
While Moscow and St. Petersburg are beautiful and exciting, they are different from what the rest of Russia is like. Cities like Ryazan, Voronezh, or Kostroma give a much better insight into the way the majority of Russians live. There, the pace of life is slower and fewer people speak English, though day-to-day, you will find that they feel very European. That also means you meet lots of people curious to learn about you and your experiences, eager to make friends, and open to sharing their perspectives on life in Russia.
Live, work, and relax like a local
Imagine spending time with Russians your age, watching TV, listening to some music, going out. With Crossroads Eurasia, you are with people you can relate to at your homestay, at work, and during your free time — by design. You’ll find they are just as curious to get to know you and you can expect to walk away with many new friends at the end of the internship. Whatever your level of Russian, you will also pick up the little linguistic gems that will start to make your Russian flow more naturally. More importantly, you’ll get to understand modern Russian culture and society from the inside.
locally-based coordinator
Russia is safe, easy to navigate, and you won’t need to take any special precautions. In any event, CE has you back if something doesn’t go according to plan. CE stays on top of relevant local and national developments, and there will be a locally based coordinator who will help you navigate any issues. While this may be a new experience for you and your parents, it won’t be for CE.
Career-advice and alumni network
Once you are back, CE wants to make sure you make the most of the experience when pursuing your next step. They’ll help you convey your Crossroads experience on your resume. You’ll also become part of our group of over 100 alumni pursuing careers in the public, private, and NGO communities. They are eager to offer advice on things like scholarships, internships, and potential career paths and have a shared passion for Russia.
Request information and apply online.