Applications for the Monterey Summer Symposium on Russia 2024 are closed.

The deadline for application was February 1, 2024

The Monterey Symposium is open to students enrolled in or accepted to a master’s or PhD program, particularly those interested in careers in government, international organizations and non-governmental organizations. Applicants with a master’s degree, who plan to obtain a PhD and are currently employed in the field of international relations and Russian/Eurasian affairs, with a proven record of commitment to the field, and Western journalists, who work in a field and report from Eurasia and Caucasus, are welcome to apply. 

There is no tuition fee for the Monterey Summer Symposium on Russia.

Applicants must have advanced proficiency in Russian.


Applications should include the following:

  • Cover sheet*
  • CV
  • Statement of purpose (maximum 600 words)
  • Abstract of current research (maximum 200 words)
  • Details of Russian language proficiency (maximum 200 words)
  • Two letters of recommendation (please have the letters emailed directly to Professor Anna Vassilieva and Willem de Mol van Otterloo)
  • Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution attended

All applications must be in English and should be submitted electronically to Professor Anna Vassilieva: avassili@middlebury.edu and Willem de Mol van Otterloo: wdemolvanotterloo@middlebury.edu.  

Selected candidates from the shortlist will participate in an online video interview with Professor Vassilieva and the Monterey Symposium Selection Committee.

*Please note that the cover sheet should list all documents submitted for consideration. This ensures that we are receiving a full application package and can follow up on pieces that may not have been delivered.  

For more information on the Monterey Summer Symposium 2024, please contact Professor Anna Vassilieva at avassili@middlebury.edu and Willem de Mol van Otterloo: wdemolvanotterloo@middlebury.edu