Introduction
Brochure 2012
In May 2007 the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia one of the biggest and oldest higher educational establishments in St. Petersburg and in Russia celebrates its 210-th Anniversary. Its history goes back to the Emperor’s Educational House which was founded in 1797 on the campus of the University. The University is situated in the very center of the city nearby Nevsky Prospect. Thousands of people have graduated from the University; among them are teachers, scientists, artists, musicians, politicians, public figures famous in this country and abroad.
On January 21, 1991 the Herzen State Pedagogical Institute got the status of a university and is now called "The Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia" which is a manifestation of the acknowledgement of its leading role in Russian and world education. In January 1998 the Government of Russia awarded the University with a status of a National Culture Heritage.
Nowadays the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia can satisfy practically any need in the sphere of education on a highly professional level. Historical background of the University and its present-day structural organization provided for creation of a powerful educational, scientific and cultural network with dynamic connections within Russia and abroad.
Program City
St. Petersburg, Russia
If Moscow is the business capital of Russia, then St. Petersburg is most certainly the Russian cradle of the arts. St. Petersburg is littered with some of the best Museums in Russia, such as the Hermitage. Beautiful churches are everywhere. From the street one can smell cafés which serve delicious deserts. Operas, ballets, and theatre performances abound. St. Petersburg successfully combines the best of Russia with the best of Europe.St. Petersburg is considered to be the most Western city of Russia. This is because, as Dostoevsky put it, St. Petersburg is “the most intentional city in the world.”
Peter the Great built this city not only to rival famous cities of the West, but to surpass them. The city was built to be beautiful. The architects did their job well, as the beauty of the city is unsurpassed in all of Russia. From the Winter Palace to the Church on the Spilt Blood, St. Petersburg is filled with miraculous architecture. The nightly raising of the bridges over the Neva in itself is a sight to behold.
The city is also filled with history. The February Revolution and the October Revolution, events which placed Vladimir Lenin into power, both began in St. Petersburg. As Leningrad, the city became the first “Hero City” of Russia. It attained this status by not surrendering to Nazi Germany’s siege of the city which lasted 872 days.
Institution
Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia is one of the oldest and largest universities in Russia. The university has 20 faculties and more than 100 departments. Named after the writer and philosopher Alexander Herzen, the university has a rich history which precedes even its own name, combining features of the classical Russian education with all the dynamism of the ever-developing world educational continuum.
Emperor Paul I of Russia gave independent status to the university, known at that time as the St. Petersburg Foundling House, on May 13, 1797. The Imperial Foundling House developed as a complex educational establishment, carrying progressive ideas of upbringing based on charity and patronage. From there the university grew, adding the Women’s Foundling Institute. Herzen continued to develop, becoming one of Russia’s premier universities.
The university is situated near the very center of the city, close to Nevsky Prospect. This prime location puts the university within a 5 – 15 minute walk of many major historic and cultural places of St. Petersburg.
Academic Program
Herzen offers an extensive array of class choices which will transfer back to UNI to help satisfy many different majors and minors, as well as the Liberal Arts Core. Herzen offers courses in Russian Language, as well as other languages such as Spanish, German, etc. People interested in the arts and music will not be disappointed, as Herzen has great programs in each. The University also offers classes in science, mathematics, social sciences, geography, and economics.
Academic Calendar
Fall: September-January
Spring: February-June
Summer: June-August
Accommodation & Meals
Herzen State Pedagogical University will pay for housing of exchange students in their University Hotel for Foreign Students, situated within the main University’s campus at the very center of the city. From here students get a quick walking access to the most famous museums, architectural monuments, picturesque panoramic views of buildings, bridges, rivers and canals, as well as the largest shopping centers of St. Petersburg.
The university does not cover meals, however, there are cooking facilities within the dormitory where students are able to cook their own food. Also, there are cheaper cafeterias that are made for students.
Program Cost
Exchange Program. UNI students pay UNI tuition and fees (in-state or out-of-state) plus the study abroad fee ($360 for semester, $480 for academic year, and $125 for summer programs) to participate. The program fee does NOT include food, books, supplies, round-trip airfare, international health insurance, or personal expenses. Please see the Study Abroad Center for a detailed budget sheet for a semester or academic year at Herzen State Pedagogical Institute.
Tales From Abroad
"I can't imagine not having studied abroad in college. It was easily the best part. And St. Petersburg rocks!" – Brian Van Drasek (2010)
