Three Universities Program — After the Empire: The Collapse of Communism and Beyond
SUMMER SNAPSHOT
Visit Estonia, Russia, and Ukraine while learning about the crucial changes that occurred in these countries after the collapse of communism. This unique, interactive summer program takes students to three countries and three universities to explore social, economic, and judicial issues through lectures, discussions, and excursions. Cultural activities include visits to renowned historic sites, museums, art galleries, and theater performances.
Tallinn, Estonia; Saint Petersburg, Russia; Kiev, Ukraine
Language of Instruction: English
http://www.isu.ut.ee/431775
PROGRAM TYPE
ISEP-Direct Summer for all ISEP member students 
COURSES
Participants spend one week in Estonia (Tallinn), one week in Russia (Saint Petersburg), and one week in Ukraine (Kiev). Lectures by the professors of the participating universities are given in English on a variety of topics concerning social, political, economic, and judicial issues. Special seminars and meetings with diplomats, businessmen, and politicians are part of the program, as are visits to enterprises, governmental, and NGO institutions and/or media firms. The program awards 6 ECTS credits (usually equivalent to 3 US credits).
WEEK 1 LECTURES AND SEMINARS BY THE UNIVERSITY OF TARTU IN ESTONIA
Professors from the University of Tartu deliver the lectures below over the course of five days (15 contact hours). In addition, the program includes visits and meetings outside of the classroom as well as cultural activities. The module ends with a written test or essay.
Lectures and seminars:
• Soviet Collapse from the Baltic Perspective
• The Issue of Russian Speaking Minority
• The Politics of Memory
• Estonia and the European Union
• Challenges of Economic Transition
• Challenges of Judicial Reform
Meetings and seminars outside of the classroom:
• Visit to the Estonian Parliament
• Visit to the European Commission
Cultural program:
• Visit to the Estonian National Art Museum or Museum of Occupation
• Attendance of a performance at the National Ballet and Opera Theatre or a boat tour on Tallinn Bay
WEEK 2 LECTURES AND SEMINARS BY SAINT PETERSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY IN RUSSIA
Professors from Saint Petersburg State University deliver the lectures below over the course of five days (15 contact hours). In addition, the program includes visits and meetings outside of the classroom as well as cultural activities. The module ends with a written test or essay.
Lectures:
• Russia and the West
• Russian and the Northern Dimension
• Russian Economic and Institutional Reforms
• Russian Accession to WTO
• The Role of Russian Language in the World
• Russia and Environmental Problems
Meetings and seminars outside of the classroom:
• Meeting with officials at St. Petersburg City Government and/or representative of a media firm
Cultural program:
• Attendance of a performance at one of the theatres of St. Petersburg•
• Excursion to the Hermitage
• City tour of St. Petersburg
WEEK 3 LECTURES AND SEMINARS BY KYIV-MOHYLA ACADEMY IN UKRAINE
Professors from Kyiv-Mohyla Academy deliver the lectures below over the course of five days (15 contact hours). Reading assignments are sent to the students in advance. In addition, the program includes visits and meetings outside of the classroom as well as cultural activities. The module ends with a written test or essay.
Lectures:
• History of Ukraine to the Present
• Cultural Identity in the Independent Ukraine
• The Transition Period in Ukraine: Challenges to the System of Social Protection and Equity
• Political System of Ukraine
• Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
• Ukraine and International Community
Meetings and seminars outside of the classroom:
• Meeting with Ukrainian politicians and foreign diplomats
Cultural program:
• Attendance of a performance at Kyiv Opera and Ballet Theatre
• City tour
• Visit to Lavra Cave Monastery.
• Optional visit to Chernobyl
HOW TO LIST THIS PROGRAM IN THE ISEP APPLICATION
LANGUAGE NOTES
I-to-I applicants who are not native English speakers must the ISEP Language Proficiency Report. Note: The host institution ultimately determines proficiency level and course eligibility.
SEMESTER OPTIONS
See the Membership Directory for details.
PROGRAM DATES
July 1-20, 2013
APPLICATION DEADLINE
May 15, 2013
PROGRAM FEE
$4,400
HOUSING AND MEALS
The program cost covers tuition, double-occupancy housing, and transportation during the program from Estonia to Russia and to Ukraine. All housing is in renovated hostels or hotels. Bed linens, blankets, and towels are provided. NOTE: Cooking facilities are provided in Tallinn; however, meals are not included in the program cost.
STUDENT ACTIVITIES
Cultural excursions are part of the program and are outlined in the week-by-week Courses section above.
PROFILE
The program is offered by three leading universities in three different countries in the Baltic region:
University of Tartu — established in 1632 and one of the most well-known and oldest universities in the Baltic Sea area
Saint Petersburg State University — established in 1724 and one of the leading universities in Russia
Kyiv-Mohyla Academy — established in 1654 and recognized as the most forward-looking university in Ukraine
LOCATIONS
The northernmost of the three Baltic States, Estonia has historically served as a crossroads between East and West. Situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea with a population of about 1.5 million, Estonia is slightly larger than Denmark. It also offers students a great case study of successful transition from Soviet past to democracy and recent accession to the European Union.
With a population between 2.7 and 4.0 million, Kiev is the largest city in Ukraine. It is also one of the oldest cities in Eastern Europe, with official history dating back to the 5th century. Ukrainians are proud of their role in establishing European civilization in Eastern Europe and are hospitable and eager to help visitors navigate this exciting city.
The legendary city of Saint Petersburg, known as “Russia’s window to the West,” has a distinctly European flavor with its network of canals and baroque and neoclassical architecture. Saint Petersburg is also home to The Hermitage, the world’s largest art museum. Please note: Russian visa requirements are complex and should be followed closely. The University of Tartu International Summer University assists with obtaining a Russian invitation letter needed for the visa, but students should start research early to ensure there are no delays in visa processing.
WHAT PAST STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY
“The trip was a blast. I’d like to give a big thanks to ISEP and Mart Susi, who put on an incredible program!” – James Radcliffe, Whitworth University (Washington, USA)