The MIT-Russia Program is currently halted due to the war in Ukraine. Per MIT policy, no students, staff or faculty may travel to or collaborate with Russian nationals inside Russia. However, if you are a student interested in interning with Russia’s independent and critical media outside of the country, please contact us at mit-russia at mit.edu. Those interested in practicing their Russian language skills, please consider internship opportunities in Eurasia through the MIT-Eurasia Program.
Program Opportunities
Internships
MIT-Russia matches MIT students with internships and research opportunities at leading companies and universities abroad. Internships last around 4 weeks over IAP and 8-12 weeks during the summer. All expenses are paid, including airfare, visas, and housing.
- GPA 4.0 or higher
- Formal course on Russia is recommended, e.g., culture, history, politics
Language
- Undergraduate: Russian II or equivalent.
- There is no language requirement for graduate students. Some basic Russian is recommended.
Program expenses, including airfare, visa, accommodation and a stipend, are covered.
- Complete the MISTI Launchpad Application – by November 1 (early deadline for summer) or February 15 (late deadline for summer)
- Interview with Country Program Manager – rolling (as soon as student completes MISTI Launchpad Application and contacts MIT-Russia Managing Director)
- Commit to MIT-Russia Program – rolling (within two weeks after student receives placement offer from MIT-Russia)
- Internship matching process – rolling (after interview with MIT-Russia Managing Director)
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Sessions – March to May
We work closely with students to find a tailored project that matches their skills and interests. Participating students are required to attend training sessions before going to Russia.
January:
21G.611 Russian I - IAP
Spring:
21G.612 Russian II
21G.614 Russian IV
21G.616 Advanced Russian: Explorations in Russian Culture, Society and Media
21G.087 Introduction to Russian Studies - taught in English. An overview of Russian culture from the beginnings to the present moment, exploration of topics in history, politics, literature, culture, music, visual arts, traditions, cuisine, and daily life.
Global Teaching Labs
MISTI Global Teaching Labs offers a unique opportunity for MIT students to learn by teaching in schools in Russia over IAP. You will develop and teach extracurricular, usually STEM-focused, workshops, emphasizing MIT's "mens et manus" approach and using hands-on activities, experiments, and demonstrations.
Open to any MIT students willing to fully commit to a challenging teaching project. Teaching experience is a plus.
- GPA 4.0 or higher
- No language requirements. Russian is strongly encouraged. Please see Slavic Studies at MIT for more information on courses.
- Teaching experience or interest in education is a plus.
- Oct: Pre-selected students are invited to interview shortly after application deadline.
- Nov - Dec: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
- Jan: Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks.
- Feb: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
From the time you're accepted until you arrive in Russia in January, you'll work independently to brainstorm ideas, prepare lesson plans, and organize materials. Students will also coordinate frequently with in-country partners and host school teachers via phone, Zoom, etc. You'll also need to attend November training sessions on teaching skills and Russian culture and education.
What we need:
- Passion and talent for teaching/mentoring and ability to excite about STEM concepts (prior teaching experience valued but NOT required)
- Readiness to commit full-time to host school and project during IAP. You will teach for up to 20-25 hours a week but be ready to spend a lot of time preparing for the next day.
- Willingness to spend several hours/week during semester from October to December to develop workshops (see "preparation")
- Ability to work closely with a diverse team and meld well in collective work and living arrangements
- Ability to communicate effectively with beginner-level English speakers highly valued for select school placements
Global Startup Labs
Through MISTI Global Startup Labs (GSL), MIT student teams partner with universities around the world to deliver programs focused on technology entrepreneurship. They lead local student entrepreneurs through a real-world technology venture experience, mentoring the development stages of a startup, and teaching appropriate technical platforms, culminating with a pitch and prototype competition.
Open to MIT undergrads, graduating seniors and graduate students in all disciplines. Teaching experience would be a plus. Preference would be given to students in Computer Science and Management.
- GPA 4.0 or higher
- Teaching experience and interest in education
All program expenses are covered, including airfare and a stipend to cover food and incidentals. Accommodation is provided by host institutions.
Student must attend Global Startup Labs and MIT-Russia cultural training sessions and a check-out meeting with the Managing Director. Once matched with other MIT students, you’ll need to meet regularly to work on the curriculum for your class.
- Complete the MIT GSL Application – by Sept 23 (deadline for IAP programs) or February 15 (deadline for summer programs)
- Interview with GSL Program Manager – rolling (qualified candidates will be contacted by GSL Program Manager within a week after the application is submitted)
- Confirm participation in the GSL program – rolling (within two weeks after receiving an official offer from GSL Program Manager)
- Mandatory Pre-Departure Trainings – October-November for IAP programs and March to May for summer programs
Meet Your Program Manager
Get in touch with Katya Zabrovski, Managing Director for MIT-Russia, to get your questions answered.