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Learn Russian

If you want a career in international business, you might want to learn Russian. Knowing this language could be useful if you travel to Russia and do business with Russian speakers. It could also be useful for working in a government role.

Why learn Russian?

Russia is the largest country in the world, with a population of more than 145 million. Learning Russian can make it easier for you to do business with Russian speakers in various industries. Read on to explore education options and career paths.

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Choosing the right Russian program for you

It's important to think about your goals when choosing a Russian program. Consider your career path and select the program that will best prepare you with the credentials you'll need. Consider the following educational routes:

Courses

Courses may be a good option if you want an introduction to Russian before proceeding further. These programs typically last a few weeks and can be completed at your own pace.

Certificates

Certificates in Russian may be an appropriate choice if you want to learn the language and explore Russian culture. Longer than courses, these programs deliver a résumé-boosting credential that can validate your language skills for employers.

Executive education programs

Geared toward business leaders, an executive education program can help you build industry-ready skills that can prepare you to progress in your career. These programs often offer flexible scheduling to help you balance work and life responsibilities with your coursework.

Degrees

If you want to study Russian language, culture, and literature, you could consider enrolling in a bachelor's or master's program. These opportunities are best suited for those who are ready to pursue a career that requires Russian fluency.

Jobs for Russian speakers

Explore a few careers you can pursue with Russian language education.

Interpreters and translators

Interpreters and translators convert written or spoken content from one language to another. They may work in hospitals, law offices, or government settings ensuring that Russian speakers understand communications.

Postsecondary teachers

Postsecondary teachers teach students at colleges, universities, or community colleges. They may plan lessons, assess student progress, and support student growth.

  • Required education: PhD or doctoral degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $78,760
Political scientists

Political scientists study political systems, including understanding relationships between governments. Those with Russian language skills may explore how Russian-speaking countries and the U.S. interact and how policies impact social and economic outcomes.

  • Required education: Master's degree
  • BLS median annual salary (2023): $132,350

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    FAQs about learning Russian

    Why should I learn Russian?

    Learning Russian can prepare you for many careers across industries, including education, politics, or translation. Knowledge of Russian can also help you pursue an international business career.

    How long does it take to learn Russian?

    The exact amount of time it takes to learn Russian will depend on which programs you select and whether you want to achieve fluency or proficiency in the language. It may also depend on your experience with learning languages and how much opportunity you have to practice.

    How hard is it to learn Russian?

    Russian can be more challenging to learn than many other languages. To learn Russian, you must become familiar with the Cyrillic alphabet, which may be difficult for some learners.