Russian Overseas Flagship
Forecasted
Russian Overseas Flagship supports undergraduate Language Flagship students through immersive study and internships in Kazakhstan to develop General Professional Proficiency in Russian.
Funder: American Councils for International Education
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (ROF 2027–28 application)
Funding Amounts: Boren Scholarships up to $25,000; nine-month overseas program
Summary: Supports undergraduate Language Flagship students in developing professional Russian proficiency through immersive study and internships in Kazakhstan.
Key Information: Applicants must be U.S. undergraduates enrolled in the Language Flagship who have completed its domestic component.
Description
The Russian Overseas Flagship (ROF), also called the Capstone year, is an intensive Russian-language program hosted by al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Almaty, Kazakhstan. American Councils for International Education administers the program in partnership with Bryn Mawr College and the Institute of International Education. Its goal is to help advanced learners reach ILR Level 3, or General Professional Proficiency, in Russian.
Participants spend nine months living, studying, and working in Kazakhstan, approximately from late August through May. The program combines more than 30 hours of classroom-based language learning weekly with individualized tutorials, content-based electives, conversation partners, and Russian-speaking host families. University courses in participants’ areas of specialization and internships with local organizations support professionally focused language development. Biweekly excursions, including overnight trips, extend cultural learning beyond the classroom.
