Regional Studies

Profession

Foreign Studies is aimed at an in-depth study of a particular region of the world in various aspects: political processes, level of economic development, foreign economic relations, socio-cultural characteristics, history and other significant characteristics. This programme provides training for specialists in a particular region, individual country or group of countries. Modernity requires that specialists be able to work at the intersection of interdisciplinary sciences. The specialty of a regional expert implies training such personnel. An excellent knowledge of a foreign language, knowledge of economics, geography, history, demography, culture, foreign policy allows an expert in Regional Studies specializing in Russia and adjacent regions to fulfil themselves in various fields of activity. An expert in Regional Studies specializing in Russia and adjacent regions is a historian, political scientist, diplomat, economist, lawyer, linguist rolled into one.
A specialist in Russia and adjacent regions can engage in specialized translation, take part in the formation of international relations, implement investment projects, consult on the problems of the region analyzing historical, natural resource, ethnic, religious, environmental, political, intra- and interregional factors.

Educational Process

Students are trained in a wide range of theoretical, historical and applied disciplines related to Russia and adjacent regions. Particular attention is paid to regional studies subjects: geography, history, economics, politics, law, culture, religion, foreign policy, international relations of the region of specialization.
Among the teachers are leading specialists in Russia and the CIS from RUDN University, MGIMO University, Diplomatic Academy, practitioners from the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Federal Aagency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad and International Humanitarian Cooperation.

Practice

Students in Foreign Studies undergo a pre-degree internship during which they are attached to a number of organizations, including the Russian State Library, State Public Historical Library of Russia, State Archive of the Russian Federation, etc., to do their research.

Career

Among the jobs in which graduates in Foreign Studies are employed are a diplomat, expert in regional studies, analyst, regional studies journalist, regional studies lawyer, regional studies economist, regional studies manager.
Regional studies graduates work in the system of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Federal Agency for the Commonwealth of Independent States, Compatriots Living Abroad, and for International Humanitarian Cooperation; Russia Today television network; ITAR TASS; diplomatic institutions of a number of foreign states; international organizations; commercial organizations; expert and analytical centres; universities in Russia and other countries.