Smolny College
If you are looking for a challenging environment in which to pursue your academic studies while advancing your Russian language skills, we invite you to consider studying at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences of St. Petersburg State University (Smolny)—Russia’s first liberal arts college.An Invitation to Study in Russia
By choosing the Bard-Smolny study abroad program you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and ambitious undertaking in international liberal education. Designed for students who have completed two years or more of college-level Russian (including heritage speakers), the Bard-Smolny program in St. Petersburg offers a rich academic environment for students from North American colleges and universities who wish to study in Russia for a semester, summer, or full academic year.
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Caroline ClarkInternational Program Coordinator, Bard College
Caroline Clark is the international program coordinator for the Bard-Smolny and Bard-AUCA outbound exchange programs in St. Petersburg and Bishkek, respectively. She graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South with a Bachelor of Arts in Russian and International Studies. Caroline spent a semester studying Russian language and liberal arts at Smolny College. Prior to joining Bard, she returned to Saint Petersburg to teach ESL. -
Michael FreeseDirector of Bard Programs, Smolny
Michael Freese is the director of Bard programs at the Faculty of Liberal Arts and Sciences of St. Petersburg State University (Smolny), in St. Petersburg, Russia. He manages the study abroad program for American students at Smolny and oversees collaboration between St. Petersburg State University and Bard College. Michael also coordinates civic engagement initiatives for Russian students. In addition to his administrative duties, he teaches several courses in ESL and the Language and Thinking Program. -
Elena LavrenovaAssistant Program Manager, Bard-Smolny Program
Elena Lavrenova is assistant program manager of the Bard-Smolny program in St. Petersburg, Russia. Elena runs the cultural program, works with local host families, helps students with internships/volunteer opportunities, and provides support as they adjust to life in a different culture. Above all, Elena likes to find solutions to students’ problems, and to help them gain confidence in their daily life in Russia.
