Middlebury offers an unusually wide range of extracurricular activities involving Russian. Students get the chance to practice their Russian in a variety of settings and situations that bring the language alive. Whether driving down to Brighton Beach with the Slavic Club, having a meal at the Russian language table, or enjoying a midwinter hot sauna at the banya, the many activities centered around Russian offer a perfect complement to classroom study, and valuable preparation for meeting and speaking with Russians in real life.
Russian Choir
Founded in 1984, the Middlebury Russian choir is a unique student choir dedicated to sharing and preserving folk music from all over the former Soviet Union. Led by Professor Moss, formerly of the Dmitri Pokrovsky ensemble, the choir sings authentic folk songs that few Russians have even heard. Open to speakers and non-speakers alike, the choir always welcomes new members.
Slavic Club
Students from all backgrounds get together with our many Russian and Eastern European exchange students to have fun, talk, listen to the latest Russian pop hits, go on excursions (last year saw a trip to Brighton Beach in New York City), and generally have a good time. A perfect opportunity to get to know others with an interest in things Russian and interact with students from a wide variety of backgrounds.
Russian House
Since the 2000-2001 academic year, the Russian program has had its own academic house. Students living in the house pledge to speak only Russian, and it serves as the center of numerous activities and get-togethers. Upperclassmen can apply to live in the Russian house, and everyone is always free to drop in for a visit.
Russian Vermont:
Vermont has a wealth of connections with and opportunities for Russian speakers that belies its small size. From state organizations with close ties to Russia to nearby cultural centers like the Jordanville, NY Orthodox monastery, our ties to the countries of the former Eastern Bloc are surprisingly numerous.
Russian Radio
Have you ever wanted to be a DJ? WRMC, Middlebury's own FM radio station, gives you the chance to make your name and fortune on the air - and in Russian! Whether you are devoted to classical Russian composers or want to give a spin to the latest disco CD from Moscow, you can inflict your musical tastes on half the state thanks to the College's new 2900 watt transmitter.