Extending its longstanding reputation as a center for Russian literary and cultural studies, The University of Tulsa has entered into a partnership with Learn Russian in the European Union (LREU) to serve as the organization’s School of Record. Through this partnership, UTulsa will provide academic oversight and issue transcripts for eligible coursework completed through LREU’s Russian-language and Eastern European studies programs in Daugavpils, Latvia.
LREU specializes in Russian-language study abroad programs for students from American and European universities, government institutions and other organizations. Located in southeastern Latvia, Daugavpils provides an immersive setting for language learning. The city is Latvia’s second largest and had a population of approximately 80,000 in 2021. Russian is widely used in everyday life, offering students an opportunity to develop practical language skills while studying within the European Union.
For more than two decades, LREU has provided structured Russian-language immersion programs for international students. Its academic offerings include semester and summer programs, as well as customized faculty-led experiences. Programs emphasize intensive language instruction, academic rigor, cultural engagement and the study of Eastern Europe. The organization reports that it has worked with more than 2,600 students, approximately 85% of whom have been Americans, and has partnered with more than 100 institutions in the U.S. and Europe. LREU has also hosted participants in federally supported language initiatives, including the U.S. Department of State’s Critical Language Scholarship Program Daugavpils, Latvia – Critical Language Scholarship Program.
As the School of Record, UTulsa will serve as the accredited academic institution responsible for reviewing approved coursework, maintaining academic records and issuing official University of Tulsa transcripts. This process helps students transfer credit earned through a specialized international education provider to their home colleges and universities. On campus, Kendall College of Arts & Sciences will work closely with the Office of the Registrar and the Center for Global Engagement to support this partnership and manage the related academic processes.
“This partnership will help us expand access to high-quality study abroad opportunities and critical language learning. We are excited to offer this new opportunity to our students,” said Vice Provost Vivian Wang.
The partnership will complement UTulsa’s Russian-language curriculum and broader international initiatives. It will create additional study abroad pathways for UTulsa students, strengthen connections between language study and regional studies and support fellowship advising for students pursuing opportunities related to critical languages studies.
“The University of Tulsa is known worldwide for strong programming in Russian language, politics and culture, serving as the U.S. home for as the award-winning Russian writer Yevgeny Yevtushenko until his retirement and still supporting a thriving Russian Club,” said Blaine Greteman, who serves as dean of Arts & Sciences and the Honors College. “This partnership is an exciting new chapter in that story.”
Through this collaboration, UTulsa and LREU will support students seeking advanced language proficiency, deeper regional knowledge and preparation for careers in public service, international affairs, business and other globally engaged fields.
For more information, please contact the Center for Global Engagement globalengagement@utulsa.edu or Kendall College of Arts & Sciences at artsandsciences@utulsa.edu.