nce upon a time there was a Russian Department in Williams College. Now there is a wonderful program, which allows students to learn and understand the language, literature and culture of Russia. The program achieves this goal through a diverse range of classes, as well as regularly programmed lectures, film festivals and social events.

If you happen to get involved with the department you will spend hours speaking Russian with your fellow students as well as with professors at the Russian table. Every week the Russian table brings together students who are interested in practicing their Russian and improving their language skills. At this table nobody understands English. No matter what level of Russian you have, you will have to speak Russian all the time. The Russian department frequently organizes various contest, such as the annual poetry slams.

Since learning a foreign language in the country where it is spoken is almost universally accepted as the best method of learning, the faculty strongly encourage students to study abroad for one semester or a full academic year in Russia or any former Soviet republic. Each study abroad experience is made to serve the student's individual interests and needs and can be arranged with organized academic programs or independently. During Winter study Williams students get a chance to explore the beauty of the Republic of Georgia, which offers students a three week travel course during the January term and combines immersion in Georgian culture with an internship component.

This is not the end of the story and they did not live happily ever after! Keep on leafing through the Russian Department website to learn the rest of the story.