Why learn Russian?

Russian is a Slavic language, widely used on the territory of Eurasia. It is the most widely spoken mother tongue on the territory of Europe; in addition to Russia itself, it is used in most countries of the former Soviet Union. More than one-quarter of the total scientific literature in the world is published in Russian, and its use is also significant in industry, mostly in communication systems. As one of the global superpowers, Russia has a political influence, so that learning Russian as a foreign language is highly present in schools worldwide. High amount of investment by Russian firms in many industries in our country contributes to the growing need for people proficient in this language.

Since September 2006, Open University’s curricula have been harmonised with the Common European Framework (CEF) standards of the Council of Europe, so that, depending on whether you want to start learning or improve your knowledge, we offer six levels of instruction in Russian.

Ruski jezik

Learning outcomes

Depending on the level attended, the target outcomes are:

A1 (Beginner)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. You will be able to introduce yourself and others and ask and answer questions about personal details such as where you live, people you know and things you have. You will be able to interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2 (Pre-Intermediate)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment), communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters, and describe in simple terms aspects of your background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

B1 (Intermediate)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. You will be able to deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. You will be able to produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest, and describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.

B2 (Upper Intermediate)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand the main ideas of a complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in your field of specialisation, interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. You will be able to produce clear, detailed texts on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.

C1 (Advanced)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. You will be able to express yourself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. You will use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. You will produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.

C2 (Proficient user)
Having completed this level successfully, you will be able to understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation, express yourself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations.

Instruction and length of courses
Lessons are taught in groups of 6 to 12 students, in well-equipped multimedia cabinets specialised for language instruction. Work with learners is entrusted to highly qualified, dynamic and very experienced teachers. Up-to-date teaching tools and textbooks used for the courses keep in touch with global trends in terms of content. Literature and additional materials are provided for all learners.

Schedule: double lessons twice a week over four-month semesters. Completing each CEF level requires one semester. At the completion of the semester, candidates are entitled to final exams. Final tests consist of a written and an oral part. Based on the score of the final exam, the Open University issues certificates of the level attained in accordance with CEF standards, with percentage, i.e. statement of achievement.

Knowledge testing and certification
If a candidate already possesses a certain level of knowledge but lacks a certificate, the Open University offers the possibility of testing knowledge and issuing certificates for the level of knowledge demonstrated.

Registration, enrolment and payment
Enrolment is possible throughout the year. Instalment plans are offered for all educational programmes.

Registration and additional information:
Info desk: 8.00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m. weekdays
                  9.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. Saturdays
Trg Cara Jovana Nenada 15, Subotica
Tel:++381 24 55 46 00