The SPBU Olympiad of Russian as a foreign language in the USA

Olympiad categories

А1

You can understand and use familiar expressions and basic phrases if the other person talks slowly and is prepared to repeat.

You can communicate in simple Russian on familiar and routine matters.

You can understand Russian speech fairly well. You can describe experiences and events and produce simple connected texts verbally and in writing. However, advanced grammar constructions might be still difficult for you.

You can speak and understand Russian well. You can understand the main ideas of complex unadapted texts on abstract topics. However, you might still make errors when producing your own speech.

Dear friends!

Welcome to the website for the first SPbU Olympiad in Russian as a Foreign Language in the United States of America! This year, students of universities and colleges in the USA studying Russian as a foreign language will take part in the Olympiad.

The Olympiad is held by the St. Petersburg State University with the support of educational institutions in the United States. The St. Petersburg State University is the oldest university in Russia, and is chosen every year by thousands of foreign students to receive a quality education and improve their level of proficiency in Russian. Over the last few years, the university has been implementing various educational projects, including language Olympiads.

The Russian language is unique and multifaceted! We believe that despite the ocean separating our continents, interest in learning Russian in the United States will only grow. And, to test your strength and increase your motivation to learn Russian, we offer you to take part in the Olympiad by completing a number of tests, as well as take part in a conversation with a native speaker.

We wish you success!

With respect,
The Organizing Committee of the SPbU Olympiad in Russian as a Foreign Language in the USA

Stages of the Olympiad

1st stage

Grammar (15 tasks for each level);
Vocabulary (15 tasks for each level);
Reading (texts with 10 multiple choice tasks).

Participation in the 2nd stage is possible upon successful completion of the 1st stage.

2nd stage

Conversation with a teacher from St. Petersburg State University

Announcement of the results, issuance of diplomas to the participants of the Olympiad, awarding the winners with prizes and vouchers for free examinations of the TORFL

There are more than 13 US universities among our partners!

Bucknell University

Dickinson College

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Northeastern University

Stetson University

Tufts University

The University of Arizona

St Anselm College

St Olaf College

University of Michigan

University of New Hampshire

University of Pittsburgh

Yale University

What is TORFL?

Test of Russian as foreign language (TORFL) is an international exam which gives the most objective picture of proficiency in Russian.

More than 100,000 foreigners have already passed this exam at St. Petersburg State University.

Learn more about TORFL