Russia is the largest country by land mass in the world. Although Russia's global role was greatly diminished since the breakfup of the Soviet Union, the nation still remains influential. Cultural Embrace offers a way to maximize the benefits of a stay in Russia with professional work experience. This internship program consists of a combination of Russian courses and an internship with a company located in St. Petersburg.

The program is aimed for individuals or groups with the appropriate skills to work for a company based in Russia. We offer a wide variety of internship placements, including but not limited to:  marketing, finance, business management, medicine/health, and social services. 

Internships range from one to six months. A good elementary level of the Russian language is required, thus, we have included a mandatory four-weeks Russian language course at the beginning of your internship placement.  During this period, you may choose to study in Moscow or St. Petersburg, however, internship placements are in St. Petersburg only. Placement will beging directly after your language program is completed. Most internships are unpaid, however many companies reward some sort of bonus or stipend for quality work recognition!

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• Guaranteed Internship in your Field of Interest
  Cultural Embrace guarantees an internship offer that matches your requested preferences. At your work site, you will have an Immediate Supervisor offering training and guidance. Due to visa regulations, all positions are unpaid, however, some companies may offer a bonus, living allowance, or other type of perks for your efforts. 
• 4 Weeks Russian Language Lessons
  Cultural Embrace pre-arranges and includes 4-weeks of group Standard language lessons (20 hours per week) prior to your internship. Extended lessons, upgraded intensity levels and private tutoring may be organized for additional fees. Please see below for more detailed information about our language lessons options.
• Housing
  Cultural Embrace includes two options for housing. Opt between 1) private room with half board with a host family; or 2) private room in a shared flat with no board.
• Airport pick-up and transfer 
  Cultural Embrace includes airport or train station pickup from St. Petersburg Pulkovo (LED) airport on Sundays only. Independent transfers can be arranged for €45.
• Basic International Traveler’s Insurance plus Medical
  Our policy provides basic medical coverage along with other travel related coverage, perks and discounts. Cultural Embrace highly recommends additional comprehensivetravel insurance, which may be upgraded through CE for an extra cost.
• Visa assistance
  Cultural Embrace will assist you in maintaining the appropriate visa for working in Russia. In-country visa registration fees are included in the price. The cost of the visa registration fee required upon your arrival in to Russia is included. However, the visa required from your local consulate/embassy is not included in the program fee.
• Cultural Embrace “Culture Kit”
  Before your departure, we send you a packet filled with useful tips, advice, and information to prepare you for the amazing adventure of living and working abroad.
• Full-time Representation
  Cultural Embrace provides English-speaking representation in the United States and Russia prior to, during, and after your placement. 

• At least 18 years of age
• Have experience or education in field of internship
• Have good elementary Russian language skills before you start your internship (lessons available)
• Open to foreign cultures and living abroad
• High level of responsibility
• Dedication to the full term of commitment  

1. Obtain the Intern Abroad Application Forms & Procedures documents in one of three ways:

(a) Download the forms:  Intern Application (pdf).    Intern in Russia Program Details and FAQ (pdf).  

(b) Fill out an online application request form and the forms will be e-mailed to you within 2-3 days.

(c) Call Cultural Embrace at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free) to have the forms mailed to you in 7-10 days. 

2. Read the instructions carefully and complete all forms.

3. Submit your completed application packet to:

             CULTURAL EMBRACE
             7201 Bill Hughes Road
             Austin, TX 78745 USA

Completed packet should include:

• Intern Program Application
• Signed Internship Agreement
• Copy of your passport (information page only)
• University/College transcript (official please)
• Copies of diploma or certificates related to field of interest (if applicable)
• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter explaining why you want to work in Russia
• Two References: preferably professional and/or character references
• Doctor’s Certificate verifying that you are in excellent mental and physical health
• Copy of Police Clearance (obtainable from your community's local police station) 
• Four 1½" x 2" official passport-size photos, signed on the back
• One smiling full-length photo of yourself
• US$200 non-refundable deposit (credited towards your program fee)

Upon receipt of your application, a Cultural Embrace coordinator will contact you for a 20-30 minute phone interview. Once we accept you in to our program, you will receive an invoice for the remainder of your program fee. In order for us to contact our local partners to start your placement process, we require at least 50% of your program fee. 
We recommend submitting your application and program fee at least 16-20 weeks prior to your desired start date in order for us to organize and arrange your internship. 

*Cultural Embrace requires an expedited application fee for those applying 16 weeks or less before the desired date of departure. Applications received 12-16 weeks prior to desired departure date will be charged $150. Applications received fewer than 12 weeks before the desired departure date will be charged $250.

For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@culturalembrace.com or you can call us at 1-512-469-9089 or 1-888-214-8570 (US toll-free).