This information has been prepared to facilitate your adjustment to life in St. Petersburg and the University of Economics and Finance. Please keep it for the duration of your stay, for it is a valuable resource. Please read it carefully. 

WARNING: InterUniversity Centre Canada makes every effort to update this information on a timely basis. One of the exciting things about life in St. Petersburg is that things can change rather rapidly. Therefore, the information contained here is subject to change. 

The St. Petersburg State University of Economics and Finance: This section of the Russian language faculty specializes in teaching the Russian language to foreigners. With many years of experience of preparing foreigners to take regular classes in Russian at the UEF, students at all levels will be assured of a quality learning experience. Library, linguaphone, video and computer facilities are provided. Size and composition of instructional groups are determined to provide the best possible conditions for learning, and normally range from 4-7 students. 

The Inter-University Centre--Canada program: In addition to facilities and support provided by the Language Centre, the Director of the Inter-University Centre Program, a St. Petersburg-based Canadian group leader, English-speaking Russian assistants, and their support network are available to help students prepare for their stay in St. Petersburg, deal with problems arising there, and assist them in getting the most out of their stay. 

Safety: St. Petersburg has gained a reputation amongst Russians as being the 'crime capital' of Russia. Although this was certainly true during the early years of perestroika, things have calmed down quite a bit in the last few years. Much of the violent crime that has gripped this city was business related, and the average person usually is quite safe. Like any big city (pop. 5 million) there are certain dangers, but compared to other cities of its size it is actually very safe. Common sense is the key, and the city still boasts a vibrant nightlife, especially in the summer when it stays light quite late at night. There is security on the and at your dorm. A guard at the entrance of the dorm will not, in principle, let anyone into the dorm without a pass. Nevertheless, be sure to lock the door to your room when you leave. Russia is in the midst of a politically turbulent time. This makes this trip an exciting learning experience. We in no way want to diminish the chance for danger. However, St. Petersburg does not appear to be a likely flashpoint for the immediate outbreak of armed hostilities. Innocent bystanders get hurt by terrorists if they are Christmas shopping at Harrod's in London, visiting the World Trade Centre in New York or the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, or eating Chinese food in downtown Toronto. St. Petersburg has even been spared from the recent bombing campaign found in other cities to the south. All of those who are involved in organizing this program are concerned about the possible risks. If, for some reason, the situation in St. Petersburg becomes dangerous, the program will be interrupted and students will be sent home. We do not anticipate any problems but it a question that receives the utmost attention and concern. 

Try not to bring unnecessary valuables with you, and do not keep large amounts of cash.  Keep valuables and money in a money belt or some other kind of pouch worn under your clothes. Several types are on sale in shops that sell travel items. Avoid carrying wallets in the back pockets of pants like we are used to in North America. As much as possible, avoid carrying visible signs of wealth (e.g. expensive jewellery and clothing, briefcases, cameras, handbags, etc.) Avoid walking alone after dark. Avoid carrying money in your knapsack unless you carry it in front of you, people may reach
into your pockets, especially on a crowded metro. 

Before you leave 

General: Ensure the expiry date of your passport extends at least three months beyond the end date of your semester. Many students decide to stay an extra semester once they are here, so it is good to be prepared in case you decide to as well. Signing a power of attorney is recommended with someone you trust, usually your parents. There are several options available, one you can sign just at your bank and gives that person all the privileges as you have with your bank account, including withdrawals and enquiries. You should also consider a signing a general power of attorney, especially if you plan to stay longer than one month or you will be here during income tax time (the winter semester). Ensure this is also communicated to your student loans office, if applicable.  Student loans vary by province, and can be very complicated, and very inefficient. If you have student loans, it is highly recommended that you sign a power of attorney agreement, as this will save you a lot of money in long distance phone calls if you have a problem. See our links section for links to provincial student loan offices. 

Health: Medical services in the Russian health care system are generally considered adequate for non-life-threatening situations. Excellent medical services are available from the American Medical Center (ER) 10, Serpukhovskaya St. St. Petersburg 812.326.1730 Polyclinic No.2 (The Clinic Complex),22 Moskovsky Prospect St. Petersburg 812.316.6272 (ER = Medical center has an emergency room) Most provincial health plans will reimburse you for medical expenses incurred in St. Petersburg at Canadian rates. However, since medical services for foreigners cost more than they do in Canada, you must be covered by an extra out of country private insurance plan. If you are not covered by your parents insurance policy you must purchase extra insurance. Keep all your receipts to submit them for reimbursement. 

It is your responsibility to contact your health provider to find out the extent to which it will cover you while you are abroad, as well as the procedures you must follow in order for your medical costs to be covered. Shop around as rates vary greatly to find the best policy for you. 

Vaccinations: Check with your county health unit, the US Centers for Disease Control, or Health Canada to find out if there have been any changes in the following recommendations (see our links section). 

Electric current: You should be aware that the electrical current in Russia is 220 volts, 50 cycles (or hertz), and that the electric sockets are different form those in North America. So, even if your appliance can operate on 220 volts you may require an adapter plug. You can purchase one at many stores that sell luggage and travel accessories. These adapter plugs may not be easy to find in St. Petersburg. Also, some electronic appliances will not work properly on 50 cycles/hertz. Electrical appliances with motors usually run more slowly on 50 cycles but will not be damaged. If in doubt, ask a technician who knows. 

How much money will you need? This is a difficult question to answer. As in North America, much depends on your tastes and lifestyle. In Russia, however, the matter is complicated by the fact that the Russian economy is not a normal one. There is one economy for Westerners and "New Russians" who are already living very well by Western standards. There is, however, another economy for the majority of the population, who have an average salary of about US$50 per month. To be sure, forces are at work to bring these two economies together. At the upper end, competition and other factors are slowly beginning to exert downward pressure on prices. At the lower end goods and services with ridiculously low prices have disappeared. However, in order to buy what you want when you want it, you may have to pay more than you would at home. How much you spend will depend largely on how you decide to live. If you spend much of your free time with Westerners and "New Russians" and go where they go for meals and entertainment, you should plan to spend significantly more than you would at home. If, on the other hand, you take your meals in university cafeterias or buy food at markets, spend your free time with Russian students (though not the super-wealthy) you should be able to save money this semester --even if the cost of your air fare is included. If you are in the latter category, a low budget (no restaurants, eating in the school cafeteria and buying food at the markets only) for meals would be $400US, an average budget would be $550US. If you plan on eating out on a regular basis, you should plan on spending significantly more than this. On top of this, as a rough guess, $550US-$850US spending money should be adequate. Travel in Russia is extremely cheap. For example, a flight to Lake Biakal in Siberia will cost an average of $84US,with accommodations ranging from $10US per day, sometimes including meals. A 10 day trip to Sochi, on the Black Sea will cost around $200US. You may wish to take advantage of opportunities while you are here when your semester is over. InterUniversity Centre Canada can help you plan your traveling, and if you want specific information before you come to Russia, please contact us.  

How to get money to St. Petersburg?: You don't need to take much cash: Since it is now easy to obtain funds from automatic teller machines (ATM) all over St. Petersburg, as well as by taking a cash advance on your Visa or MasterCard, there is no advantage to taking a lot of cash with you. You can even use your bank's convenience card in many ATMs if they are on the Plus System or Cirrus system. If possible, take two credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and a bank convenience card and keep them in different places. That way, if you lose one, you have the others to fall back on. If your credit card does not provide emergency cash and/or immediate replacement while abroad, you may want to take some traveler's cheques too. Banks and ATMS give cash in Roubles. With some exceptions, they charge a percentage for the service. Some ATMs give US Dollars in cash, which is more advisable for large withdrawals to avoid fluctuations in the exchange rate. InterUniversity Centre Canada staff will show you the machines which charge either no commission or the lowest percentage. If you arrange to prepay your Visa, or use your convenience card, you will not have to pay interest on the cash advances you take in St. Petersburg from your credit card--only whatever charges your home bank levies for international cash advances. Take whatever cash and traveler's cheques you take in US currency: United States Dollars are the most easily negotiable currency in Russia. Exchange offices all around St. Petersburg exchange US Dollars for Russian Roubles. Although you can exchange Canadian Dollars at many banks, you will usually get more Roubles for Canadian Dollars if you change them into US Dollars (cash or traveler's cheques) before leaving home. CHANGING MONEY ON THE BLACK MARKET, REGARDLESS OF HOW GOOD THE EXCHANGE RATE MAY BE IS NOT RECOMMENDED. 

What to take with you: You can buy almost anything in St. Petersburg. However, some goods are not so easy to find, or they may cost somewhat more than they do at home. 

Clothing: Russians tend to dress more formally then Canadian and Americans. They realize that westerners dress casually, but they do not perceive torn, dirty dress as a fashion statement. You will be going out to ballet, operas and symphony. So, one set of more formal attire might come in useful. Casual attire is becoming more common, such as jeans and t-shirts. The Russian climate and weather and should not bring great surprises or hardships to those accustomed to Canadian climate and weather. However, since you will probably be walking a lot more, and waiting for public transportation more than you do at home, you should make sure  to take into account all of the seasons that you will be in Russia for. Bring some warm clothing and comfortable walking shoes. A rain coat or an umbrella is advisable to bring with you. 

Miscellaneous: The following items are usually readily available in St. Petersburg at low cost. Depending on how much room you have, you may or may not want to bring the following items:   

• Rubber sink stopper (for washing your clothes, etc. in your bathroom sink). 
• Large tupperware container for storing food, medicine, whatever, in your room. 
• Russian-to-your language dictionary. 
• A personal diary will make for good reading when you return from Russia. 
• Small set of eating utensils: fork, knife, spoon, plastic plate, and a mug - good for having in your dorm room. 

The following items we recommend that you bring, as required:

• A knapsack: good for daytrips, shopping at the market, etc. 
• A walkman or small radio. 
• A guidebook to Russia/St. Petersburg will help you get to know and explore places better. 
• A camera for capturing memories (you can buy film and process photos there). 
• Swiss army knife with blade, corkscrew, etc - handy for many things, including eating. 
• A towel. 

And these items are all available in St. Petersburg either cheaper than in North America, or will take up too much room and not required: 

Snacks: a wide variety of snacks are available at kiosks and stores. They may be slightly different than what you can get back home, but for three months, you are better off doing without and saving space in your luggage. 

Toiletries: if you wish, bring just a small 'travel' size assortment with you to last you the first couple of days, but a trip to the market is done on the first day, and western brands of all toiletries are available at markets: shampoo, shaving creme and razors, soap and toothpaste. 

Contacting home

Phones: Both "Canada Direct" and "USA-Direct" services work from St. Petersburg. You dial a phone number in Moscow, and then you will be connected to Canada. The Canada Direct access number is (095)755-5045, USA-Direct is (095)155-5042; An operator located in Canada or the USA answers in English (French too in Canada, of course). You give her/him the number you wish to call and the number of your calling card. Using Canada Direct, you will pay a charge of US$2.35 for using your calling card or for calling collect, plus a per minute charge at the rate in force in the place you are calling at the time you are calling. USA-Direct rates do not very by
time of day, and are more expensive. 

InterUniversity Centre Canada has available telephone cards which you can either buy before you leave, or in St. Petersburg. There are different cards, depending on if you are calling to or from Canada. Your friends or family may want to take advantage of the low rates offered by these cards. The rates of these cards are significantly less than those of Canada or USA direct, with calls from Canada/USA to St. Petersburg costing US 10 cents per minute, or calls from St. Petersburg home costing less than 70 US cents.   

In case of emergencies, you may call the InterUniversity Centre Canada office in Moscow directly, at +7 (095) 939-5789, or the Director's cell phone at +7 (095) 796-7201.

Email: Email is perhaps the most convenient and cost-effective way to keep in touch with family and friends. Internet cafes are now common in St. Petersburg, and there is one located about 5 minutes from the dorms. They range from plain and simple to upscale cafes. 

Fax: You may receive faxes at the Russian Language Centre. Their fax number is: 011-7-812-110-5733. You may send faxes from the Central Post Office or in the main building of the dormitory. 

Regular Mail: Airmail and post cards usually take a week or two to reach their destination. IMPORTANT: most mail that arrives in St. Petersburg has been opened, therefore DO NOT send money or valuables through the mail. 

Culture Shock in St. Petersburg: Most people who have traveled outside North America, will not find the environment in St. Petersburg strange. The vegetation is similar to central Canada, mostly spruce, pine and birch trees. The climate is similar. The population is predominately white and dressed in a western European fashion. The architecture is European. The food, although different, has not been too much of a problem for most people, even in the university dining rooms. Certain food items, like heavy creams, meat and fish are more predominant, as well as "root" vegetables, but overall, food quality is rather good. So, in a way, you might ask what there is to be culture-shocked about. As the weeks go by, the novelty and excitement of being in a new place wear off, and the emotional stress of living in a foreign environment almost inevitably begins to wear on one's nerves. There may be times during your stay when you wonder what ever moved you to come to Russia. This happens everywhere, but Russia is by no means the roughest environment in which a Canadian can land. However, living in Russia is not always easy. You should expect to feel frustrated, fatigued, and anxious at times, especially around the mid-point of your stay. Most people eventually overcome their culture shock, and come to appreciate the foreign society in which they are living at a deeper level. However, what you do with your culture shock depends largely on you--on your courage and attitude toward the experience. Language will be the biggest drawback to a completely fulfilling experience, for those of you who do not yet know Russian. However, the first two weeks of the beginner's course aim to get you speaking. If you force yourself to speak Russian as much as possible, your level of language will improve and your experience in St. Petersburg will be more rewarding. The Russian language is very phonetic. If you learn the alphabet before leaving, you will be able to pronounce words and it will make your use of the metro (subway) much easier. Students stay in the dorms with Russian students, so you have every opportunity to converse with them in the evenings, or get help with your language. These students have had several years of experience with our groups, and anxiously await each arriving group! 

Food:

Meals are not included this program. A wide variety of meal options are available. There is a cafeteria in the main building of the university where your classes are held, where you can take lunch and supper quite inexpensively. Fast food places have been springing up around St. Petersburg --both foreign (like MacDonald's and Pizza Hut) and Russian. There are plenty of restaurants in St. Petersburg now, but they can be expensive. Cafes are a cheaper alternative for those wishing to eat out, and along Nevsky prospect you can get a reasonable meal in a cafe for under 10USD. Finally, you have the option of buying food at stores and markets and preparing it yourself. On each floor in the dorms there is a kitchen with pots, pans and utensils. In general, foodstuffs are readily available in St. Petersburg. However, finding what you want involves some foreknowledge, and some trial and error at the outset. In general, the areas around many Metro stations are marketplaces. Products can be brought from simple street vendors (who buy goods in stores and mark them up), from licensed stalls, or from any of the numerous kiosks. There are also ordinary stores. Sometimes they specialize in one product, like bread, or cheeses, or meats, or fruits. Or, there are larger stores that have different departments for each type of product. To buy anything at such stores you usually have to get the price. This means that cheeses, meats, and so forth must be cut and weighed. Then, you go to the cashier, pay the bill, and receive a receipt. Only then can you pick up the items by presenting the cashier's receipt. This process can sometimes involve lining up three times. 

Eating options: Participants have a wide range of options for eating in St. Petersburg. Perhaps the easiest and cheapest is the University Dining Halls (stolovia). InterUniversity Centre Canada staff will show you where these are located your first day. A large meal at a dining hall will cost you no more than $2US. A wide variety of restaurants and food stands can be found all over St. Petersburg, from blini (thin pancakes filled with jams, meat and even caviar) to baked potatoes, shawarma and 25 cent hot dogs, you can always find a quick bite to eat. Although less common in St. Petersburg, shashlik (a kebob of pork or beef) is a Russian tradition that should not be missed! Restaurants range from MacDonald's, Yolky-Polky (Russian equivalent of "Denny's") and Sparro's to outrageously expensive 5 star extravaganzas. Indian, Georgian and Chinese restaurants can all be found, at many different price ranges. There is even a "Subway"! Guides can be found in local restaurants that detail prices and quality. Eating out often will add significantly to your eating expenses, although the group usually goes out for at least a couple of meals over the course of a semester. Markets and stores are located near the university, and offer your best choice for cost. Although the lunch break makes it difficult to make your own lunch due to the time involved, buying food at the market and cooking it yourself will save you considerable amounts of money. A wide range of selection can be found at the markets, and fresh fruits and vegetables are found in greater quantities, better quality and lower cost than at supermarkets in North America. Each room has a refrigerator, and the InterUniversity Centre Canada office has pots and pans, so you can keep food in your room, and cook it in one of the kitchens in your sector. One note about food: most people readily adapt to the food here. A visit to the market is an experience that you will soon not forget, especially if it is snowing! Food is not packaged like it is at home, meat stands lay out their products in the refrigerator (or sometimes just on their table-avoid these places). Meat is an important part of the diet here, so vegetarians may have some trouble when eating in restaurants. Salads are more of a 'side dish', something to accompany your main meat dish, and so portions are small. There are special vegetarian food stores, and the selection of fruits and vegetables at the markets cannot be matched back in North America. We encourage our students to try different foods to get more out of their stay here. Because of the history of the USSR, the food here takes its  influence over a wide range of area, and from many different cultures. This means that even in the dining halls at the university, you can try 'plov' from Central Asia, pelmeni (dumplings) from Siberia, 'borsh' from Ukraine and caviar from the Caspian Sea, all at one sitting. And those with a sweet-tooth will find Russia a paradise! Fancy desserts, pastries, cakes chocolates and the like are all a required part of each meal, and are all very inexpensive. Russian are about the biggest per-capita consumers of ice-cream, so even in winter you can find an ice-cram stand close at hand, at a price that will not break your budget.  

Transportation: While not as developed as the Moscow transportation system, St. Petersburg nonetheless has a metro system, as well as busses and trollies. Subway trains run frequently, from 6a.m. to 1 a.m. every day. Also numerous, though less efficient, are the buses, streetcars and trolleybuses that serve the various Metro stops. The buses stop running sometime between 12:00 and 1:00 AM. You can buy a monthly pass, but only at the beginning of the month. The other alternative is using taxis. In general, not only real taxis, but any car may stop when flagged down. You can arrange a ride by negotiating the fare with the driver. The cars with a checkerboard pattern on the side are official taxis, but the same negotiating process (as opposed to a metered fare) applies. In using taxis you should follow certain safety precautions: Do not get into a car that has stopped for you without your having flagged it down. Do not get into a car that has more than 1 person (the driver) in it. Be suspicious of expensive cars that stop for you: obviously there is no financial reason for someone driving a brand new Mercedes to stop for you.  

Student Card: You will receive a student card from the university. Apart from being a useful piece of identification, with this card you can obtain significant discounts in places such as museums, hotels, and art galleries. In places where the old system of charging a different (high) rate to foreigners is still in place, these cards often mean that the student can get the domestic rate. Also, with these cards the students can take out books from the on-campus library: this may also be required when certain textbooks are needed for Russian language classes.  

Arrival in St. Petersburg

Passport control: Check the validity of your visa. Make sure it is valid on or before your date of arrival. When you get off the plane, follow the crowd to passport control. Present your passport and Russian visa. When cleared, proceed into the baggage claim area.  

Baggage claim: If your baggage does not show up on the carousel with your flight number on it, don't panic yet. Check the other carousels. 

Customs: Whether or not you have anything to declare on arrival, you must fill out a Customs Declaration form and have it stamped at the time you clear Customs. You will find these forms in the customs area if you have not received one on your flight. On this form, all monies and all personal valuables should be listed including personal jewellery and/or objects which may be considered antique. Go through one of the RED CHANNEL lines. A representative of the Centre will meet the group at the exit of the customs area. 

Student Dormitory and Campus: Students on the Canadian program will be staying in dorms located right in downtown St. Petersburg. A 2 minute walk from Nevsky Prospect, students will have easy access to many of the main attractions of St. Petersburg. The university is located in a former finance ministry building, and is quite ornate from the outside. Rooms will be 2 students to a room, with a refrigerator in each room, and a kitchen on each floor. Washroom facilities are shared. 

Athletic Facilities: Also on or near the campus are a wide range of sporting and athletic opportunities Tennis courts are also available near the campus, and cost between $4 to $7US per hour, depending on the season. 

A two minute walk from the dormitories leads you to the classrooms of the Russian Language Centre, so commutes are not a problem.  


QUESTIONS??? Students may contact InterUniversity Centre Canada if they have any questions, or want clarification on any points. Please do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure about something. It is better to ask before you leave! 

READING 

Some of the readings are marked B for Beginner (1st year), M for middle range (2nd and 3rd year) and A for Advanced (4th year or higher). 

Geography 

• James Bater, The Soviet Scene: A Geographic Perspective.
• Stanley Page, The Geopolitics of Leninism. 
• J. Pallot and D. Shaw, Landscapes and Settlements in Romanov Russia, 1613-1917. 
• D. Weiner, Models of Nature: Ecology, Conservation and Cultural Development Russia. 
• C. Zeigler, Environmental Policy in the Soviet Union. 

Urban Studies 

• Joseph Bradley, Muzhik and Muscovite.
• Richard Thurston, Liberal City, Conservative State. 
• Catherine Merridale, Moscow Politics and the Rise of Stalin. 
• James Bater, St. Petersburg: Industrialization and Change. 
• Blair Ruble, Leningrad: The Shaping of a Soviet City. 
• James Cracraft, Petrine Revolution in Russian Architecture 
• A. Schmidt, The Architecture and Planning of Classical Moscow. 
• Rex Wade, Red Guards. History John M. Thompson, Russia and the Soviet Union. 
• Richard Pipes, Russia Under the Old Regime. (M) 
• L. Shapiro, The Russian Revolutions of 1917. (B) 
• Richard Pipes, The Russian Revolution. (A)
• Sheila Fitzpatrick, The Russian Revolution. (B)
• Geoffrey Hosking, A History of the Soviet Union. (M)
• M. Lewin, Russian Peasants and Soviet Power. (M)
• O. Figes, Peasant Russia. 
• D. Koenker and W. Rosenberg, Strikes and Revolution in Russia 
• Richard Stites, Revolutionary Dreams: Utopian Visions and Experimental Life 
• Abbot Gleason et al., Bolshevik Culture 
• Lynne Malley, Culture of the Future: The Prolekult Movement in Revolutionary Russia. 
• Theodore H. Von Laue, Why Lenin? Why Stalin? Why Gorbachev. 

Politics and Economics 

• R.W. Davies, The Soviet Union. (B)
• Stephen White, The Soviet Union after Gorbachev. (M) 
• Ed Hewitt, Reforming Soviet Economy. 
• Marshall Goldman, USSR in Crisis: The Failure of the Economic System. 
• Mary McAuley, Soviet Politics, 1917-1991. 

Culture 

• Tibor Szamuely, The Russian Tradition. (A)
• S. Massie, The Land of the Firebird. (B) 
• R.H. Billington, The Icon and the Axe. (A) 

Literature

• Clarence Brown, ed., The Portable Twentieth Century Reader. 
• A. Pushkin, The Captain's Daughter. 
• L. Tolstoy, Anna Karenina. 
• F. Dostoevski, Crime and Punishment; The Brothers
• Karamazov. N. Gogol, Dead Souls. I.
• Turgeniev, Fathers and Sons 
• M. Sholachov, Quiet Flows the Don 
• B. Pasternak, Dr. Zhivago. 
• Yuri Trifanov, The House on the Embankment 
• Alexander Solzhenitsyn, The First Circle. Cancer Ward. 
• Anatoli Rybakov, Children of the Arbat 
• Evgeniia Ginzburg, Into the Whirlwind and Inside the Whirlwind. 
• Lydia Chukovskaia, Sophia Petrovna. 

GUIDEBOOKS AND PHRASEBOOKS 

A plethora of useful guidebooks to both Moscow and St. Petersburg have been published recently. The most detailed and most academically sound guidebook to Moscow and Leningrad is the Blue Guide to Moscow And Leningrad by Ewan Mawdsley published in New York by W.W. Norton. Part of the fun and anxiety of traveling is making yourself understood in a different language. Students would do well to purchase and study a basic phrase book before departing for Russia. The little Berlitz phrase books to Russian are perhaps most useful because they describe local customs and foods as well as provide a full range of phrases.