Either, you're a Russian Studies student:

1. Preparing for a year abroad in the Post-Soviet Space, and you want to arrive able make the most of your time there

2. Who is already abroad and find that you've been trapped in an English-speaking bubble outside of classes

You might recognise yourself in some of the following:

• You’ve done the academic work, but you have mental block over speaking Russian

• You may struggle to understand native speakers, hoping that you’ll magically pick things up one day

• You don’t have a clear, realistic plan for turning study into real communication

• You care about doing well - in your degree, in the region, and in the opportunities this year could open up

• You want to integrate locally and enjoy your life whilst you’re abroad, but you’re unsure of what daily life will actually look like from day-to-day

This doesn’t mean you’re “bad at Russian”. It means you’re at a common transition point - moving from academic study to real-life use - and you need the right kind of support.

If you want your year abroad to be more than just getting by, you’re in the right place.

I help Russian Studies students turn their academic study into practical, usable Russian - so they can arrive abroad prepared, confident, and ready to take part in everyday life.

Over five months, Steppe with Confidence gives you a clear structure and steady support. Instead of trying to prepare for everything at once, you focus on what actually matters, in the order you’ll need it.

By the time you leave for your year abroad destination, you will:

• follow native Russian speakers with ease and appropriately respond in everyday conversations

• understand how daily life works, culturally and socially

• know how to handle over 20 essential situations without freezing or avoiding them

That includes practical moments like avoiding taxi scammers, buying a SIM card, finding a flat, ordering food, or even interacting in the classroom.

This is all connected to a bigger goal: helping you connect, integrate and properly grow during your year abroad.

You don’t need to be at C2 level or an unapologetic extravert.

You don’t need to be fearless. 

You just need a supportive structure, realistic expectations, and the willingness to show up consistently.

Over the  5-month programme, you will:

• Build functional Russian for everyday life

• Understand how life actually works in Central Asia and other Post-Soviet Destinations

• Develop a healthier relationship with speaking Russian

• Follow a clear, manageable structure: The programme is paced to fit alongside your degree, so you always know what to focus on and never feel like you’re “behind”.

By the time you get on the plane, you won’t be wondering how you’ll cope. You’ll already know how to get started. You’ll arrive with the confidence to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your year abroad.

"Steppe with Confidence has significantly increased my confidence to go on my semester abroad in Kyrgyzstan. 

The topics follow real life situations like border control and getting a SIM card, so that you’re not left wondering what to do in a situation which ordinary language classes don’t prepare you for! I found the homework particularly useful as it helps you practice for these scenarios until you feel prepared.

The videos and lessons are very informative and not only prepare you linguistically, but also you for the cultural side too! 

Matt is a very patient, friendly and supportive tutor and his lessons are always engaging and relevant!"

Li T., Russian & Scandinavian Studies Student