Year Abroad Workshops for Russian Studies Students
Practical, motivating sessions combining real experience of studying in Central Asia with hands-on “real-life Russian” language practice.
Practical, motivating sessions combining real experience of studying in Central Asia with hands-on “real-life Russian” language practice.
Best for: 2nd-year undergraduates preparing for a year abroad (adaptable for other cohorts).
Delivery: In-person at your campus
Cost: Reimbursement of transport + Accommodation
Departments/Societies book these sessions to help students:
feel better prepared for the realities of studying/living abroad (the good and the challenging parts)
build confidence using Russian in everyday situations
revise key grammar and expand vocabulary in a memorable way
stay motivated through fun, supportive sessions
Gain a point of contact for Central Asia–specific questions and guidance
When I come to your campus, I will give two types of workshops:
Talk: Central Asian Culture (Year Abroad Reality Check)
This is an honest, practical talk to students on more background pertaining to Central Asia. The talk dispels common myths about Central Asia, enlightens students on Kazakh/Kyrgyz history in an engaging and interactive manner, and most importantly, addresses very real issues pertaining to economic situations, navigating present-day tensions and conflicts, advice for LGBTQ+ students, and insights on how to appropriately go about speaking Russian.
Language Workshop: Functional Russian - What you'll actually use
An interactive small group session emulating real scenarios students face abroad, integrating:
vocabulary expansion
grammar review
humorous role play / practice
These sessions are delivered in a relaxed and casual manner, whilst still proving to be highly engaging and effective for students.
Talk: Studying in Central Asia (Year Abroad Reality Check)
Time: 90 minutes.
Frequency: Once per visit.
Group size: as many as people would like.
Format: lecture style with Q+A.
What is required: a room at the right size for your cohort with a projector and speakers.
Language Workshop: Functional Russian - What you'll actually use
Time: 90 minutes each.
Frequency: Up to three times on the visit, to ensure students with potential timetabling clashes can make it.
Group size: up to 6, sign-ups required.
Format: interactive CELTA-style lesson, fusing PPP and TBL frameworks with the opportunity to ask questions throughout.
What is required: a smaller room with a projector and speakers. Students are encouraged to bring a pen and paper, and paper materials will be handed out.
Cost: Talks and sessions are free, but transport and accommodation reimbursement is required in order to make the journey viable.
In exchange for the free talks, the materials used at the workshop will have Steppe with Confidence branding for the sake of brand awareness. Steppe with Confidence is a 5-month programme for students to get extra support and help them achieve functional Russian and cultural awareness for realistic conversations before they go abroad to Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. The course is not in competition with Russian Studies degrees, since it offers supplementary support for students on their own volition.
MY 2026 AVAILABILITIES ARE BETWEEN 26TH JANUARY - 5th APRIL 2026, WEEKENDS INCLUSIVE.
If you're enquiring outside of this window, please still get in touch, as I may be able to suggest alternatives or speak about future details.