The Year of Exchange in America for Russians program is a unique opportunity for outstanding Russian students to study for one year in the United States of America. This is a non-degree program that provides a rich academic and cultural experience and helps students develop a nuanced understanding of American society and values and strengthen their academic, leadership, and English language skills. Participants are enrolled as full-time students at universities and community colleges across the United States and take courses in their field of study. YEAR students connect with American host families and spend holidays together to get a deep understanding about American society. The program is fully funded covering J-1 visa expenses, round-trip airfare from participants’ hometowns in Russia to host institutions in the United States, tuition and mandatory university fees, room and board, health insurance, a small monthly stipend, and a book allowance.
Students will also participate in various volunteering and professional development activities as part of the program. YEAR participants will engage with local communities as part of the community service experience and work in teams to complete a collaborative video project about their academic and cultural experience in the United States. These activities will help students explore U.S. culture and develop professional skills beneficial for students’ future career paths.
YEAR participants are required to return to Russia for at least two years after the completion of the program.
Participation in the program is highly competitive and merit based. Finalists will be selected based on academic excellence, leadership potential, English language proficiency, and motivation to study in the United States.
The Program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Moscow.
The application for the 2023-2024 YEAR program is now open!