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| Travel | Accommodation | Booking | St. Petersburg |
On travel and arrival
Can you travel to Russia without a visa?
Absolutely not. Be sure to leave ample time for the procedure of obtaining a visa, as these things move at their own pace and not yours. The cost of the visa varies with processing time. The quicker you need it the more you pay. Detailed instructions are here.
Do I need to register my visa after arrival?
Yes, but we will do it for you free of charge, if you bring your passport and visa on the first day to the school. Students staying in a hotel will be automatically registered by the hotel administration.
Are there any goods you are short of in Russia that you recommend to bring?
The choice in the shops is now similar to the one you have at home so just pack your luggage as if you were coming to any other European country.
Is there anything special I should bring along?
- Slippers: Russians always take shoes off at their flats and use slippers instead.
- Small gifts for your host: Some souvenirs from your home country, like chocolate etc. are always appreciated.
- Electrical adapters: Russian sockets require two thin pins (European jacks).
- Drugs and medical items: Medicine, feminine products, condoms, etc. are widely available at local pharmacies and kiosks throughout the city. Your best bet is to bring along enough of these items and some basic medicine (aspirin, Imodium, decongestant) to last for a few days or a week.
- Clothes: in summer the weather is generally pleasant, sometimes hot. However, the temperature may drop to 15°C suddenly, so do not forget to bring a jumper. In winter the temperature can fall below -20°C and in January will rarely raise above 0° C. Bring plenty of warm clothes. The traditional Russian fur hat (shapka) can be bought here. You should bring heavy-duty shoes, boots and gloves.
Will I be picked up at the airport, railway or bus station?
Transportation from the airport or railway/bus station is included in the cost of our courses. You will be met by our greeting team upon your arrival - a driver and a staff member, who speaks English and who will hold a 'Liden & Denz' sign in his hands). You will receive a welcome package with important and useful information about your stay upon arrival.
How much money should I take with me?
For lunch in the cafeteria you will need the Russian equivalent of EUR 2-3. School-organised excursions cost between EUR 6 and 25. Your personal expenses will range from EUR 50 (going out once a week, no shopping, no souvenirs) to EUR 300 per week. If you take cash USD with you, make sure that bills are new or at least in very good condition.
On accommodation
How are home-stay living conditions?
All our hosts are educated people, most of them have higher education. We operate a system of strict selection criteria and inspect our families twice per year. While apartments are cosy and clean, common areas (staircase, lift, yard) of most of the buildings are in a dire state.
Can I get accommodation in the historical city centre?
If you book early, especially for summer courses, we will try to take your wishes into account as much as possible. Living in the centre is certainly convenient. On the other side, many central buildings are in urgent need of renovation. Staircases and yards look worse in the centre than in the much greener residential areas, where the quality of air is generally better.
What do I get to eat?
You eat breakfast and dinner with your host family (at weekends also lunch). Russian cuisine contains little that you are already not familiar with. Ask what time the family eats and try not be late. Tell your host what you like and what you don't like. Let your host know if you are planning to eat out.
Can I drink tap water in St. Petersburg?
The tap water in St. Petersburg is unfortunately not drinkable. Please drink only boiled and bottled water bought from a store. You may brush your teeth with tap water.
Who washes my clothes?
Your host family may be willing to do your washing and ironing, provided that they have a washing machine. We recommend that our hosts charge 250 roubles per wash including ironing for this additional service. Alternatively, you can take your laundry to one of the many launderettes/dry cleaning services in the city. Our secretariat will be happy to provide more information.
Can I make phone calls from home?
Local calls are free and therefore unproblematic. For your international calls please use IP calling cards, which are on sale at the school. With this card you can make your calls at the school reception or from your host family.
Can I bring friends to my host family?
You must always ask permission from your host family. It is their right to suggest that you meet with your friends somewhere out in the city.
Can I change my host family?
You should accept your host for the whole time of your stay. If - for whatever reason - you want to change, talk please with our accommodation manager. She will try to find an alternative solution. This might be difficult in high-season.
On booking and classes
Is there a booking deadline?
For short-term courses there is no formal deadline. If your course lasts longer than 4 weeks, the visa invitation procedure will take longer and we should receive your booking at least 6 weeks in advance.
What time do the lessons start?
Classes either last from 9AM till 1 PM or from 10 AM till 2 PM. Some individual courses and options within the extended group course will take place partly in the afternoon.
Can I have lessons in the morning or afternoon?
If you book a one-to-one course, you can have your lessons in the afternoon. All group courses take place in the morning.
How do I get to school on the first day?
On your first day you will be brought to the school by someone from your host family.
Can I change groups?
Yes; if you feel that you are in the wrong group, please talk to your teacher who will (after consultations with the director of studies) recommend you to continue your studies in a group of a different level. If we find no suitable group for you, we will offer you an individual course with 15 weekly lessons (instead 20 weekly lessons in the group course).
Can I take additional individual lessons?
Yes, please talk to the director of studies. The rate for one individual lesson is EUR 25.
Do I get a student card?
Yes, you will get a student card from the school free of charge. Additionally you can buy an ISIC card (International Student Identity Card). For both cards, we need a photograph from you. Unfortunately, we cannot issue ISIC cards to students over the age of 35.
Can I use my notebook in the school?
Students can connect their notebooks to the internet via LAN using standard RJ-45 connectors. Sockets are located in every classroom and in the library.
Living in St. Petersburg
I fall sick. What shall I do?
We recommend the privately owned and run International Clinic, which is located near the school (Dostoevsky ul. 19/21, Tel. 320 38 70). This is a 24-hour outpatients' clinic with English-speaking personnel on hand for emergencies and modern equipment. Some of the doctors also speak German. The clinic accepts most travel insurance policies, but may occasionally wish to check with your individual insurer. Students with an ISIC card receive a 25% reduction on all services.
Is my GSM phone working in St. Petersburg?
Yes and the connection quality is very good. Beware that international calls with your mobile phone will be charged according you Russian rates - and these are very high! A cheap alternative are IP telephony cards, which are sold at the school.
How do I get Roubles?
There are plenty of currency exchange offices in St. Petersburg, where you can change your foreign currency into roubles. There are a couple of banks within walking distance from school where money can be changed. Please note that you need to show your passport and visa (or passport and visa photocopy) when changing money.
Traveller's cheques or EC?
We highly recommend you to bring ec or credit cards rather than traveller's cheques. There are plenty of bancomats (ATM) in the city and you can pay by credit card in many restaurants, bars, supermarkets and shops. Traveller's cheques can be changed only in a limited number of places.
Why raise bridges every night?
To open passage for cargo boats on their way to Moscow or the Volga region. From the beginning of May until mid-November, all bridges over the Neva are raised from about 1.30 AM and 5 AM, which means the city is literally divided in two. If you find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, all you can do is wait and watch until the last has passed.
Should I be afraid of the Russian Mafia?
The answer is a clear "no". The organised criminal structures (which are in fact present) are not interested in foreign visitors. As long as you do not get involved in illegal activities, you will be just as safe as in any other European metropolis.
Can I walk alone after midnight?
We don't recommend it.
Does Vodka in the evening means headache the day after?
No, as long as you don't mix it with other alcoholic drinks. Never ever drink beer after vodka.
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