How To Apply

Acceptance in the Russian Flagship Program is contingent on admission to Portland State University. You must apply separately for admission to PSU.

We offer an introductory track and an advanced track:

• Introductory Track: Students must demonstrate good academic potential and an aptitude for learning foreign languages. They must agree to take intensive beginning Russian and to participate in a summer study abroad program.
• Advanced Track: Students must be able to read, write and speak Russian well enough to participate in discussion of academic subjects of general interest.

Application materials can come to us on a piecemeal basis. Email them to russianflagship@pdx.edu.

We will let you know when your application packet is complete and under review.

While there is no set deadline, early applications are encouraged.

On your application, you will be asked to supply the names and email addresses of two teachers who can tell us about your academic work. If possible, at least one of your recommenders should be a foreign language teacher.

Once you’ve submitted your application, the Flagship Program will send your recommenders an electronic recommendation form directly. Please let your recommenders know to expect this form.

If you or your recommenders have any questions or concerns or would like a pdf/editable version of the form, please email us at russflag@pdx.edu.

Please write an essay (500-750 words) describing your previous experiences learning foreign languages. Describe any experiences that you have had living or studying in foreign countries. Explain how the Russian Flagship Program fits into your future plans, and why it is important to you.

Please note that this is only required for those applying to the advanced track.

Please attach a short essay in Russian explaining why you want to join the Russian Flagship Program at PSU and what Russian means to your future career plans (250 words). This essay is for placement purposes only. Please write it by yourself without help from another person.

After we have received your application, we will call or e-mail you to schedule a telephone interview. During the telephone interview, the interviewer will ask you some general questions in Russian. The interview will last 20 to 25 minutes.

After the telephone interview, Advanced Track applicants will be asked to schedule a reading and writing assessment. On the reading and writing assessment, there will be some reading passages in Russian and related questions, which you will answer in English. You will also be asked to write two or three short essays in Russian. You may schedule the assessment on campus at PSU, or you may request that a faculty member at your current school monitor the placement exam for you.

Please contact us if you have any questions or need additional information.