international continuing education studies

About Russian language learning at Narva College

The University of Tartu Narva College is a distinctive place for Russian language learning in Estonia. Our teaching combines the academic quality of the University of Tartu, long experience in teaching Russian as a foreign language, and the everyday Russian-speaking environment of Narva.

Here, language learning is not limited to the classroom. Students learn with experienced native Russian-speaking teachers and study in a multilingual EU border city where Russian is widely used in everyday communication.

Our experience in teaching Russian as a foreign language

  • 10+ years of experience in Russian language education
  • 600+ international learners from the US, EU, and non-EU countries
  • Long-term cooperation with universities and public institutions


This experience has helped us develop a teaching approach that combines academic structure, practical communication and cultural understanding. Our strength lies in connecting university-level language teaching with real-life language use in Narva.

Part of the University of Tartu

The University of Tartu is one of the leading universities in Northern Europe and consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. Founded in 1632, it is Estonia’s national university and a recognised centre of academic excellence.

Narva College is part of the University of Tartu and is widely known for:

  • preparing teachers for multilingual and multicultural learning environments,
  • strong expertise in language education,
  • combining academic teaching with regional and societal engagement.

Meet our Russian language teachers

Our Russian language teachers are native speakers of Russian with strong academic and teaching backgrounds. Several members of the team have taught at the University of Tartu Narva College for more than 10 years.

Their teaching combines clear structure, supportive classroom atmosphere and a strong focus on practical language use. Students learn Russian not only as a system of grammar and vocabulary, but also as a living language connected to culture, communication and everyday life.

Learning Russian is a bridge to Russian culture that broadens your cultural horizons and makes your world more interesting and richer.

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Jelena Nõmm, PhD (Russian Literature)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: over 25 years

For me, the most important thing is not just teaching Russian, but helping people truly feel the language and its culture through words.

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Foto on dekoratiivne
Elena Deryabina, PhD (Russian Literature)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: 11 years

As a teacher, I strive to support and develop my students' interest in the Russian language and culture, strengthen their confidence in their language abilities, and encourage them not to be afraid of making mistakes. The use of modern teaching methods and tools, a systematic approach, accessible explanations, and a creative and friendly atmosphere in the classroom make the process of learning Russian simple and enjoyable.

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Liudmila Nikolaeva, MA (Primary School Teacher in Multilingual School)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: over 10 years

For me, teaching Russian is not only about language rules. It is about creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere where students feel safe to be open, ask questions, receive answers, and believe in themselves. I believe in every student and respect our differences, because although we are all different, we share one common goal — to learn and grow together.

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Tatjana Miroshkina, MA (Teacher of Humanities in Multilingual School)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: 8 years

When teaching a language, enthusiasm and love for the subject, support and faith in your students are essential.

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Foto on dekoratiivne
Liudmila Udalova, MA (Language Teacher in a Multilingual School)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: 5 years

In teaching Russian, what matters most to me is that the language becomes not an academic subject, but a means of natural communication — something students want to speak, read, argue in, joke in, and use to express their own thoughts. I want students to leave each class wanting to “live a little more in Russian.” At the same time, I see a clear structure and logical progression as essential: the language should be understandable, and learning should combine systematic work with creativity, so that students can pass exams, make friends, and read Dostoevsky”.

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Foto on dekoratiivne
Ekaterina Konakova, MA (Teaching Russian as a Foreign Language)
Teaching experience in Russian as a foreign language: 3 years

Contact us

If you would like to learn more about our Russian language courses or discuss a tailored programme, please contact us.

Anastassia Tuuder
Head of International Relations
+372 740 1922
[email protected]