Please read the web site carefully. There is a lot of information, but we have tried to include all information about the program. This is a list of the questions we get most often.

How soon do I have to apply? 
It takes about 1 1/2 months to process your visa. In order to avoid rush visa processing fees, you should apply at least this amount of time before your departure. InterUniversity Centre Canada requires a deposit with your application of $200US with your visa application, and the balance must be paid one month before departure.

Can I apply later than this?
Yes, there will be a rush visa fee that is paid to the Russian embassy to expedite your visa application. This amount varies by country, but is approximately $100US.

What do I need to apply?
You must contact InterUniversity Centre Canada using the contact form, and the necessary forms will be mailed to you.

Do I need an "A" average to participate?
No. We do not require any minimum grades to participate. Many students with lower averages have improved their performance at school after participating in our program.

When will I get my visa?
You will be met at the Toronto airport by an InterUniversity Centre Canada rep. They will have your visa for you. InterUniversity Centre Canada keeps them until departure time so you do not loose it or forget it at home (this has happened). If you are leaving from an airport other than Toronto, you will receive your visa by courier.

Do I have to travel with the group? I can find a cheaper plane ticket.
InterUniversity Centre Canada flies with Czech Air. There is always a stop in Prague before connecting with a flight to Moscow. The ticket dates are flexible, so on the return leg of the journey, you can travel through Europe without needing a visa to get back into Russia to get home. The tickets with Czech Air are also open ended, so you can make up your mind when you want to leave later on.

What if I still want to make my own arrangements?
There is a $150 CDN airport pick-up fee if you do not arrive with the group.

When do I need to pay by?
For the language program, you need to pay a deposit of $200US with your application, which needs to be in 1 1/2 months before departure date to avoid late fees. The balance must be paid one month before departure date.

Do you have any financial assistance available?
Canadian students are eligible for Canada student loans. The process differs by province, so you should check with your provincial student loan office. We also receive funding for internships from the Canadian Government. We cannot guarantee future funding, but please enquire to InterUniversity Centre Canada to see about the status of this program. We have had students who have received funding from other sources, so we can help you with any required documentation that you may need. InterUniversity Centre Canada also recieves funding from the federal government to sponsor internships on the Youth International Internship Plan. For these internships, many expenses such as language classes and airfare are covered for you. 

What is included in the price?
Language classes, accommodations, visa, transport to and from the  airport (at your program city), orientation and speaker program are all included in the overall price.

What isn't included?
Food, souvenirs, local transport, trips to other towns, and the cost of extending your visa if you stay an extra semester (about $2US). Also not included are classes in English (history / politics and literature, $100US or internships, $200US) 

Can I decide to stay an extra semester once I'm there? 
Yes! Many of our students decide to stay on longer than they had originally planned, as they enjoy themselves so much. There is a returning student discount which brings the price to $580US per month, including classes and accommodations.

Does the internship program cost anything?
We have a $200US fee for internships placements. We require this fee before we will contact employers on your behalf. It will be refunded if you do not get the position, but not if you simply change your mind about coming. This fee is charged as there is much effort expended in finding the right placement for you. We also require it in advance to ensure your seriousness of the program. It causes problems for future students when employers are contacted, and then the potential interns decides not to do the program any longer. 

Can I just take the history/politics or literature courses, or do an internship? 
No, you must be enrolled in the Russian language classes. There are a minimum number of hours of instruction time that you need to be  eligible for a student visa, and also the cost of the program takes in to account the language classes.

Can I stay in the dorms after the semester is over to sightsee?
Yes, but there is a shortage of dorm space, and a long list of people waiting for the rooms. We cannot justify having you in a room without taking classes for a long period of time. You can extend your visa for two weeks after the period of your semester, and stay in the dorms for that amount of time only without classes. 

What if it is between semesters, and I am waiting for the next one to start? 
If you are waiting for the next semester to start, you can stay in the dorms for $100US for 1 month between semesters. 

Do I have to take the language classes to teach English?
Yes. InterUniversity Centre Canada is not a recruiting agency for any language school. We have provided students for several schools in Moscow, and as such, they have come to know us, and often take our students when they can. The English teaching option is only for those students taking the Russian language program through InterUniversity Centre Canada, and is a way for you to help offset some of your costs.

Do I need experience to teach English?
No, being a native speaker is a valuable skill, so even if you don't know any grammar it isn't too critical. You will be instructed on the school's teaching method and get to sit in on some lessons before you start to teach your own class.

Am I guaranteed a teaching spot?
Unfortunately, InterUniversity Centre Canada cannot guarantee teaching spots before you arrive. There are many factors involved, for example it is often harder in the summer period to find positions, plus it varies depending on the needs of the particular school. In addition, schools generally want to meet you and do an interview before deciding. There are other options available, such as private tutoring.