Policies & FAQs

The use of Russian at all times during the summer session is a traditional policy of the Russian Language Institute. The "Russian Only" rule will be upheld stringently, for the benefit of all serious learners. Students will find that making an absolute priority of speaking Russian to all program participants increases the value of their intensive language program experience and their preparation for the next stage of their language training. Beginning Russian students will use English primarily for the first two weeks of the program and switch to following the "Russian Only" rule after this time. Program staff monitor the cooperation and effort of all participants in regard to the "Russian Only" rule; however, it is the sole responsibility of each participant to respect and uphold the "Russian Only" rule when in the presence of RLI staff and students. 

The Honor Code is a system of self-governance upon which the Bryn Mawr academic community is founded. It places trust in each member's regard for the ideals of scholastic integrity and social responsibility. The Code is two-fold. Academically, students are responsible for the integrity of their own work, and are not to reveal form, content, or degree of difficulty of any examination or quiz. Socially, students are bound to treat each other with respect, and to be considerate of the diverse interests and ideas of others. Because the success of the Honor Code depends on the support of all those attending classes at Bryn Mawr, summer students are expected to familiarize themselves with the code and abide by its resolutions. A complete description of the Code will be distributed during orientation.

Students must complete all assigned work and exams by the deadlines stated by their instructors, and no student will be allowed to complete any work after the close of the program. The summer program does not allow for grades of "incomplete" or "credit/no credit."

At the end of the program, all students will be asked to complete course evaluations forms, giving their honest assessments of the quality of the instruction and the content of their classes, and expressing their opinions of the immersion program as a whole.

Students will be refunded 100% of their previously paid tuition, room and board, and college fee if the Russian Language Institute receives written notice that the student has withdrawn from the program before the first day of classes.

For a student withdrawing from the Russian Language Institute or embarking on a medical or psychological leave of absence on or after the first day of classes through day 13 of either session I or II, refunds of tuition and fees, and room and board are 50%. After day 13, tuition and fees, and room and board are non-refundable.

The date the student began the withdrawal process by contacting the Russian Language Institute administrative office orally or in writing is considered the date of withdrawal for program refunds. When a student continues to attend classes or other academically-related activity after beginning the withdrawal process, the Russian Language Institute may choose to use the student’s last date of documented attendance at an academically-related activity as the date of withdrawal. For a student who leaves the Russian Language Institute without notifying the program of his/her intent to withdraw, the Russian Language Institute normally uses the student’s last date of documented attendance at an academically-related activity as the date of withdrawal. If that date cannot be ascertained, the Russian Language Institute will consider the midpoint of the enrollment period to be the date the student withdrew.

Bryn Mawr College is firmly committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all members of its faculty, staff and student body. Bryn Mawr College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, age or disability in the administration of its educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other College-administered programs, or in its employment practices.

In conformity with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, it is also the policy of Bryn Mawr College not to discriminate on the basis of sex in its employment practices, educational programs or activities. The admission of only women in the Undergraduate College is in conformity with a provision of the Civil Rights Act. The provisions of Title IX protect students and employees from all forms of illegal sex discrimination, which includes sexual harassment and sexual violence, in College programs and activities.

Inquiries regarding compliance with this legislation and other policies regarding nondiscrimination may be directed to the Equal Opportunity Officer (eoo@brynmawr.edu or 610-526-7630) and Title IX Coordinator (titleix_coordinator@brynmawr.edu or 610-526-7630), who administer the College’s procedures.

No, courses are based on the language level and are taught at the college level.

We have students of all ages, but generally most are between the ages of 18-22 and are current undergraduate students. The class sizes remain small to promote an intensive, immersion setting and average five to 10 students per class.

Yes, however, the second four-week session is a continuation of the first session so it is best to attend session 1. For those who wish to attend session 2, you will need to have previously completed the material from session 1. We may also require you to have a phone interview in Russian with our academic coordinator to assess your current level prior to acceptance to the program.

Yes, but only with special permission from your instructors and our academic coordinator. In general, if you plan to miss any class, you should get approval from your instructors and the academic coordinator.

Yes. Parking permits are free of charge and allow students to park in multiple lots on campus.

It is strongly encouraged, but not required for students to live on campus. If you choose to live off campus then it is your responsibility to arrange this housing.

You will need to complete a transcript request form. Follow the instructions on the Bryn Mawr College Registrar's site for ordering a transcript by mail.