Russian

Russian is a gateway to one of the most linguistically and culturally diverse regions in the world. Spoken across Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia, Russian plays a major role in countries such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Ukraine, and the Baltic states, as well as in large diaspora communities in Germany, Israel, and the United States. It serves as a language of communication across national and ethnic lines, often used in education, government, business, and media alongside local languages. Studying Russian allows students to access literature, film, and current events from across this vast region, offering a broader understanding of its complex histories and global connections. Recognized as a critical language by the U.S. government, Russian is in high demand for careers in diplomacy, intelligence, journalism, global health, business, and international development. It also opens the door to learning other regional languages and understanding multilingual societies shaped by both Soviet legacies and local traditions. UW-Madison offers an immersive and intensive Russian Language Flagship: to apply or learn more click here.